Partners Make the Celebration Forest Even Better

Project type: Million Tree Challenge

Year: 2017

Season: Spring

One of the most special events ReForest London hosts each year is the Celebration Forest Tree Planting Ceremony. Hundreds of people show up to this event to plant trees in memory or in celebration, and to have MTC Partner support for this event in particular is greatly appreciated.

This year, we had the generous support of two MTC Partners, St Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre and Lanktree Tree Services. Delicious refreshments were also provided with the support of Ontario 150.

This planting is different in that it brings together a wide variety of people from all age demographics who may not normally attend a planting event. Each year, large family groups also attend to honour one of their own who has passed away, and for some, it’s their first time planting a tree. This year, 190 trees were planted and approximately 450 people attended.

“We feel that our values of biodiversity conservation here at St Williams are well aligned with those who support the Celebration Forest,” said Chad Asselstine, who is in charge of business development at St Williams, “and as such, we are thrilled to continue our commitment as a leader in ecological conservation by supporting this like-minded event through our supply of native stock to return to its region of origin.”

In the spirit of ecological restoration, the Celebration Forest is planted exclusively with trees native to the London area. Assessments conducted by ReForest London tree specialists help us determine which tree species are best suited to the site. This gives our Celebration Forest the best chance for survival while maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

Craig Ingram, Owner of Lanktree Tree Service noted, “Supporting Reforest London is just a natural fit for Lanktree. The benefits of trees are so great that supporting ReForest London is a minor cost with awesome benefits to our urban landscape.”

Lanktree Tree Service is a comprehensive tree care business that offers professional care and maintenance of trees on both residential and commercial properties throughout Southwestern Ontario. Lanktree provides customers with a tree service that is both environmentally responsive and rooted in customer satisfaction, with a goal of exceeding customer expectations using industry best practice safety methods.

Thank you to St Williams Nursery & Ecology CentreLanktree Tree Services and the Province of Ontario (through Ontario 150) for their support of the Celebration Forest Planting Ceremony. Your generosity and understanding of what ReForest London is doing is meaningful and makes a difference.

Thank you to all our volunteers for your continued support and dedication to tree planting in London and to everyone who purchased a tree in Celebration or in Memory of a loved one and to everyone who came out on the day to be part of the ceremony and planting. Your participation helps toward creating a greener future.