The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) forestry team successfully planted 255,000 trees this spring, bringing the conservation authority’s overall tree planting total to an impressive 6.6 million.
Trees were planted in partnership with private and public landowners on marginal, empty or idle fields across the watershed. Native seedlings including birch, bur oak, cedar, red maple, white pine and white spruce took root over several weeks this spring.
“Thank you to our watershed landowners for working with us through this unique planting season,” said Scott Muldoon, RVCA Forestry Program Manager. “With another successful tree planting season complete, we are now looking ahead to next year.”
Staff are looking for landowners wishing to reforest their retired farm fields or otherwise empty and idle lands. The RVCA’s program is a low-cost, full-service program that includes free site visits, custom planting plans, site preparation, tree planting, follow-up assessments and maintenance to give the seedlings the best chance of survival. All of this is available for only $0.15 per tree, or $120 an acre.
“This program offers landowners easy and affordable tree planting services while helping us meet our larger watershed management goals,” said Muldoon.
The forestry team is booking site visits this summer to plan for the 2021 spring planting season. The planting area must be at least one acre in size, suitable for tree planting and the landowner must be willing to plant 1,000 trees or more.
Typical costs are $0.15/tree ($120/acre). The RVCA and its planting partners cover all other costs.
Planting partners including the City of Ottawa’s Green Acres program, Forests Ontario, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Funeral Homes, One Tree Planted, Stingray LiVE 88.5 and the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation contribute to the forestry program to keep costs low for landowners.
RVCA’s reforestation program is a great way for landowners to improve their property. Tree planting is also one of the most practical ways to take care of our watershed and the wider environment. Over time, the trees reduce erosion, establish a forest canopy, lessen the risk of flooding, store carbon dioxide, and provide a wildlife habitat
If you want to plant trees, call Scott Muldoon at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1175 or email scott.muldoon@rvca.ca to learn more.
