Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) board members and staff were recently joined by St. Lawrence College (SLC) Environmental Technician program students and City of Cornwall staff in planting 300 native plant and shrub species at the edge of Cornwall’s Chevrier Park, which borders the southern branch of the Raisin River. 

“Promoting a robust tree canopy is a key part of protecting and enhancing the natural resources in our watersheds,” says RRCA Vice-Chair, Martin Lang. “We are pleased to have partnered with the City and the College in naturalizing this area.” 

Cornwall City Councillor and RRCA Board Member, Claude McIntosh, adds that planting these 300 trees aligns perfectly with Pillar 5 of Cornwall City Council’s Strategic Plan: being leaders in sustainability and climate change impact. “This part of Chevrier park was an excellent site for naturalization,” says McIntosh. “By reducing the amount of mowed lawn within the City, we are promoting tree growth and thus contributing to Cornwall’s tree canopy.” 

For the approximately two dozen SLC students who participated, the event provided both hands-on experience, and a chance to learn about the RRCA’s forestry work.  

“These students are part of a course called Environmental Issues and Solutions, and today we are being part of the solution by helping the RRCA and the City plant trees. I am proud of the hard work they accomplished today!” says Jordan Ann Kevan de Haan, SLC’s Environmental Technician Program Coordinator. 

The 300 native trees and shrubs, which included species such as oak, butternut, balsam fir, and sumac, were selected by the RRCA based on site conditions.  

“Planting trees was an amazing opportunity to learn more about Canada’s natural environment,” says Modesto Romero Vargas, a first-year international student from Mexico, who was happy to make “a small difference for our planet” that day.  

Since 1994, the RRCA has planted over a million trees in the area, with 60,000 trees being planted this year alone. 

For area landowners wanting to add trees to their own properties, the RRCA offers an over-the-counter tree seedling sale program, as well as full-service tree planting for orders over 500 trees.  

For more information, please visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or [email protected].