SOUTH GLENGARRY, Ontario – The spirit of Canada is growing strong at the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) in Gray’s Creek.
On Saturday, Oct. 20, the RRCA with the help of students and local volunteers were planting maple trees as a part of their Canada 150 forest.
The small forest of maple trees was first planted last year in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
In 2017 roughly 200 maple trees were planted. This year a little more than 50 were planted to replace trees that had been damaged over the past year by wildlife.
Types of maple trees that were planted included black maples and sugar maples. All most all types of maple trees are included in this forest as red and silver maples were also planted last year.
The saplings were planted in the shape of a maple leaf, so in the future, when someone flies over the forest, they would see a maple leaf.
Normand Genier, Forestry Specialist with the RRCA explained that the maple tree has important significance for First Nations peoples.
“The maple tree has cultural significance for First Nations for its syrup production,” he said.
A plaque was also erected and unveiled dedicated to the new forest.
