By Emily Shannon, Tri-County Mennonite Homes as seen in the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette.
On April 20, Let’s Tree Wilmot (LTW) and Tri-County Mennonite Homes (TCMH) joined forces for a tree-planting event on Albert Street in New Hamburg.
More than 35 volunteers braved temperamental spring weather to support this event. In total, 450 trees were planted on Saturday during morning and afternoon shifts. We could not have achieved our goal without the support of volunteers – thank you!
This event marks the beginning of an ecological-restoration project along the river flats of the Nith River behind TCMH’s Nithview Community. Thanks to a $60,000 grant from Earthscape, a creative playground and landscaping firm in Wallenstein, the ecological project will be supported over the next several years.
The project includes removing invasive plant species, planting native grasses, enhancing access through trail systems and connecting with barrier-free trails at Nithview Community for seniors, families and community members to enjoy. When completed, deep-rooted grasses, various trees, owl boxes, turtle mounds and other wildlife amenities will attract animals and visitors alike.
Of the trees planted on Saturday, 300 came from LTW’s very own seedling bed. Varieties like catalpa, basswood, red oaks and sugar maples were the first trees to be transplanted from the seedling bed.
The seedling bed was carefully tended over the last two years and will provide additional trees for future planting projects. The trees from the seedling bed represent LTW’s long-term commitment to keeping Wilmot beautiful by increasing tree canopy in the township.
