ERCA Celebrating Canada Flag With Sugar Maple Trees

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Maple trees are the work horses of ERCA’s tree planting efforts, offering quick growth and shelter to other species

This year is the 50th anniversary of Canada’s national flag, and the Essex Region Conservation Authority wants you to celebrate by planting a maple tree to be enjoyed by generations to come.

The Canadian flag, which became the official national symbol in 1964, bears a stylized version of a maple leaf which most closely resembles the leaves of the sugar maple, Acer saccharum. Canadians watched proudly as the flag first flew on Parliament Hill on February 15th, 1965.

This year, local citizens can contribute to that moment of nation-forming and improve our local environment by taking part in one of the many tree planting events and workshops that the Essex Region Conservation Authority hosts.

According to forester Paul Giroux, maple is a versatile addition to the authority’s work towards restoring the local environment.

“Maples are native to our region and play a huge role in our yearly restoration plans. They are the work horses of our tree planting efforts, offering quick growth rates while providing shelter to the slower growing trees,” Giroux said. “They also give local wildlife a chance to nibble on maple keys, which are the tree’s fruit.”

Orders are now being accepted, with a deadline of March 6th, 2015. The cost of seedling trees begins at 69 cents, while prices for large stock trees begin at $13. A minimum purchase of 100 seedlings or 15 large stock trees is required.

To help spread the word about ERCA’s tree planting and grant opportunities, ERCA will also host a free workshop on February 24th at 6:30 pm at the Essex County Civic Centre.

The workshop will identify the many grants available to landowners who wish to undertake restoration projects on their property. Although the workshop is free, landowners are asked to pre-register at www.treeplantingworkshop.eventbrite.ca or by calling Vivian at 519-776-5209 ext 345.