Community Comes Together to Plant 250 Trees at Gray’s Creek Conservation AreaTD Friends of the Environment Foundation and RRCA host successful 2025 TD Tree Days event

CORNWALL — The morning of October 4, 2025, saw dozens of volunteers roll up their sleeves at Gray’s Creek Conservation Area to plant 250 native trees as part of this year’s TD Tree Days event, hosted in partnership between the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF).

Under clear skies and surrounded by the rustle of fall leaves, families, community groups, and TD employees gathered on the northern edge of Gray’s Creek’s picnic area to dig, plant, and water a mix of white pine, white cedar, white spruce, and eastern hemlock. The half-acre planting expands the creek’s riparian buffer, strengthens wildlife habitat, and adds a scenic natural backdrop to one of South Glengarry’s most popular green spaces.

“It’s always such a positive and uplifting event,” said Cheyene Brunet, RRCA’s acting Stewardship Coordinator. “Tree planting might seem small in the moment, but it’s a lasting way for people to contribute to a healthier environment. Each sapling planted today will help shape the landscape for generations.”

This year’s planting marks another milestone in a decade-long partnership between the RRCA and TD FEF. Since 2015, the two organizations have teamed up annually to enhance local conservation areas and promote community involvement in environmental stewardship.

“Working with the RRCA helps us plant the right trees in the right places,” said Sonja Muftic, TD Tree Days site leader and local TD branch manager. “These events aren’t just about planting trees—they’re about bringing people together to take care of the spaces we all enjoy.”

TD Tree Days is the flagship volunteer and urban greening program of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. Across North America, the program has now helped plant over half a million trees since its launch in 2010. This year alone, TD FEF has partnered with 60 organizations to plant more than 30,000 trees and shrubs.

Located just east of Cornwall at 18045 County Road 2, Gray’s Creek Conservation Area offers 3.5 kilometres of trails, a park and picnic area, a marina, and a playground. Past support from TD FEF has also contributed to features such as an edible forest, a self-guided arboretum tour, and a native plant demonstration site — making it a living classroom for sustainability.

By the end of the morning, rows of newly planted conifers stood proudly in the soil — a living reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a shared purpose.

For more information about RRCA Conservation Areas, visit rrca.on.ca