Project Type: Sponsored Projects
Year: 2014
Season: Fall
An army of tree planters successfully planted 100 native trees and shrubs at Longo Custom Kitchens & Woodwork and Rapid Binding & Laminating. These two companies share a property line and a vision for London. They sponsored a planting on their property to naturalize the area, shade their buildings, beautify their properties and engage their employees. The trees planted here will be added to London’s Million Tree Challenge.
“This is a good thing,” said Shirley, an employee at Rapid Binding & Laminating. “We have too much concrete in the city. We can all help water these trees.”
About 15 employees, their families and several community volunteers participated in the planting. Trees were planted between the two buildings, as well as behind one of the buildings to shade the building and reduce cooling costs. Eventually, the 100 trees will form a mini forest in the industrial park.
Lydia, an employee with Longo Custom Kitchen & Woodwork commented, “This is amazing. We’re in the wood industry, so this is a good way for us to give back.”
The event peaked the interest of a neighbouring business owner who stopped by to chat with the planters and with ReForest London organizers about a strip of land on his property that could be forested.
The project was partly funded by a grant from TD Green Streets. The City of London has pledged to plant large shade trees on the city-owned boulevard as part of the project as well. The addition of trees will make a positive impression on customers visiting these businesses. The growing trees will be a source of pride for the employees who helped plant them, as well as a pleasant place for them to take breaks and enjoy their lunch.
Give tree planting a try! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
– Gary Harness, owner of Rapid Binding & Laminating