Over the last couple of years, the Canopy Project in Kawartha Lakes has been working with local Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) schools to enhance their outdoor spaces and deepen the connection between students and nature by planting trees.
The Canopy Project is a volunteer-lead community group whose goal is to protect and enhance the urban canopy in the settlement areas of the City of Kawartha Lakes. With the support of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, and a grant from the Kawartha Lakes Conservation Area, the Canopy Project has planted trees at the following TLDSB schools:
- 25 trees at Dr. George Hall Public School (DGH)
- Two trees at Fenelon Falls Secondary School
- 25 trees at I.E. Weldon Secondary School
- 10 trees at Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute
Since the launch of the initiative, funding has grown to include memorial tree donations. The Canopy Project has planted trees at the following TLDSB schools as a result:
- An additional five trees at DGH
- 10 trees at Langton Public School
“It isn’t just about the trees,” explained John Ireland, the Canopy Project co-founder. “By having students participate in the process, it gives them a sense of ownership and belonging. It enables them to feel like they did something to save the world.”
In the spring, the Canopy Project will be working with Grandview Public School and Ridgewood Public School to plant 25 trees at each school.
Visit the Canopy Project in Kawartha Lakes website to learn more.
