CANADORE COLLEGE
Canadore College continues its greening efforts on its latest property

Last year, 50 Canadore College students, employees and community members planted 110 trees on campus. The effort won the College the distinction of being named Tree Canada's 2023 National Tree Day winner. The prize was $3,500 to fund a tree planting event in 2024.

"Canadore's recently announced  partnership with The Lindsay Weld Centre for Children, a daycare facility to be located at the former E.T. Carmichael School, was chosen as the ideal site for this year's event," said Jason Chirico, Sustainability Coordinator. 

"This is an opportunity to bring more natural elements to our beautiful new location, but to also ensure that the children in our care had a chance to see the grounds grow with them," said Shane Mercer, Executive Director for the Lindsay Weld Centre for Children.  "Being able to plant trees that our children can watch over the years grow bigger and bigger was something we couldn't miss."

Canadore College is renovating the former elementary school it purchased from the Near North District School Board to create an intergenerational hub for students and the community where infants and children will interact with seniors. Students from the Canadore's Early Childhood Education will participate in the planting.

"This is a wonderful experiential learning opportunity that aligns with specific learning outcomes within several courses from the Early Childhood Education Program," said Brandy Grenier, Coordinator. "Our students can take what they have learned here and examine how they can create developmentally appropriate methods of practice. Some relevant topics for children might include the lifecycle of trees, what living organisms need to thrive, and how to nurture our environment while building connections to nature."

Trees Canada is dedicated to expanding the nation's tree canopy through its greening programs, research, and community outreach. As the only national non-profit focused on planting and caring for trees in both rural and urban areas, it plays a vital role in mobilizing Canadians to combat climate change. National Tree Day is a chance for Canadians to join together in appreciation of trees, their natural beauty, and the many benefits they provide.

"Every year, Tree Canada is inspired by the growing number of people who plant trees with us on National Tree Day," said Nicole Hurtubise, Chief Executive Officer, Tree Canada. "Congratulations to Canadore College for winning our 2023 National Tree Day contest and receiving a free tree planting event this year, made possible by our presenting sponsor, BMO. Having participated in National Tree Day for two consecutive years, Canadore College continues to make a meaningful impact on their campus and the surrounding community through their dedication to creating greener spaces for future generations."