Ontario 2023 – Green Acres in Rural Ottawa

PROJECT REPORT ONTARIO 2023 –GREEN ACRES IN RURAL OTTAWA

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dearfriend,

Thanks to your support, a total of 30,000 trees were planted to restore 19 hectares of land inOntario.

Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversitycanthrive.

None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you!

What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in Ontario. I hope youenjoyreadingitand trulyfeel theimpactyouhavemade.

OVERVIEW

The objective of the Ontario 2023 – Green Acres in Rural Ottawa project was to revitalize the marginal and idle lands of Rideau Valley by strategically creating windbreaks and watercourse buffers. Through these reforestation efforts, the project aimed to enhance crop yields in the surrounding agricultural lands, safeguard watershed health, promote soil stability along waterways, and reintroducevitalwildlifehabitats.

TREES PLANTED

TREE SPECIES PLANTED

In the Rideau Valley watershed, while much of the rural landscape is dedicated to supporting a thriving agri-food industry, plenty of opportunities exist to enhance the productivity of idle lands through tree planting initiatives. To maximize the impact of these reforestation efforts, windbreaks and watercourse buffers were strategically implemented, thereby boosting crop yields and safeguarding watercourses. A careful process led to the selection of 12 native tree species, each chosen based on their ecologicalcompatibilitywiththelandscape.

Each site underwent thorough inspection by forestry professionals, who conducted soil analysis through several soil pits to determine the most suitable tree species for optimal growth. Planting commenced the following spring, preceded by site preparation such as mowing or scribe and band spraying. Planting activities took placebetweenlateAprilandearlyMay.

In the field, bare-root seedlings were immersed in water prior to planting to minimize stress and dehydration during transplantation. Our on-ground partners then orchestrated their planting at a density of 2,000 trees per hectare or 800 trees per acre, using a blend of mechanized and manual techniques tailored to the specific conditionsofeachsite–fromsoilcharacteristicstoaccessibility.

Throughout the planting process, our partners ensured quality standards were upheld, andpromptlyaddressedanychallenges.Targetedherbicidewasappliedpost-planting to aid tree growth, and landowners were encouraged to contribute by mowing and installingtreeguards.Survivalassessmentsinthefallwillgaugeprojecteffectiveness andensurelong-termsuccess.

SPECIES PLANTED THROUGH THIS PROJECT:

White pine (Pinus strobus)

Jack pine (Pinus banksiana)

Norway spruce (Picea abies)

Poplar (Populus spp.)

White spruce (Picea glauca)

Tamarack (Larix laricina)

Red pine (Pinus resinosa)

Red pine (Pinus resinosa)

Red oak (Quercus rubra)

Red maple (Acer rubrum)

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)

White oak (Quercus alba)

Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

TREE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION & USE

The Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is an eminent conifer species native to eastern North America, including Ontario, and epitomizes resilience and vitality. Its blue-green needles, arranged in bundles of five, contrasted against the smooth, grayish-whitebark,renderitcommonlyidentifiable.Toweringtoheightsofupto80 meters (262 feet) with gracefully spreading branches, this species commands attentioninforestecosystems.

In an ecosystem, the eastern white pine assumes multifaceted roles. Its dense foliage provides crucial shade and refuge, curbing soil erosion and regulating moisture retention. As a keystone species, it fosters biodiversity by creating habitat niches for myriad wildlife species, ranging from avian nesters to arboreal mammals.

Moreover, its extensive root network improves soil stability, mitigating the risk of erosion and safeguarding watershed integrity. In the context of this reforestation project, the deliberate selection and planting of eastern white pine underscores its unparalleled ecological significance and its pivotal role in the rehabilitation of the RideauValleylandscape.

The Jack pine (Pinus banksiana), an iconic conifer species indigenous to North America, including Ontario, stands as a testament to hardiness and adaptability. Characterized by its short blue-green needles, typically arranged in pairs, and its flakybark,thisspeciesboastsadistinctiveappearance.Ittypicallyreachesheights of up to 20 meters (65 feet), with a somewhat irregular crown, reflecting its ability tothriveinharsh,fire-proneenvironments.

Within the web of ecological relationships, Jack pine plays a pivotal role. Its resinous cones require the intense heat of wildfires to open and release seeds, thus relying on fire disturbances for regeneration. As such, it serves as a pioneer speciesinpost-firesuccession,facilitatingtherestorationofdisturbedhabitats.

