MOB, one of the largest banks in North America, has partnered with Tree Canada and the forest industry to celebrate National Tree Day {September 22] to help Canadians improve the health of their communities.
Over three days, September 25-28, more than 3000 registered volunteers—co-workers, friends, and families—will gather in parks and greenspaces across Canada to plant trees, remove invasive plant species, and increase local biodiversity.
This is the largest National Tree Day ever, with 21 community planting events in 18 communities. Planting sites vary, with the largest events in Mississauga and Markham, Ontario, with more than 400 volunteers and smaller plantings in Saint John, New Brunswick and Quebec City, where large calliper trees will be planted.
[You may hear landscape professionals refer to a tree’s calliper. Rather than relying on a measure of a tree’s height or the width of its leafy canopy, calliper refers to the diameter of a tree’s trunk]
Trees Canada works with local partners, including municipalities, stewardship and conservation groups, and forestry specialists, to oversee the plantings. This includes sourcing native trees that are adapted to local conditions, site preparation, and post-planting maintenance to ensure long-term growth.
“Each year, BMO volunteers look forward to picking up a shovel to help increase community well-being and address climate change by planting native trees and shrubs in local parks and green spaces across Canada,” said Helen Seibel, head of employee and community giving at BMO.
“Our partnership with Tree Canada is one way we’re working to make progress for a sustainable future for our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve and deliver on our climate ambition,” Ms Seibel said.
Since 2022, Tree Canada and BMO have worked together to support the growth of urban greenspaces, engage Canadians in this important work and increase their knowledge about the benefits and value of trees. Trees provide important environmental, social and health benefits where people live and work. Improving the urban tree canopy is key to reducing the heat island effect in cities, removing air pollutants, and increasing wildlife habitat and local biodiversity.
BMO donated CAN $200,000 to support National Tree Day 2024 and $350,000 over the previous two years. Thanks to the bank’s support, more volunteers – including hundreds of BMO employees – have an opportunity to plant more trees in more communities every year. On National Tree Day last year, more than 1450 volunteers planted more than 6300 trees in 19 communities.
“Every year, Tree Canada is inspired by the growing number of people who come out to plant trees with us on National Tree Day,” said Nicole Hurtubise, CEO of Tree Canada. “The look of satisfaction and bright smiles from volunteers, young and old alike, tell us that planting trees is a meaningful experience,” she said.
“Trees and green spaces are essential in the climate adaptation toolbox. They cool our cities and homes, create wind barriers, and reduce flooding. As our communities adapt to this new reality, it is truly heartening to see that more individuals, local groups and businesses are taking steps to grow Canada’s tree canopy.”
Since 1992, Tree Canada has worked relentlessly to grow Canada’s tree canopy through greening programs, research, and engagement efforts. It is the only national non-profit organisation dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments.
BMO is the 8th largest bank in North America, providing 13 million customers with personal and commercial banking, global markets, and investment banking services.
