Cumberland City Councillor and environmental steward Stephen Blais, joined by volunteers from Tree Canada and TD Friends of the Environment, to plant 450 new trees in Yves Richer Park (Queenswood Heights) after the woodlot was devastated by the Emerald Ash Borer.

“The Emerald Ash Borer devastation happened across Ottawa, including to Yves Richer Park”, stated Councillor Blais. “Tree planting initiatives, including replacing destroyed trees, is a fundamental component in improving the natural environment of Orléans and Cumberland.”

Emerald Ash Borer is a non-native, highly destructive wood-boring beetle that feeds under the bark of ash trees and has severely hurt Ottawa’s natural tree canopy. The 450 trees are being funded by TD Friends of the Environment. The reforestation will replace damaged or destroyed trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer.

“More than 7000 trees were planted in Cumberland Ward alone this year,” concluded Blais. “Tree planting of this magnitude can help to provide clean air along with economic advantages such as increased property values due to appeal of a well-forested neighborhood.”

Residents can take part through suggesting locations to have new trees planted, the Trees in Trust program, Green Acres – a rural reforestation program, schoolyard tree planting grants, and commemoratively naming trees. You can find out more by visiting: http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/water-and-environment/planting