Haldimand County marks Earth Week with tree giveaway and ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship

Haldimand County is reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship this Earth Week through a range of forestry initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources and supporting long-term sustainability.

Free tree giveaway (April 22 to 29)

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, residents can register for a free tree to plant on their property. The giveaway will remain open for one week, until Wednesday, April 29, or while quantities last.

A total of 190 trees will be available through the giveaway, supporting efforts to increase tree canopy coverage and enhance the many environmental benefits trees provide, including carbon absorption, improved air quality, reduced runoff, erosion prevention, wildlife habitat, and shade.

Available tree species include:

• Freeman Maple - fast growing with vibrant red fall foliage and tolerance for a wide range of soil conditions
• Swamp White Oak - a slow-growing, long-lived native oak that supports wildlife and thrives in wet or poorly drained soils
• White Birch - known for its distinctive white bark and suitability for well-drained soils

Residents may register for up to two trees per household, with trees offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered participants will receive an email confirming their tree choice and pickup details. 

Trees are intended for residential planting on private property within Haldimand County. Those interested in having a street tree planted on a County-owned boulevard can submit a request through the year-round Tree Planting Request form. 

Clean and Green program contest

Tree planting is just one way residents can get involved during Earth Week. The County is also encouraging participation in its Clean and Green program, which invites community members to organize litter cleanups and help keep local parks, trails, and neighbourhoods clean.

This year, participants are asked to share a group photo on the day of their cleanup for a chance to win Haldimand County-branded prizes. Photos will be accepted until May 11, with a winner chosen by random draw and announced on May 12, the provincial Day of Action on Litter. Residents can enter their photo by posting it on Facebook or Instagram and tagging Haldimand County. 

On that same day, County staff will also be participating in cleanups at municipal parks and trails across Haldimand.

Learn more about the Clean and Green program at haldimandcounty.ca/clean-green.

Ongoing forestry initiatives

Beyond Earth Week, Haldimand County continues to invest in forestry projects that support climate resilience, community wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. Some ongoing projects include:

• Jarvis Street Tree Revitalization - The County’s street tree revitalization program aims to integrate trees into hardscape environments, ensuring that downtown spaces remain attractive and resilient for years to come. This proactive program to establish and replace downtown trees is happening in Jarvis this year, with an initial public open house recently held on April 14 to review proposed concept plans. Learn more about tree planting at haldimandcounty.ca/tree-planting.  
  
  
• Scheduled tree maintenance program - County-owned trees are maintained by certified arborists on a seven-year cycle across seven zones. Regular pruning helps build strong tree structure, improves storm resistance, extends tree lifespan, and reduces long-term maintenance costs. Residents can explore the Tree Inventory Map to view the location, species, and maintenance status of municipally-owned trees. Learn more about tree maintenance at haldimandcounty.ca/tree-maintenance.
  
  
• Canborough Waste Management reforestation - Reforestation at the Canborough Waste Management Facility is planned to begin in May. Reforesting this area will support habitat restoration and contribute to long-term environmental health. Additional details on this initiative will be shared as the project gets underway. 

Protecting a unique natural environment

Haldimand County is located within the Carolinian Forest Zone, one of Canada’s most ecologically diverse landscapes. To help protect this unique environment, the County takes a long-term, proactive approach to forestry management by supporting tree planting and maintenance across parks, cemeteries, roads, and trails.  

These efforts align with the County’s strategic focus on being future-ready through environmental stewardship, reflecting a commitment to responsible environmental management that helps ensure Haldimand’s natural spaces remain healthy, resilient and enjoyable for years to come.