More Trees and Less Smog

April 24th marked the occasion of the 15th annual tree-planting day for the increasingly misnamed 10,000 Trees for the Rouge Valley—the not-for-profit organization has planted over ten times that number of trees and shrubs to date, in its efforts to protect and expand nature reserves and public parkland in this valuable eco-system. Derek was there to help with the planting.

Meanwhile, another group, Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW), has been awarded $40,000 from Environment Canada's EcoAction Program. With this federal grant, FRW will involve 3,000 students and community volunteers in the planting of another 30,000 trees.

“FRW appreciates the support of M.P. Derek Lee and the federal government for programs and projects which strive to better protect the health of our ecosystems and communities.”
Kevin O’Connor,
President, Friends of the Rouge Watershed

FRW will also be making working to educate local schools and groups to about the ways people can help to improve the quality of the environment. They will be encouraging students, schools and other individuals and organizations to take Environment Canada's One-Tonne Challenge, and participate in reducing our country’s consumption of fossil fuels and thus reduce the production of climate-changing greenhouse gases.

Some of the ways individuals and families can save money and help meet the One-Tonne Challenge include: