On May 1st, BLIA Toronto Chapter members from the three Markham Sub-chapters participated in the “10,000 Trees for the Rouge” tree planting event, which resumed for the first time since 2019.  BLIA members were very excited to join this public activity to protect the environment and make the city greener.

The site for tree planting was at 355 Castlemore Avenue. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 200 registrations were accepted for that morning. To keep everyone safe, all participants were also required to provide their proof of vaccination. This year, the organizer offered four types of trees, including Tamarack, Pussy Willow, White Cedar and Silver Maple, as well as gardening tools.  

The weather was sunny and warm, despite the muddy ground, it was a perfect condition for tree-planting. 13 BLIA members arrived, greeting each other with big smiles. They first selected the suitable tools and then followed the Planting Coach to the designated area.

After a brief demonstration from the coach, everyone started working on their parts. Some members cleared the ground weeds, some excavated, some distributed saplings, and some carried fertilizers.

After about two hours of hard work, the BLIA team planted a total of 30 trees, greatly surpassing the goal of the 10 trees target set by the coach. Afterward, while the team was resting at a nearby park, it started to rain lightly.  Everyone felt joyful that the newly planted saplings were getting a watering from nature and were grateful that they accomplished this meaningful event.

~ by Irene Chai

‍