This year, the City is celebrating its 10th anniversary of the One Million Trees program. The program aims to add one million more trees to the Mississauga’s tree canopy by 2032. Since the program launched in 2013, more than 500,000 trees have been planted across Mississauga. Currently, there are approximately 2.1 million trees on public and private lands throughout the city.
Planting more trees helps increase canopy cover while restoring and enhancing Mississauga’s open spaces and forested areas for future generations to enjoy. Trees help filter out hazardous chemicals like carbon dioxide, increase Mississauga’s beauty through colourful blooms and leaves, and provide wildlife shelter, shade and food.
Since the program started in 2013:
- More than 500,000 trees have been planted.
- More than 37,000 volunteers have participated in tree plantings and woodland restoration events.
- A diverse mix of native trees have been planted including sugar maple, white pine, red oak and paper birch.
The City’s ultimate goal is to increase the tree canopy in parks, boulevards and natural areas and, in doing so, expand Mississauga’s natural heritage system and urban forest. The City is on track to meet its goal of planting one million trees by 2032.
Types of trees being planted in Mississauga
The City plants native trees which are indigenous to Southern Ontario, including sugar maple, white pine, red oak, paper birch, sycamore, tulip tree and shagbark hickory. When choosing tree species to plant, City staff look for the ideal planting environments for trees to survive. They also care for the trees through regular inspections, watering, re-mulching, pruning and weed removal.
Get involved and help plant more trees
All trees planted in Mississauga can contribute towards the one million trees goal. This includes the trees you plant on your property. When planting a tree or shrub, consider using native species since these are best suited to Mississauga’s climate and have the most benefit for the city’s native wildlife.
Tree-planting events happen throughout the year, so consider joining an upcoming event to engage with others in the community and help restore Mississauga’s parks. Everyone can participate, whether you’re a resident, business, school, homeowner or community group. If you don’t see an event in your neighbourhood, you can contact 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits) and set up a tree planting event.
Looking to celebrate One Million Trees’ 10th anniversary on Earth Day? Come out and celebrate by joining the One Million Trees 10-Year community celebration. On Saturday, April 22, you can stop by Willowvale Fields from noon to 2 p.m. to join in family-friendly activities and to meet sustainable vendors.
For more information on the One Million Trees program, visit: onemilliontrees.ca.
For more information about One Million Trees events on Earth Day, visit: mississauga.ca/earth-days.
SOURCE City of Mississauga
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