This fall, residents in the Raisin Region Conservation Authority’s (RRCA) watershed jurisdiction will be able to plant a range of potted native tree and shrub species on their properties – including heritage fruit trees – thanks to a new over-the-counter potted tree program by the Conservation Authority.
“This fall initiative complements our spring seedling program,” says RRCA Stewardship Coordinator, Jessica Herrington. “The trees in the fall program are more mature, and there are no minimum quantities required per species.”
Some of the native trees and shrubs in the new program feature favourites such as tamarack, sugar maple, and serviceberry, with new fruit tree additions including McIntosh 1st generation, Ritson pear, and pawpaw.
“Trees provide us with cleaner air and water, mitigate flooding and erosion, offer shelter and habitat to animals, and can even lower our stress levels,” adds Herrington. “Our forestry programs make it easy for public and private property owners to add native trees on their land, which leads to a stronger tree cover for our region.”
The Conservation Authority also hosts annual tree giveaways, partners with municipalities and businesses for community planting events, and offers full-service planting with significant subsidies for landowners. This year, the RRCA is set to add 61,000 trees to the local landscape, adding to the 1.1 million trees it has planted since 1994.
Those residing within the RRCA’s jurisdiction in Cornwall and surrounding area of SDG can now access the application form for the fall potted tree program at rrca.on.ca/Trees. For more information visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.
