According to an old proverb, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. In this spirit, and as part of York University’s Campus Sustainability Month activities, this year’s Arbour Day tree planting is taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 12 to 1pm on the Keele Campus. The Arbour Day event will take place on the North Side of the York Arboretum near the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence.
Up to 100 local trees, including red maple, sugar maple, white pine and white cedar, will be planted in the York Arboretum to the north of Stong Pond. Volunteers are needed, so please join us, and remember to wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather.
To attend this event, indicate your interest by RSVP at http://president.apps01.yorku.ca/forms/view.php?id=45387.
The Value of Trees
Trees provide immeasurable value to the natural and urban environments, and to the quality of life of both humans and wildlife alike. An acre of trees can store 2.6 tons of carbon, while trees also provide protection from the wind, sun and soil erosion. Trees are also valuable natural habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife.
Trees also provide tangible economic benefits to urban and suburban areas. According to the City of Toronto, for every 5 per cent of tree cover area added to a community, storm water run-off is reduced by approximately 2 per cent. In addition, by generating oxygen, recycling water, and eliminating pollutants from the air, a single tree can provide thousands of dollars of economic value to a local community during its lifespan.
York’s Arbour Day tree planting is organized by the Grounds Department in Campus Services & Business Operations and is funded in part by the York University Bookstore. The Bookstore collects 15 cents for each plastic shopping bag purchased during the year and then donates the proceeds for tree purchases. This initiative has been in place for the last several years and has resulted in hundreds of new trees being planted on the Keele and Glendon campuses at York.