A Tree for Every Hero

Partnership will plant 117,000 trees along Highway 401 in tribute to Canadian soldiers

PORT HOPE, ON, Oct. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Together with our partners, Forests Ontario is supporting the establishment of 117,000 trees along the stretch of Highway 401 running between Trenton and Toronto known as the Highway of Heroes. Each tree will be planted in tribute to a member of the Canadian forces who gave their life in service to our country.

Planting along highways presents a unique set of challenges given the often compacted and harsh conditions encountered. This requires effective competition control, appropriate species selection prior to each planting, and in some very difficult situations, soil remediation may be required. The knowledge and experience of the partners involved in this project will ensure that these practices are incorporated into all plantings, thereby supporting the long term health and survival of the trees we plant.

The careful design and layout of each planting project will contribute to the visual impact experienced and enjoyed by travelers. Detailed site plans that incorporate local topography, views from the highway and line of site, and many other factors will be prepared by landscape architects for implementation by Forests Ontario.

The lands running along our major highways provide an opportunity to enhance our forest cover and in turn the health of our ecosystem. By bringing together research and the expertise of the partners in this project, "A Tree for Every Hero" will serve as an example of successful highway planting and lead the way for similar initiatives across Ontario and all of Canada. Through consultation with landscape architects, we also have a valuable opportunity to use this initiative to display the beauty and diversity of Ontario's forests along one of the province's most travelled portions of road.

This combination of Forests Ontario's track record with new research and knowledge will make tree planting along the Highway of Heroes more than symbolic. Forests Ontario and the many stakeholders in this project will build a lasting legacy for all Ontarians that will not only honour the memory of our fallen soldiers, but foster a healthier future for our province.

"Can there be a more fitting tribute than the planting of a symbolic tree for every service person who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country? In every tree planted the miracle of nature represents new life, a hope for the future as each tree reaches ever more upward towards the sky in a beautiful memorial to those who gave so much for so many," said Lou Rinaldi, M.P.P. for Northumberland-Quinte West

Details on October 12th planting in Port Hope:

• First official planting of the initiative along a highway right of way
• 1800 trees will be planted on the north side of the highway just east of Port Hope between Hamilton Road and Theatre Road
• Seven native hardwood species including sugar, silver and freeman maple, red and black oak, hackberry and bitternut hickory will be planted using stock provided by St. Williams Nursery
• Partners from the Ministry of Transportation, St. Williams Nursery, Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre as well as MPP Lou Rinaldi attended the event.
• Other project partners include, Landscape Ontario (the trade association of tree and plant growers), and Maple Leaves Forever, who are dedicated to increasing the coverage of native maple trees throughout southern Ontario.

SOURCE Forests Ontario

Image with caption: "Today near Port Hope, MPP Lou Rinaldi (right) joined Al Corlett (left), Director of Forest Operations, Forests Ontario and Scott Bryk , Executive Director, Highway of Heroes Living Tribute plant to plant the first 1800 trees for the “A Tree for Every Hero” project. (CNW Group/Forests Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161012_C2593_PHOTO_EN_794603.jpg

Shelley McKay, Director of Communications & Development, Forests Ontario, Ph: 416-646-1193 ext. 232, E: [email protected]; Elaine Palmateer, Executive Assistant to Lou Rinaldi, M.P.P., Northumberland-Quinte West, Ph: 1-800-263-3980, E: [email protected]