Forests Canada Helps Restore Forests Across the Country with nearly 3.7 Million Trees Planted
- National charity Forests Canada is dedicated to conserving, restoring, and growing Canada's forests.
- The organization's systems-based approach to restoration, specialized expertise in forest recovery efforts, and trusted partnerships help strengthen the long-term health and resilience of Canada's forest landscapes.
TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- In its continued efforts to bolster the country's forests as they face the ongoing threats of increasing wildfires, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events, national charity Forests Canada is ending its year having supported the planting of nearly 3.7 million trees.
"At a time when our forests seem to need us most, we have delivered an incredibly successful planting season – but we know our work has only just begun." Jess Kaknevicius, Chief Executive Officer, Forests Canada, says.
Since beginning its tree planting program in 2004, Forests Canada has completed more than 10,852 restoration projects with thousands of landowners from coast to coast to coast and has now supported the planting of over 54 million trees.
"While the numbers are impressive, we are proudest of the forest recovery system we have built and continually improve year over year – it's a unique system that considers every stage from seed collection and seedling production to planting, stewardship, and long-term forest resilience," Kaknevicius says. "With the help of our partners, we are growing hope, building ecosystems, and advocating for healthy forests that benefit Canada's people, economy, and wildlife."
According to research conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Forests Canada, an overwhelming 87 per cent of Canadians believe that forests are a vital part of our national identity.
"We believe such an overwhelming majority of Canadians care for our forests because they hold different meanings for different people," Val Deziel, Director of Restoration Ecology and Research, Forests Canada, says. "Some people care about better air, water, or soil quality; other people care about the economic outlook of their community or the productivity of their farmland. Some people want shade in near-urban areas or a place for their families to explore; other people care about creating habitat for wildlife. In the end, we all have our own reason to care about Canada's forests."
To accomplish its restoration goals, Forests Canada has established a trusted national network including local planting partners, seed collectors, nurseries, regional field advisors, and forestry specialists, as well as conservation and community partners. It also requires committed, long-term funding and supporters who understand the environmental and economic impact of Canada's forests.
"Planting nearly 3.7 million trees this planting season and 54 million trees over two decades requires the long-term investment and support of countless individuals and organizations, including donors, corporate partners, First Nations communities, and all levels of government, from the smallest municipality right on up to the federal government," Elizabeth Jarrett, Chief Operating Officer, Forests Canada, says. "Thank you to everyone who made this possible and thank you to everyone who continues to stand up for Canada's forests."
To learn more about Forests Canada's work conserving, restoring, and growing Canada's forests, view the latest Annual Report at www.ForestsCanada.ca/en/resource/annual-reports. Landowners interested in Forests Canada's Tree Planting Program can visit www.ForestsCanada.ca/PlantTrees.
About Forests Canada
Forests Canada is a national charity working to conserve, restore, and grow Canada's forests to sustain life and communities. With interactive education programs inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, and high-quality forest recovery efforts supporting local jobs and economies, we have proudly built the infrastructure and network needed to help ensure the greatest possible outcomes for Canada's forests from coast to coast to coast.
Learn how you can get involved today. Visit www.ForestsCanada.ca or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn to find out more.
SOURCE Forests Canada
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Matthew Brown, Communications Manager, Forests Canada, Cell: 519-471-4751, E-mail: [email protected]
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