What we are:
•We are a charitable Foundation that advocates planting of native maples in increasing numbers across the rural landscape of southern Ontario.
What we do:
•We are committed to providing seedlings and larger maple saplings to planting agencies and landowners on a cost shared basis. We do this by working with seed collectors and private tree nurseries so that a certified supply of native sugar and red maple seedlings are available.
•We are committed to form partnerships with local, regional and national tree planting groups in southern Ontario. Examples of these groups are the Ontario Stewardship Network, municipalities, towns, community associations, Tree Canada and individual landowners.
•We are committed to increasing the levels of maple trees planted. This has meant building relationships with nurseries to increase the supply of seedlings and larger stock each year. It means building relationships with agencies and landowners who can harness communities to plant more trees.
•We promote and foster the Maple Leaves Forever (MLF) maple which is a vigourous seedling or larger tree that comes from a certified local Canadian seed source. It has been grown to high standards. The planting agencies and the public can be assured that a MLF maple is native, healthy and will be suited to the planting site.
•We will endeavour, in consultation with the planting agency involved, to provide cultural advice so that planting survival rates are acceptable and that some degree of success monitoring activities are a part of the local arrangements.
Why we do it:
•Maples are disappearing from the landscape of rural southern Ontario. In the late 19th century, farmers planted hedgerows and roadsides with maples from their woodlots in return for a government incentive. This gave rise to a legacy of lines of maples and other hardwoods bordering roads and dividing farm fields. These trees are now dying and are not being replaced.
•To re-introduce and further restore maples as a visual feature on the rural landscapes by planting on abandoned farm fields, in woodlots, on roadsides and along hedgerows in southern Ontario.
•To promote the awareness and value of tree planting, especially maples, among youth, the general public and landowners.
For more and detailed information on Maple Leaves Forever and partnering opportunities please contact John Cary at 416.255.0385 or jcary@sympatico.ca. Also, please visit our website at www.mapleleavesforever.com
