December 6, 2022
Highway of Heroes surpasses two million tree goal
The Highway of Heroes (HoH) Tree Campaign exceeded its goal of raising $10 million to plant two million trees in honour of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. On Nov. 2, 2022, HoH planted its last trees at Fort York in Toronto, Ont., and hosted a special commemoration for campaign supporters as well as members of the CAF.

“Our campaign to reforest the Highway of Heroes is complete and we are thrilled,” Mark Cullen, Board President and Volunteer Chair of Canadian Trees for Life and the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign said. “The Highway of Heroes was born out of a genuine concern for climate change and inspired by Canadians who gave the highway its name: those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, plus Silver Cross moms, families and friends.”

The HoH campaign was inspired by the hundreds of Canadians who stood along Highway 401 to salute the fallen military members who served in the war in Afghanistan as they were driven down the 170-km route from CFB Trenton to the coroner’s office in Toronto. From that significant and moving event, the route was named the Highway of Heroes.

Nearly 2.5 million trees have been planted by HoH since the campaign was founded in 2015, including: 117,000 “hero trees” planted directly adjacent to the Highway of Heroes in memory of all Canadian soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war; as well as more than 2,370,000 “service trees” planted within 30 kilometres of the Hwy. 401 corridor in honour of those who served since Confederation and including the War of 1812.

Landscape Ontario is a proud supporter of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, alongside the federal and provincial governments, many municipal governments, numerous community organizations and foundations, and more than 3,500 Canadian donors. Together, we have created the world’s largest living memorial.

The Highway of Heroes continues with the national organization Trees for Life.

“The next chapter is an exciting, new focus to increase the urban tree canopy across Canada and honour our everyday heroes who improve our lives,” Cullen explained. “We call this program Trees for Heroes, a campaign run by our national charity, Canadian Trees for Life. Is there a hero in your life that you wish to honour, thank or remember? A frontline hero or health care worker, first responder, teacher or loved one? Why not have a native tree planted in their honour? Will you join us as you did on the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign and support Trees for Life and Trees for Heroes? Find out more at treesforlife.ca.”