Royalwood takes the One Million Tree Challenge
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This article was published 05/05/2021 (758 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Royalwood is a wonderfully green place and it’s about to get a lot greener.
Glen Cottick, a resident of the area for nearly 20 years, is organizing a community tree planting on Saturday, June 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Fountainview Park, 70 Shorehill Dr.
“I keep thinking about the future,” Cottick said. “Between Dutch elm disease, the emerald ash borer and black knot fungus, our tree canopy is under extreme pressure. What will be left for generations to come and how can we get in front of this issue?”
Cottick reached out to the City of Winnipeg’s naturalist services brand to “plant the seeds” for the event.
“People don’t know there is an entire team that can help neighbourhoods that want to mobilize and plant trees as part of the One Million Tree Challenge,” Cottick noted.
“We are working with Naturalist Services to purchase trees at a discount and raising funds so that the city will continue to water and care for the trees over the next two years.”
Native trees and shrubs will be planted at the far west end of Fountainview Park, complementing work already done by Save Our Seine to restore the natural habitat.
City of Winnipeg councillors Brian Mayes and Markus Chambers have each contributed $2,500 to the event.
“I believe it is so important to renew and enrich our green spaces,” Mayes said. “I am proud to support a grassroots initiative that will benefit our community for years to come.”
Volunteers are needed to help with planting the trees in physically distanced teams over one-hour shifts. Cottick is calling for planting captains, who will receive training to guide groups on how to safely plant 200-plus trees in the area.
“This initiative is not limited to Royalwood residents,” Cottick explained. “We realize that with the pandemic, many people have discovered our area and enjoy its green spaces, such as the Bois-des-Esprits. We are hoping this will encourage other communities to undertake similar events.”
People of all ages and families are welcome but must pre-register in compliance with public health orders. Volunteers are asked to bring their own shovels and will be required to complete a COVID-19 self-assessment the day of the event.
Planting is scheduled to proceed rain or shine. Participants will need to dress according to weather conditions and provide their own insect repellent and sunscreen.
For the latest information and to sign up, visit facebook.com/RoyalwoodTrees.
Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.
Tanya Misseghers
Royalwood community correspondent
Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.