National tree day in the Forest City

Today is National Tree Day and Londoners can pick up free trees or seedlings from multiple locations across the city. The City of London is working in conjunction with the Million Tree Challenge to help keep London’s brand as the “Forest City”.

The Million Tree Challenge’s goal is to plant one million trees over the next ten years, but the project requires Londoners to register their tree online (www.milliontrees.ca) in order for them to count toward the goal.

Manager for urban forestry for the city, Ivan Forester, is urging people to plant trees to help maintain the urban forests–The city is asking for help with pl

anting trees to replace the ones being lost to emerald ash borer, development, and old age. If trees are planted today, the urban forester says it ensures tall, strong trees will still be around in 50-100 years from now.

Lister stresses that the importance of the day is to encourage the public to plant and look after trees. He says that if you are unable to plant a tree yourself, taking care of a neglected tree is another way to help. The city is encouraging Londoners to appreciate, and take care of the forests the city has.