South Nation Conservation (SNC) is encouraging property owners to begin planning their tree planting projects for Spring 2025 this Fall 2024!
SNC has started booking free site visits and accepting orders for locally sourced native trees and shrubs offered at reduced rates through a variety of funding programs.
Residents interested in small planting projects can order a minimum of 100 tree seedlings directly from SNC. The Conservation Authority maintains an online species list of in-stock trees; however, some species are limited and tend to sell out every year. The price per seedling can be as low as $0.95, making this an excellent opportunity to secure native trees for planting projects.
Property owners can benefit from the considerable cost savings offered by SNC’s Tree Planting Programs, with funding from the Government of Canada and Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program.
For larger planting projects with at least 1,000 trees, SNC offers full-service planting and can source and deliver seedlings, complete site preparation, and plant trees for $1.08 to $1.62 per seedling, depending on the species. For replanting efforts related to severe storm recovery, fees can be as low as $0.21 per seedling. This makes it more affordable for property owners to reforest their land and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
SNC also offers additional subsidies for 1 acre tree plantings along farm fields and watercourses to help reduce erosion, protect water quality, and increase forest cover.
Over-the-counter orders of 100 trees or more can be ordered directly from SNC’s website for pick up in Spring 2025, however, all other planting projects require free site visits by SNC staff this fall to collect soil samples, prepare tree planting plans, and source suitable trees.
“After scheduling site visits with residents, we’re able to suggest tree species and planting options for residents to consider,” explains Caroline Goulet, SNC Forester. Adding “Certain tree species sell out every year, so we want to encourage residents to contact us early to secure their preferred trees for next spring!” Approximately 64,000 tree seedlings have already been reserved for the 2025 spring tree planting season, which will add to the over 4 million trees that SNC has planted since 1990.
“SNC’s tree planting efforts have contributed to the health of the local environment and our communities and provide many benefits, from producing oxygen, storing carbon, creating wildlife habitat, preventing erosion and increasing biodiversity,” Caroline added.
The Conservation Authority also offers Free Woodlot Advisory Services with free visits, advice, maps, and grants for forest management plans. Following the May 2022 Derecho Storm, the program was expanded to include Woodlot Storm Recovery support with funding available from all levels of government to help woodlots recover from damage caused by severe weather.
For more information on SNC’s Forestry Services and available funding, please visit www.nation.on.ca/land/forestry-services/tree-planting-services or email info@nation.on.ca or call 1-877-984-2948.
