Money is available to landowners interested in planting trees. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority offers private landowners tree planting programs that help them get technical advice, planting plans and funding for trees. 

“We have numerous community-minded partners providing funding to projects to help reduce landowner costs,” says Scott Danford, RVCA Forestry Program Manager. “We offer planting programs that make it easy and affordable for landowners.”

To be eligible, landowners need at least one acre of land and are willing to plant a minimum of 500 trees. If you have the space, RVCA can help get trees growing on your land for 15 cents a tree. Since 1983, RVCA has planted over 5.25 million trees on private property for landowners. 

“The RVCA provides professional reforestation services including the site preparation, planning and planting,” says Danford. “We also ensure success, with post planting visits and follow-up operations. It is a great deal at 15 cents a tree.” 

Now is the time to book a free site visit where RVCA staff will meet to discuss the landowner’s objectives and to evaluate the best way to reforest the land. Planting could take place in spring 2018.

Tree planting is one the most practical ways to take care of our watershed and the wider environment. Trees improve local biodiversity by providing shelter for birds and wildlife, while at the same time providing us with windbreaks, screening and shade. Forests act as a major filter and cleansing system for water that soaks into the ground and feeds our wells and underground water systems. The newly planted trees take a little tender loving care in their early years, but once they are “free-growing”, they provide all of these advantages for up to 80 years or more. Trees are vital for a healthy and sustainable future; start planning now for planting next spring.

The program is made possible thanks to the RVCA’s 18 member municipalities, the City of Ottawa’s Green Acre Program, the Province of Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program, Forest Ontario and numerous private businesses and watershed residents who donate to the tree planting program.

To get more information or to book a free site visit, contact Scott Danford, RVCA Forestry Program Manager at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-387-5304, ext. 1175. Now is the time to take root and grow a green legacy.