THUNDER BAY - Canada on Friday got one step closer to 50 million trees at St. Elizabeth School.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry was in town for a meeting, but said she couldn’t resist the opportunity to plant a tree with some local children.
“I’m trying to do that whenever I’m travelling outside my riding to ensure the message gets out,” McGarry explained.
The message is part of the province’s program which has committed to planting 50 million trees by 2025.
The program was launched in 2007, and McGarry says Ontario is well on its way.
“This year, in order to celebrate Canada 150, we have launched a green leaf challenge,” McGarry said. “Any family or person can plant a tree without worrying about having a hectare of land to plant it on.”
McGarry was assisted by fellow Liberal MPP Bill Mauro and students from St. Elizabeth to help plant a tree in the school’s front yard.
Principal Don Grant says that the tree-planting falls in line with the school’s beautification program.
“The parent council has raised funds to plant some fairly large trees to act as shade in the playground area.”
The school planted 12 trees, and have ambitions to plant approximately 40 more trees in the future.
“The steps have been made, to not only beautify, but make more pleasant learning environments for kids.”
Even at a young age, St. Elizabeth student Cale Oliver knows the importance of trees at the school.
“They help the environment, they give food to the earth, and they make apples and oranges,” Cale said.
