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Tree Canada grant allows OSAT to plant edible trees

April 21, 2016   ·   0 Comments

The Orangeville Sustainability Action Team (OSAT) has received a grant of $3,000 from Tree Canada to plant nut and fruit trees.

Orangeville is one of 20 communities across Canada to receive a grant as part of the organization’s Edible Trees program. One of the not-for-profit charitable organization’s most popular programs, Edible Trees encourages urban greening and accessibility to healthy food by providing fruit and nut trees in communities across the country.

Approximately 65 nut and fruit trees will be planted at the Edelbrock Centre on Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m.

“OSAT is thrilled to be selected as one of only 20 successful applicants from across Canada and to be recognized for the work we’ve done in the community to further food security,” said Councillor Sylvia Bradley, Chair of OSAT. “This planting will provide all the beauty and environmental benefits of trees and at the same time provide nutritional benefits to our residents and wildlife.”

The Edible Trees 2016 grant will provide funding for site preparation, the purchase of caliper trees, materials (guards, mulch, stakes), three-year maintenance funding, site supervision and assessments and/or workshop delivery to help ensure the health and longevity of the trees.

“The Edible Trees program provides more than just funding for community-based projects,” said Mike Rosen, Tree Canada president. “The program educates communities on how to help new fruit and nut trees thrive. Once planted, these trees provide communities with access to fresh produce and enrich their green space, contributing to both a healthier environment and healthier people.”

Each Edible Trees proposal was judged based on five key areas: innovation, community involvement, technical expertise, promotion and evaluation of the program’s overall success.

Thanks to the Edible Trees program’s partners, Loblaw, Silk and TELUS, the program is able to provide grants to municipalities, schools and community gardens to purchase, plant, and maintain fruit and nut trees. Since its inception in 2012, Tree Canada’s Edible Trees Program has helped plant over 7,000 fruit and nut-providing trees and shrubs in communities across Canada.

If you’re interested in volunteering at the April 30 tree planting, call 519-941-0440 Ext. 2246 or email ssutton@orangeville.ca.


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