Ontario is partnering with families, community organizations and businesses across the province to reach its goal of planting six million trees this year to promote cleaner air and help fight climate change. The initiative is supported by Forests Ontario and the province, and honours Ontario’s 150th anniversary. Each year, Ontario plants approximately three million trees under its 50 Million Tree Program (50MTP), and the government is now challenging public and industry to match its target in 2017.

Individuals, organizations and businesses can participate by planting a tree, participating in a community tree planting event or making a donation to have a tree planted on their behalf, and can track their progress at greenleafchallenge.ca. The website allows people to register their trees on an interactive map and access events in their communities.

Landscape Ontario Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni said, “As the original green industry, we have known for years that the landscape and horticulture profession makes a significant contribution to fighting climate change and improving air quality in our communities.”

DiGiovanni added, “Landscape Ontario is encouraging all members of the profession to keep track of, and register trees planted this year. Through the work we do on a daily basis, and initiatives like the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute campaign, we have the opportunity to show the world the difference our collective efforts makes.”

The Green Leaf Challenge and 50MTP are part of Ontario’s efforts to improve air quality across the province by planting new trees to remove approximately 6.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2050 — the equivalent of taking 1.1 million cars off the road for an entire year.

Planted trees can be registered online at greenleafchallenge.ca.