Carleton Place marks National Tree Day with new ‘Autumn Blaze’

For decades, the Town of Carleton Place has made it a priority to preserve the town’s tree canopy, and National Tree Day 2024 was the perfect excuse to contribute to this legacy.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, members of the the town’s Urban Forest/River Corridor Committee and staff celebrated the 13th annual National Tree Day by planting an Autumn Blaze tree in Westview Park on Dunham Street.

National Tree Day is described as “a day for Canadians to celebrate trees, take action on climate change, and connect with nature,” according to a media release from the town.

For a number of years, Carleton Place has been aiming to ensure the town’s tree canopy remains resilient and sustainable for future generations to enjoy. In 1998, the Town introduced a Residential Tree Planting Program, now known as the Bare Root Tree Program, to make trees available to residents for residential planting. Each spring, residents are able to register to receive a tree, select a tree from a list of available species and attend a tree planting workshop to ensure their new tree is cared for appropriately.

The town also has a commemorative tree program for residents wishing to commemorate specific people, events or occasions. Through this program, the town will assist families or groups that wish to have a tree planted, or a bench installed in a park or adjacent to a street in remembrance or commemoration of the loss of an individual or in celebration of an anniversary.

At this year’s Tree Planting Ceremony, it was noted that specifically in 2024:

• The town’s Public Works Department planted 25 – 70mm caliper trees and seven (7) bare root trees for a total of 32 trees planted;
• The Recreation and Culture Department also planted 25 – 70mm caliper trees; and
• Through the Town’s Bare Root Tree Program, 114 bare root trees were sold to Carleton Place residents.

To learn more about National Tree Day and the benefits of trees, visit the Tree Canada website.