Tree Canada and BMO invite Canadians to take action for healthier, more climate-resilient communities.
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 23, 2026 /CNW/ -- On National Tree Day and throughout National Forest Week, Tree Canada and presenting sponsor BMO are inviting Canadians to help grow healthier, more climate-resilient communities by planting and caring for trees close to home.
From September 21 to 27, Tree Canada and its partners will support greening activities in every province. Canadians can plant or care for trees, join a local community-led activity, organize an event, fundraise or donate to Tree Canada. Every action contributes to stronger neighbourhoods and a greener, stronger Canada.
A December 2025 Ipsos survey commissioned by Tree Canada found that 74 per cent of Canadians said recent heat waves made them think about the importance of trees in keeping cities cooler. Sixty-nine per cent said their community needs more trees, while 65 per cent were worried about the effects of climate change on their community.
"Canadians already understand that trees make a real difference in their communities, especially as heat waves, flooding and other climate impacts become more frequent and intense," said Nicole Hurtubise, Chief Executive Officer, Tree Canada. "National Tree Day makes it easy to turn that understanding into action. Even simple actions, like planting a tree or removing invasive plants from a local greenspace add up over time to create lasting impacts."
Since 2022, BMO and Tree Canada have brought thousands of volunteers together to plant and care for trees through National Tree Day. As presenting sponsor, BMO helps Tree Canada expand opportunities for Canadians to participate and supports lasting impact in communities across the country.
"BMO employees are proud to join Canadians across the country in celebrating National Tree Day by caring for the communities where we work and live," said Sergio Gomes, Regional President, Toronto North/West, BMO and National Tree Day volunteer. "Our continued partnership with Tree Canada reflects BMO's commitment to stronger communities and a sustainable future. Together, we are helping build greener, more resilient neighbourhoods that can be enjoyed for generations to come."
Trees are a practical climate solution. They cool communities during heat waves, help reduce flood risk, improve air quality, increase biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife. National Tree Day connects these local benefits to national impact: when people take part across the country, individual actions grow into a movement that reflects Canadians' connection to nature and the future they want to build.
About National Tree Day
National Tree Day is a day to celebrate trees, take action on climate change and connect with nature. On March 2, 2011, a private members motion to declare the Wednesday of National Forest Week, National Tree Day, received consent from the House of Commons. The motion was presented at the urging of Tree Canada. Since then, the national charity has planted over 28,000 trees with the help of community volunteers across the country. In 2026, National Tree Day officially falls on September 23rd.
To find an activity, organize a celebration, access planning resources, fundraise or donate, visit treecanada.ca/national-tree-day. Join the conversation using #NationalTreeDay and #NTD2026.
About Tree Canada
Since 1992, Tree Canada has worked relentlessly to grow Canada's tree canopy through our greening programs, research, and engagement efforts. We are the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. Our track record of collaborating with all levels of government, the urban forestry sector, business partners, and community groups uniquely positions us to engage Canadians in the fight against climate change. Together we plant millions of trees each year, helping to grow resilient ecosystems and healthier, greener communities across Canada.
BMO Gives. Good grows here.
Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO's Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.
In 2025, we directed more than $124 million to drive progress for communities, which included $115.7 million in philanthropic contributions to hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations across North America.
Our colleagues spent over 65,000+ hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $40.3 million of donations through employee-driven giving in our annual campaigns.
For more information, please visit BMO Gives.
SOURCE Tree Canada
For interviews, photos and more information: Robert Henri, Director, Communications and Brand, Tree Canada, [email protected], 613-567-5545 ext. 230
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