The fall season showcases Grey and Bruce County’s amazing forests like no other time of year, making this area such a special and unique place to live. With many people looking up and admiring the changing leaves, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority’s (GSCA) Forestry staff are reminding everyone that now is a great time to think about spring tree planting.

Residents of Grey and Bruce within GSCA’s watershed are being encouraged to call or email the office to book a free site visit today and take advantage of substantial cost savings for spring tree planting. Native species of trees are planted and sold at a reduced rate through programs administered by GSCA, such as the 50 Million Tree Program and One Tree Planted for landowners with at least 1 acre of open land. “We have been able to secure grants and funds to drastically reduce the overall cost to landowners. Depending on the project, landowners may only need to pay 10% of the total project cost. Our staff will work with landowners to develop a customized tree planting plan for their property” says Forestry Coordinator for GSCA, Mike Fry.

GSCA has set a goal of planting 90,000 trees in 2021 and are over halfway there with 50,000 trees scheduled to be planted next spring, but they need your help. GSCA has planted over 2.5 million trees locally in the past 15 years. This would not have been possible without the support of landowners who want to access the countless benefits that planting trees can provide, such as making use of marginal or less productive land; reducing heating and cooling costs; and leaving a legacy for future generations.

When you plant trees, it also helps increase resilience to the impacts of flooding, drought and severe weather events and improves soil retention. “Planting trees is a positive activity that benefits everyone in society. There are numerous benefits from improved air and water quality to creating valuable habitat for many different wildlife species” says Fry. Tree planting along streams or to fill in forest clearings is especially beneficial.

For those who want fewer trees to plant themselves, GSCA also sells seedlings and larger stock through order forms that will be available in January 2021, which makes it easy to purchase high-quality trees in bulk. There will be a variety of species available with prices starting at only $0.75 per tree.

If you’re looking to make a positive impact on your property and beyond, consider planting trees and make an investment that keeps on growing.

source: media release, Grey Sauble Conservation