‘Welcome Forest’ in shape of maple leaf being planted in Ontario town Saturday

Earth Week will take on extra special meaning in Ajax Saturday when 700 trees and shrubs will be planted in the shape of a maple leaf at the Greenwood Conservation Area as both a welcome to new Canadians and a celebration of the town’s 70th birthday.

Trees For Life, a non-profit organization that plants trees in the urban environments, in partnership with Toronto Region Conservation Authority and the Town of Ajax, are planting their first ever ‘welcome forest’ on April 26.

Trees For Life Development Director Mike Hurley said the idea was the long-time vision of the organization’s co-founder, Michael de Pencier (1935-2024), who dreamed of creating spaces that welcome newcomers who have chosen to make Canada their home.

“This was an idea that really was all Michael’s,” Hurley said. “He believed new Canadians should have ‘welcome’ places.”

Located in an urban area where many newcomers settle, the forest symbolizes the importance of putting down roots – in a community and in a country – while offering a place for reflection, connection and gratitude.

It’s also a concept that appeals to all Canadians, Hurley added.

“Every Canadian will agree that a connection with nature is intrinsic to being Canadian,” he said. “We hope this is the first of many plantings.”

The trees and shrubs are courtesy of both the conservation authority and fundraising efforts by Trees For Life, with the actual maple leaf planting “at least a couple hundred feet” in diameter, he noted.

“This is already a spectacular place,” Hurley said of Greenwood Conservation Area. “This is an opportunity to elevate it and really make it an asset for the community.”

“And it all lines up perfectly with the town’s 70th anniversary.”

The Ajax event is one of several on Saturday’s agenda as the organization celebrates the end of Earth Week in Ontario.

Trees For Life will also be in Milton Saturday afternoon for a tree planting event that will also serve as a family picnic of sorts with plenty of activities for the whole family.

The Earth Week events kick off the organization’s ambitious goal to plant 150,000 trees in 2025 with 2,300 trees and shrubs being planted this week alone.