The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is already looking ahead to next spring’s tree planting season by booking free site consultations with local property owners wanting to add 500 or more trees to their land. The RRCA offers a full-service planting program to help improve the tree cover in its watershed jurisdiction in Cornwall and surrounding area of SDG.
“During a site consultation, we assess the land’s topography, soil conditions, competing vegetation, drainage, and other notable features,” says RRCA Stewardship Coordinator, Jessica Herrington. “We can then provide property owners with a recommended planting plan tailored to their particular land.”
Once a plan is in place, the RRCA then provides guidance on site preparation, sources and plants seedlings, and conducts follow-up assessments. Through a partnership with Forests Ontario, ALUS Ontario East, and other partners, the RRCA can offer significant subsidies to property owners.
“Whether the goal is to plant a windbreak or buffer, create a forest, or attract wildlife, the RRCA’s full-service tree planting program is there to facilitate the tree planting process for property owners,” adds Herrington. “We are still accepting requests for free site consultations and so we encourage property owners to contact the RRCA to take advantage of this chance to enhance their properties, and, by extension, contribute to the overall health of our local watersheds.”
For smaller projects, the RRCA offers tree seedling sales to the community at low cost. To be notified in advance when the 2024 tree seedling order form becomes available this fall, residents are encouraged to follow the RRCA on social media and sign up for its monthly newsletter at rrca.on.ca. Select smaller projects may qualify for a site visit as well.
Earlier this spring the RRCA held its 24th annual Tree Giveaway, distributing close to 5000 free trees at events in all five municipalities in its jurisdiction. Through its various forestry programs, the RRCA is planting 61,000 trees this year, adding to the over 1.1 million trees it has planted locally since 1994.
For more information, and to book a free site consultation, visit rrca.on.ca/Trees or contact (613) 938- 3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.
