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Trees for Streams looking for volunteers for spring planting events

April 2, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The South Simcoe Streams Network is looking for volunteers to help plant trees at its Trees for Streams event in May.

If you appreciate the environment and would like to help, the Streams Network plants trees and shrubs along waterways in New Tecumseth, Essa, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Adjala-Tosontio, and Innisfil.

Trees and shrubs prevent bank erosion and create habitat for different species.

This work is essential to streams in the region and helps undo damage caused by livestock crossings, weather, and human activity.

The work saves the lives of fish and other marine life. It also protects streams and fresh water by keeping them flowing and preventing them from drying out, clogging, or impeding their flow to larger bodies of water.

This valuable work is done by committee members, volunteers, and students.

“We’re actively prepping for those planting sites,” explained Silvia Pedrazzi, co-chair of the South Simcoe Streams Network. “We are hoping for many volunteers, but it would be nice to get at least 30 people out to each event. We have between 400 and 500 seedlings to plant, so the more we can get out, the better.”

Pedrazzi added, “In the past, we had a really good turnout, and we’re hoping to have the same this time. We do all the training. Volunteers should realize we will be on uneven ground. People are used to parks, and we won’t be in a park. We have volunteers and families who like to come out and get outside. We do ask that everyone who comes out to register so we will know how many will be coming out.”

Volunteers will be trained to plant trees and shrubs, then follow up with other methods to protect the seedlings once they are in the ground.

Planting trees is a fun outdoor activity that allows you to connect with the environment.

Students who volunteer will be credited with community hours for their school requirements.

Community tree planting dates and locations include:

• Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, along the Nottawasaga River southwest of Alliston in Adjala-Tosontio
• Sunday, May 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at East Beeton Creek off the 4th Line in Tottenham
• Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to noon, along the South Pine River at Bob Geddes Park in Angus
• Sunday, May 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Thornton Community Centre (Mother’s Day event)

To attend one of these events, you can register at http://www.surverymonkey.com/r/MTFCST9

For more information, call South Simcoe Streams Network co-chairs, Silvia Pedrazzi at 905-936-4333 and John Herring at 705-440-7466.

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