Moreover, its dense foliage provides critical habitat and foraging opportunities for variouswildlifespecies,includingbirdsandsmallmammals.TheinclusionofJack pine in this reforestation project underscores its resilience and ecological significance, and like the eastern white pine, will go a long way toward revitalizing theRideauValleylandscape.

YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP

TheOntario2023–GreenAcresinRuralOttawaprojectsupportedtheplantingof 30,000nativeconifertreesacross19hectaresoflandinOntario,Canada.Locally, these trees will enhance watershed health, stabilize soil, mitigate flood risks, and provide opportunities for recreation and leisure through accessible green spaces. Additionally, they will support diverse wildlife populations by offering vital habitat and foraging opportunities. Regionally, this initiative aligns with Environment Canada's recommendations for sustaining biodiversity and reaping environmental benefits from forests. The newly established forests will contribute to carbon sequestration efforts, mitigate climate change impacts, and serve as a model for collaborative conservation efforts across Ontario and beyond.

DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT

Through authentic and informative storytelling, we help donors relate to the people who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happeningontheground.

PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT

WE HOPE THAT THE TREES WE PLANTED TODAY WITH CONTINUE TO THRIVE FOR YEARS TO COME AND CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE LANDOWNERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM.

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Thisreforestationprojectstandsasacornerstoneinnurturingthehealthofthe watershed and broader environment, bringing about several benefits to landowners and ecosystems alike. Through this restoration, we embark on a journeyto:

•Shieldsoilfromerosion

•Enhancewaterquality

•Mitigatefloodrisks

•Capturecarbon

•Fosterwildlifehabitat

•Promotebiodiversity

•Beautifyrurallandscapes

•Providevaluablewoodproductsandrecreationalspaces

•Boostcropyieldsthroughwindbreaksandshelter-belts

•Elevatepropertyvalues,amongnumerousotheradvantages

Asthesetreesgrow,theywillbecomehavensforadiverserangeofmammalsand birds,from white-taileddeertoredfoxtothepileatedwoodpecker.InOntario,vital species like the threatened Cerulean Warbler (Setophagacerulea) rely on deciduousforestsfortheirsurvival.Moreover,bystrategicallyplantingtreesand shrubsalongriparianzones,wesafeguardhabitatforarangeofterrestrialand aquaticspecies,includingfrogs,newts,insects,andfish.Notably,thisprojecthas resultedinthecreationof19hectaresofforesthabitat.

Addressingthespecificneedsofthewatershed,a30-meter-widebufferhasbeen established along Kemptville Creek, while the planted trees will improve soil stability,ultimatelybenefitingtheRideauRiver'swaterquality.Intotal,thisinitiative willpositivelyimpacttwowaterbodies,reinforcingthecriticalroleoftreeplanting inecosystemconservationandwatershedmanagement.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

A thriving watershed isn't just vital for the environment; it's essential for the wellbeing of the surrounding communities. Forest cover plays a crucial role in maintaining watershed health, with Environment Canada recommending a minimum of 30% forest cover to sustain biodiversity and reap the myriad environmental benefits forests provide. By increasing forest cover, we bolster the resilienceofourcommunitiesandenhanceoverallcommunityhealth.

The beauty of trees goes beyond aesthetics; it fosters a sense of tranquility and connection with nature that enriches community life. The planted trees not only adornthelandscape,makingthemvisuallystunning,buttheyprovidegreenspaces for leisure and recreation, promoting physical and mental well-being among residents. The aesthetic allure of trees is integral to the charm of Eastern Ontario, enhancing the region's distinctive character and fostering a sense of pride among itsresidents.

Moreover, this reforestation effort extended support to farming families, with two landowners benefiting from improved ecosystem services on their properties. Through carbon sequestration, trees play a vital role in mitigating climate change, while also serving as buffers along watercourses and windbreaks, safeguarding agricultural lands and enhancing soil health. These eco-services not only benefit individual landowners but contribute to the collective resilience and prosperity of the entire community, underscoring the invaluable role of trees in fostering vibrant, sustainablecommunitiesinOntario.

U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

WHAT ARE SDGS?

Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate)ourimpactontheplanet.Treesareonesuchsolution.

From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting treescanaddressall17sustainabledevelopmentgoals.

“As stewards of the environment, we're honored to have worked on a project that exemplifies the intersection between conservation and community well-being. Reforesting these areas not only brings about benefits to the communities and wildlife, but it aligns with future environmental objectives for the province, thereby setting an example forlarge-scalelandscapeconservationandrestoration."

Meghan Danny Global Projects Support Specialist

Stephanie Rochemont Project Manager

Canada & Northeast US