Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
The Royal Botanical Gardens is once again holding its annual Christmas tree collection, a decades-long effort to shore up the banks of the Chedoke and Grindstone creeks.
For more details, please continue reading below…
For over a decade, the RBG has been accepting donations from area residents looking to donate their trees to a good cause, rather than them end up in the dump or as mulch.
With the pandemic affecting pretty much everything this year, the RBG is still aiming to gather pines, spruces, and furs – but is seeking a maximum of 1,500 trees this year, roughly half of what they typically receive.
The RBG is asking residents who are interested in handing over their trees to pre-register their donation before dropping it off to make sure they have enough and are able to follow COVID-19 safety protocols during the hand-off.
RBG says more than 175,000 trees have been brought to them since the project began years ago.
The trees are placed along the edge of the creeks where their branches collect sediment and form a riverbank, something the RBG says was destroyed by invasive common carp in the past.
The trees also help channel the water flow when it rises and create a habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and plants.
RBG asks that no one bring a tree without registering first — details of where and when you can donate your tree will be supplied in an email after you sign up.
Anyone wishing to take part is asked to pledge their tree and register online.
The drop off will take place between Dec. 29 and Jan. 10.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office here.