Amherstburg busy with Earth Day activities

By Ron Giofu

The environment took centre stage last Saturday as Earth Day was celebrated. Projects in Amherstburg included a “Map & Grow” tree pick up program and the planting of trees at the Libro Centre near the dog park. The former was held in conjunction with the University of Windsor’s School of the Environment and Piroli Group Developments.

Dr. Cameron Proctor said the university helps catalogue where the trees are going, monitors them with GIS and plan to check to see how they are growing.

“We’re looking to plant trees to increase the overall tree cover,” said Proctor.

Proctor stated the idea is to track the progress of the trees, determine if they are planted in the right location and ensure they are healthy. The GPS co-ordinates will be mapped and their growth documented. He said they will ask permission to enter onto the homeowners’ property in the summer to see how the trees are doing.

This was the second year the University of Windsor’s School of the Environment was involved in Earth Day initiatives in Amherstburg, with students and staff within the program working with town staff and volunteers to distribute 200 trees.

There were five species of trees that were available to be picked up. The Piroli Development Group donated $10,000 towards the project. The university students will also contribute their findings to help offset the negative impacts of climate change.

The “Map & Grow” program was brought forward in a white paper by THRIVE Amherstburg last year.

Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon thanked private property owners for taking part in the program as it will help increase the tree canopy in Amherstburg. The GPS component will help monitor the progress, she stated.

The public had the opportunity to pick their first, second and third choice of tree species, so that if one variety were to run out, other tree types were still available.

“It’s been a great turnout,” said Baillargeon. “The parks department has helped to facilitate this.”

Baillargeon pointed out approximately 45 cars came through the Libro Centre grounds for their choice of trees within the first 45 minutes.

It was restricted to Amherstburg residents only.

The tree planting initiative was brought to town council by the Amherstburg Environmental Advisory Committee in 2022. A total of 100 trees were planted with town council members, Environmental Advisory Committee members, Precision Plastics employees, and community volunteers among those sticking their shovels in the ground and planting the trees.

Anna Mady and her son Matthew were from Precision Plastics and said they were pleased to be planting trees.

“It’s good to help out,” said Anna. “It’s something to help the growing community.”

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said being that it was Earth Day, they wanted to plant the 100 trees to help extend the “mini-forest” from the mature trees that were along nearby Big Creek westward. He said they were advised by manager of parks and naturalized areas Annette Zahaluk the grass would die off and be replaced by the mature trees over time.

Gibb acknowledged that most of those planting the trees will never sit under the shade of them but the trees will be enjoyed by those in the years to come.

“These are for the next generation,” said Gibb.

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