August 15, 2012
Landscape Ontario is encouraging members to work with their local schools to promote National Tree Day on Sept. 26.

Both LO and the national association, CNLA, hope industry members take advantage of the event to educate students and the public about the environmental benefits of trees through planting events at schools in local communities.

Last year was the first National Tree Day, and many members took advantage of the opportunity to bring the classroom outdoors and show students how to plant and care for a tree donated by the member.

“For some of these students, it’s the very first time they will see a tree being planted and for the majority their first glimpse at what the landscape horticulture industry looks like,” says Joe Salemi, National Tree Day coordinator at CNLA. He believes that for those partnering with a secondary school, it’s the perfect opportunity to talk to the students about landscape horticulture as a viable career.

“We really need members to step up in a big way. We have about a handful of members that have indicated they would like to participate and nearly 125 Ontario schools that have indicated interest in the program. It’s going to be a massive disappointment to many schools if we aren’t able to convince members to participate,” says Salemi. He suggests members contact a school where you have an existing relational connection to school leadership.

“This is an important step in the success of the whole program.”

To promote your event, a press release has been created to assist members with the media. CNLA staff will provide major media across the country with specifics on the tree planting events, as well as information on trees and why fall is a perfect time for planting.

Email Joe Salemi at joseph@cnla-acpp.ca, or call 1-888-446-3499 ext 8620, or check out the website at http://bit.ly/nattreeday.