LEAF celebrates 30 years of growing green
Non-profit organization Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) marked its 30th anniversary on July 16 with a community celebration bringing together approximately 100 supporters, partners, volunteers and community members to reflect on three decades of growing healthier urban forests
The evening featured music, food, interactive displays, spoken word performance, guided tours and opportunities for attendees to share stories, photos and reflections on their connection to trees and the urban forest. A youth networking hour earlier in the evening highlighted the role of young people in shaping the future of urban forestry.
The celebration brought together generations of LEAF supporters, including long-standing volunteers, program participants, donors, municipal partners, staff and community members, all recognizing the collective effort that has shaped the organization’s impact since its founding in 1996.
“For 30 years, we have engaged communities in nurturing the urban forest through planting, stewardship and education,” said Janet McKay, Founder and Executive Director of LEAF. “Each person who has been part of our journey has contributed to healthier, greener communities where people and nature can thrive.”
In 1996, Janet McKay launched a small sapling distribution project in Toronto to help residents plant native trees. As interest grew, so did the organization. Community tree planting events in public spaces were introduced in 2004, followed by educational programming in 2006. LEAF first expanded to Markham in 2008, and public participation was so strong that the program continues to grow in York Region.
Today, LEAF delivers programs across York Region, Toronto, and Durham Region, engaging thousands of participants each year in planting, stewardship and education programs that support a healthier urban forest. Over the past 30 years, LEAF has planted 75,000+ trees and shrubs across Toronto, York Region, and Durham Region communities.
To learn more about receiving expert assistance for planting native trees at a reduced cost, visit markham.ca/Leaf or contact LEAF at 416-413-9244.