LEAF - Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests

10/06/2026

🌳 A healthy urban forest starts with healthy soil!

When we think about soil, we often focus on what we can see and feel. But beneath our feet is a whole community of organisms working together.

Trees provide food for bacteria, fungi and other organisms, which in turn help break down nutrients the trees need.

From stopping tilling to adding mulch and encouraging worms, there are simple ways to support the life beneath our feet and help strengthen the connection between native plants and soil.

Learn more about healing your garden’s soil and the lessons shared by Jocelyn Molyneux at LEAF Learning Garden: www.yourleaf.org/node/2859

10/05/2026

🌳 What a great way to wrap up National Forest Week!

A big thank you to everyone who joined us at Meander Park in Richmond Hill and Fallingbrook Park in Whitby.

Together, you helped put more native trees and shrubs in the ground and grow the urban forests in both communities. 🌿💚

It was wonderful to see friends, families and community members rolling up their sleeves, spending time outdoors and helping support local biodiversity.

We’re grateful to everyone who came out and made both events such a success!

And we’re not done yet! 🌱 There are still opportunities to get involved at planting events happening across the region this fall.

Check out our upcoming events to sign up for an event near you: https://www.yourleaf.org/events

We’re grateful to our event supporters Tree Canada / Arbres Canada (presenting sponsor BMO Financial Group), York Region (The Regional Municipality of York), City of Richmond Hill, Trees for Life, Town of Whitby - Local Government, Ontario Trillium Foundation and Alto Train for making these events possible.

Photos by Gregory Hammond and Sarah Halonen

10/05/2026

🌍🌳🐦 It’s !

Want to see how native trees, shrubs and flowers provide food and shelter for birds, pollinators and other wildlife?

Check out habitat-friendly planting in action at LEAF’s Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens. 🌿🐝

Explore the gardens to see a variety of native plants in action and get ideas for creating more wildlife-friendly habitat in your own yard.

Thank you to Toronto Transit Commission and to City of Toronto for providing space for the .

Learn more about the here: https://www.yourleaf.org/urban-forest-demonstration-gardens

10/02/2026

🌳 Town of Newmarket residents, get an extra $100 off planting a tree through our subsidized planting programs, courtesy of the Town of Newmarket’s Stormwater Management Rebate.

Limit of one rebate per property per year. First come, first served, space permitting.

Planting a tree helps manage stormwater by absorbing excess water, reducing flooding and erosion and easing strain on local infrastructure.

Your planting includes a personalized consultation with a LEAF arborist to help choose the right trees and shrubs for your property.

Learn more and apply: https://www.yourleaf.org/planting-private-property

The Backyard Tree Planting Program is supported by the Town of Newmarket and York Region (The Regional Municipality of York).

LEAF offers native trees and shrubs at a subsidized cost to help you create a healthier, more resilient urban forest right on your private property. Whether you’re planting in a backyard, front yard, side yard or managing a larger residential, commercial, institutional or community property, we ha...

10/02/2026

Hey City of Markham residents, fall is the perfect time to make your backyard dreams a reality! 🌳🏡 With our subsidized planting program, you get a consultation with a LEAF arborist, high quality native trees and full-service planting for $50 to $100!

Limit of five trees per property per year (space permitting). First come, first served.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your backyard!

Learn more and apply: https://www.yourleaf.org/planting-private-property

The Backyard Tree Planting Program is supported by City of Markham and York Region (The Regional Municipality of York).

LEAF offers native trees and shrubs at a subsidized cost to help you create a healthier, more resilient urban forest right on your private property. Whether you’re planting in a backyard, front yard, side yard or managing a larger residential, commercial, institutional or community property, we ha...

10/01/2026

🌳 Don’t put away your gardening gloves just yet!

Join us at Conlin Meadows Park in Oshawa on Sunday, November 1 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Bring your family, roll up your sleeves and get planting with us!

Spend the afternoon putting native trees and shrubs in the ground. 🌿

👉 Sign up today: www.yourleaf.org/node/2858

This event is supported by Trees for Life, City of Oshawa - Municipal Government and Ontario Trillium Foundation.

10/01/2026

What if fallen black walnuts could become something creative?

The outer hulls of black walnuts contain a rich, earthy pigment that can be transformed into ink for drawing, painting and other creative projects. It’s a simple way to explore the natural colours found in the trees around us.

Curious to try it yourself? Check out our latest blog for a step-by-step guide to making black walnut ink.

Read more: www.yourleaf.org/node/2857

09/30/2026

Today we reflect on the devastating and lasting harms of the residential school system to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, families, and communities across Canada.

We think of the children who had their freedom and self-esteem taken from them.

We think of the unimaginable abuse they suffered, and we think of those who never returned home.

We think of the devastation to families and the intergenerational trauma caused by centuries of colonial oppression.

We acknowledge the truth of our history, and we recognize the incredible resiliency of Indigenous Peoples.

We are learning and building relationships, and we are committed to finding our unique path toward reconciliation.

09/29/2026

Thank you to the Toronto Community Housing tree care teams for helping care for newly planted trees and shrubs! 🌳

Mulching is an important part of tree care. It helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, nourish roots, protect the tree base and reduce competition from grass.

Learn more tree care tips: https://www.yourleaf.org/tree-shrub-health-care

The TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program is in partnership with Toronto Community Housing and funded in part by the City of Toronto / Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Urban Forestry Grant and Incentives Program.

We are also grateful to Trees for Life and Green Communities Canada for supporting this project.

Learn more about the TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program on our website https://www.yourleaf.org/tch-planting-and-stewardship-program.