Happy International Day of Forests
Every year on March 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Forests and recognizes the invaluable contributions forests and trees make to our planet. Green Communities Canada proudly supports the 2025 theme: Forests and Foods. Forests and trees play an essential role in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.
In honour of this year’s theme, Green Communities Canada is proud to highlight a few of the diverse projects that strengthen the connection between forests and food security. These projects were funded by our Living Cities Canada Fund, which provides local partner organizations (local and regional environmental non-profits, municipalities, conservation authorities, and First Nation governments) across the country with training, funding, and logistical support to engage their community, build public understanding, advance local policy, and implement equity-embedded urban green infrastructure projects where they are needed most.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS:
Wiggins Tiny Forest
- Community Partner: Envirocentre
- Project Location: Ottawa, ON
- Project Size: 50 square metres
- Number of Plants: 155
- Number of Volunteers: 68
Project Summary:
The Wiggins Tiny Forest is a 50 square metre mini forest planted in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood, and was developed in partnership with EnviroCentre, Ottawa Community Housing, and Forêt Capitale Forest. The forest was explicitly designed with an edible fringe of shrubs and fruit trees to address community food insecurity and low tree canopy. This project includes 58 native trees, 47 shrubs, and 50 forbs (herbaceous flowering plants). Engaging 68 community members, the planting day saw both youth and senior participation. EnviroCentre plans to expand on the success of this planting with similar urban “pocket” Tiny Forest projects citywide.
SFN Transitional Housing
- Community Partner: Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN)
- Project Location: Snuneymuxw First Nation, BC
- Project Size: 200 square metres
- Number of Plants: 1036
- Number of Volunteers: 40
Project Summary:
Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) collaborated with the Rotary Club of Nanaimo to create a mini forest at a transitional housing site. Over 1,000 native plants, including culturally significant and edible species such as strawberry and snowberry, were planted following soil excavation and enrichment. Approximately 40 volunteers participated, including SFN community members, Rotary Club seniors, and residents of the housing community. The project provided an opportunity for those new to gardening to gain confidence while engaging individuals who often experience anxiety in larger groups. The planting event garnered widespread community support, with positive feedback and high engagement on social media.
Humber River Lodge
- Community Partner: RAINscapeTO
- Project Location: Toronto, ON
- Project Size: 30 square metres
- Number of Plants: 123
- Number of Volunteers: 148
Project Summary:
Humber River Lodge, known as the Memtigwaake Kinomaage Maawnjiding, supports the urban Indigenous community in reclaiming land for cultural practices. This project, led by RAINscapeTO, engaged 148 volunteers and community members who planted native flora for food, medicine, and ecological restoration after clearing invasives. The event included cultural ceremonies and concluded with a community dinner. Long-term site care is managed by local volunteers and the Memtigwaake Kinomaage Maawnjiding Advisory Circle, ensuring sustainability through native species suited to the area. Future plans involve expanding land reclamation and enhancing partnerships for similar projects.
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