Latest news with #wildlifehabitat
CBC
29-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Forests Canada says its on track to plant its 50 millionth tree this year
Social Sharing The organization Forests Canada says it's on track to reach its goal of planting 50 million trees by the end of this year. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty made that pledge in 2007, saying that figure would be reached by 2025. Forests Canada CEO Jess Kaknevicius says its efforts are in addition to trees planted after logging operations, which are legally required under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. "So the 50-million tree program is outside of any legally obligated area," she said. Forests Canada's goals are to plant more trees in what it calls "settled landscapes," which include shelter belts around farmland. "People want to contribute to wildlife habitat, people want to contribute to [fighting] climate change, and they want to leave a legacy for the next generation," Kaknevicius said. She said Forests Canada relies on funding from different levels of government, along with donations to fund its tree-planting efforts. Kaknevicius said she estimates that trees planted by logging companies under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act are also in the millions each year. A tree planter's perspective Autumn Ducharme is a first-time tree planter who helps with those efforts at a rate of pay of around 13 cents per tree. Ducharme said she has worked at small organic farms, so the transition to tree planting in the northern Ontario bush near Sault Ste. Marie was a natural one. "I was working for small family-run businesses and they only have so much wiggle room in their profit margin," she said. "So yeah, I was interested in a job that had the potential of paying a little bit better." Ducharme said that while some days can be quite cold, especially if it's raining, she loves spending her time working outside. "I would not in a million years take a nine-to-five office job," she said. "Like no way." She said she appreciates the trees she plants also make a difference to the surrounding landscape. "When they're not cut for wood, they're still cleaning our air," Ducharme said.
BBC News
17-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Bridgwater set to get new wildlife zones
A series of "grass mazes" are set to be created in a town in a bid to create habitat for insects and other in Somerset is set to get four new grass mazes, as well as new wildflowers-rich grass areas.A total of six areas will be introduced across the town, Bridgwater Town Council said, describing it as "a step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to grounds maintenance".Councillor Kathy Pearce said the initiative was "significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Bridgwater". One grass maze will be created in Coronation Park close to the dog walking area, a second will be added to Victoria by the skate ramps and third in Eastover Park next to the skate half-pipe.A grass maze will also be added to the open space by Ash Close, but would not interfere with the football pitches or walking routes, the council "wilding zones" to allow long grasses and wildflowers to grow will be added to Browne's Pond at the water's edge, with similar zones added to the perimeter of Brewery council is also implementing a "no strim" policy around the bases of trees located on highway verges where it doesn't pose a safety or visibility risk to pedestrians or traffic. The aim is to protect tree bark and root systems, thereby promoting healthier and more robust tree Pearce said: "We are excited to launch these wilding initiatives, which will not only beautify our green spaces but also create vital habitats for pollinators and other wildlife."This is a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Bridgwater."
