ERCA reaches new milestone with seven-millionth tree planted

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More than 50 years of regreening took root in a big way Thursday as Windsor-Essex celebrated the planting of its seven-millionth tree.

The milestone tree was embedded in the soil at Maidstone Woods Conservation Area — the first property ERCA acquired in 1974 for conservation and recreation — during a celebration that drew a large crowd and local dignitaries, including Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey and Caldwell First Nation Chief Nikki Van Oirschot.

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“This is an amazing thing … seven million trees,” Tim Byrne, CAO of the Essex Region Conservation Authority, said. “It’s an amazing accomplishment but we’ve got to keep pushing ahead.

“These announcements and milestones are important, but what’s more important is that we are actively continuing with replanting and we are targeting something that provides sustainability.”

When ERCA was established in 1973, less than per cent of the region was forested, according to officials. The tree planting program began in 1976, and 32,000 trees were planted in that first year.  At its peak, ERCA planted nearly a quarter million trees in a single year.

“Over the past five decades, with the help of thousands of volunteers, support from hundreds of landowners, and the financial assistance from many donors and the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, forest coverage in our region has expanded to 5.4 per cent, and the percentage of total natural areas now measures 8.5 per cent,” ERCA chair Molly Allaire said.

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According to the Forest Enhancement Society, seven million trees can offset approximately 530,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of taking about 100,000 cars off the road for a year.

“ERCA’s roots run deep like the trunk of a tree,” Bailey said. “This event is a symbol of your hard work. Incremental progress, every year for decades, has led to an impact that is greater than the sum of its parts.

“The leaves are a reminder of what we do and our role as individuals that contribute to a greater good. We help the tree grow and when our work is done, we may fall gracefully, making way for new leaves while creating fertile ground.”

ERCA will continue celebrating Earth Day on Sunday  with a community tree planting in the City of Windsor, along the Ganatchio Trail at Florence and Wyandotte.

Officials said more than 2,000 trees will be planted with support from ENWIN, Tree Canada and Green Sun Rising. The event starts at 10 a.m.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario and governed by local municipalities.

For more than 50 years, it has provided conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds across Windsor and Essex County.

mholmeshill@postmedia.com

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