GREENING OUR REGION

Why Plant Trees?

Conserving the Place for Life protects the natural areas that remain in our region, while creating and connecting new habitats. Natural ecological areas within the Essex Region provide numerous benefit that have economic value. These include clean water supply, natural filtration of contaminants, water flow stabilization, greenhouse gas mitigation, erosion control, nutrient cycling, habitat, recreation and health benefits.  This natural capital also helps to combat the impacts of climate change and related flooding incidents. In addition to the important economic rationale, there is an unquestionable connection between human and environmental health.

Presently, only 8.5% of the region’s land base is in a natural state. Our community has adopted the United Nations’ standard that requires 12% green space to be healthy and sustainable. In total, approximately 20,000 acres of habitat must be restored to achieve this goal.

An ancient Chinese proverb reminds us that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. While we’ve been planting trees for more than four decades, we need your help to continue to mitigate our ecological footprint and enhance sustainability in the Place For Life.

Greening our Region Funding Priorities:

• Create two new forests near Holiday Beach Conservation and Cedar Creek Conservation Areas.