Spring Restoration Season Great Success

2006 marked a record year for the spring tree planting season. The Essex Region Conservation Authority successfully planted and distributed more than two hundred thousand trees, resulting in the restoration of more than 350 acres of habitat.

"This is certainly the largest spring restoration season we've experience since the early 90s, prior to the closure of Provincial nurseries that provided low cost seedlings," explains Matthew Child, Coordinator of Habitat and Aquatic Resources. He attributes the success to a number of grant programs currently available for habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects, as well as enhanced landowner stewardship.

"More and more, private landowners are recognizing not only the environmental benefits of planting trees on their property, but they're also seeing the financial incentives as well," Child says. He cites reduced home heating and cooling costs, increased wildlife use, improvements in property values, and an increase in the enjoyment of their properties as just a few of the reasons that private landowners are planting more trees. If you are interested in learning more about our grant programs and tree planting initiatives, it is not too early to call us about spring 2007 projects. Contact our Forester at 776-5209 ext. 377 or Agricultural Technician, at ext. 369.