Growing a greener future at Forests Ontario's annual Community Planting Weekend

Planting thousands of trees to help re-green the province

TORONTO, May 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, volunteers and planting partners in four communities across Ontario participated in Forests Ontario's annual Community Planting Weekend. In the spirit of helping to re-green our province, more than 460 attendees planted a total of 2,800 new, native trees in Niagara, Windsor, Kitchener/Waterloo and York Region.

Now in its eighth year, the annual Community Planting Weekend was hosted by Forests Ontario and supported by CAA South Central Ontario, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Thompson Emergency Freight Services, Ecobee, and Ontario Wood.

"The tree planting events were not only a fun way to spend the day with family and friends, but were also a great way to create a local legacy and a greener tomorrow which will benefit current and future generations. CAA South Central Ontario is proud to have sponsored the events and is committed to giving back to the communities in which our members live and work," said Cindy Hillaby, VP Membership & Automotive Services, CAA SCO.

"Tree planting activities like today increase forest cover across Ontario that benefit our ecosystem and human health," said Rob Keen, RPF, CEO of Forests Ontario. "Trees enhance the vitality of our communities by cleaning our air, improving local water supplies, establishing wildlife habitat and providing a buffer against the effects of climate change. It's wonderful to see families and youth getting their hands dirty to grow a greener future for everyone."

A special thank you also goes out to our planting event partners: CAA South Central Ontario, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Ontario Wood, Thompson Emergency Freight Services, Ecobee, Enbridge Gas Distribution, Grand River Conservation Authority, City of Windsor, Essex Region Conservation Authority, Niagara Parks Commission and Regional Municipality of York.

About Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario is the voice for our forests. Working to promote a future of healthy forests sustaining healthy people, Forests Ontario is committed to the re-greening of Ontario through tree planting efforts on rural lands and in urban areas, as well as the renewal and stewardship of Ontario's forests through restoration, education and awareness. Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us @Forests Ontario.

About CAA South Central Ontario
As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of more than 2 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

SOURCE Forests Ontario

Image with caption: "Across the province, Forests Ontario and its planting partners planted 2,800 trees at the 8th annual Community Planting Weekend. (CNW Group/Forests Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160507_C6025_PHOTO_EN_684985.jpg

Image with caption: "At the annual Community Planting Weekend over 460 volunteers helped Forests Ontario and its planting partner plant trees across the province. (CNW Group/Forests Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160507_C6025_PHOTO_EN_684987.jpg

For more information, photos or to arrange an interview please contact: Jeannette Holder, Communications Manager, Forests Ontario, e: [email protected], p: 416-646-1193 ext. 257, c: 416-522-8140