Green Communities Canada Partners with Greenbelt Foundation to bring the benefits of mini forests to the Greenbelt
We are grateful to the Greenbelt Foundation for generously funding five impactful projects through our Demonstrate Stream of the Living Cities Canada Fund in 2024. Project partners included Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, the City of Hamilton, Grandmother’s Voice, Little Forests Durham, Ontariogreen Conservation Association, and the Town of Lincoln.
Together, these projects transformed 1,610 square metres within the Ontario Greenbelt, adding a total of 4,885 plants. The Greenbelt Foundation’s commitment to supporting green infrastructure has been instrumental in advancing our shared vision for equitable, abundant and thriving Living Cities. Thank you for being an invaluable partner in this journey!
Project Highlights:
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
- Project Location: Mississauga, ON
- Project Size: 120 square metres
- Number of Plants: 420
- Number of Volunteers: 48
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation transformed an area by their head office into a vibrant green space. Located in Meadowvale Conservation Area, this planting created a 120 square metre mini forest in what was previously an open lawn area between parking lots. The planting area was divided into two parts to preserve an existing pedestrian route and drainage pathway while minimizing visual obstructions. Over two planting days, 420 native trees and shrubs were installed by volunteers, including corporate groups and Credit Valley Conservation staff. After the planting was finished, mulch was added, mycorrhizal inoculant was applied, and deer protection fencing was installed around the area.
City of Hamilton
- Project Location: Hamilton, ON
- Project Size: 900 square metres
- Number of Plants: 2,760
- Number of Volunteers: 239
The Pritchard Trail project is situated within the Albion Falls Open Space in Hamilton, Ontario. This project aimed to enhance the existing natural environment through a significant addition of green infrastructure. The picturesque Albion Falls is part of the Red Hill Creek and the ecologically sensitive Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 2,760 native trees and shrubs were planted to revitalize this important area. The City of Hamilton provided resources for site preparation, including mowing, composting, and mulching. The selected species, all native to the region, were carefully chosen to foster a biodiverse and resilient ecosystem.
The project featured four planting events that engaged a total of 239 volunteers from various backgrounds, including Indigenous families, local schools, and community groups. The first, a Truth and Reconciliation event, took place in collaboration with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg and other community organizations, highlighting cultural ceremonies and educational components. The other events were a mix of Healthy and Safe Communities, residents and Lawfield Elementary and Strathcona Elementary.
Moving forward, the site will undergo regular monitoring and maintenance, including watering, weeding, and replenishing materials. The vision for this area is to continue expanding the naturalized space and planting additional trees and shrubs.
Grandmother’s Voice
- Project Location: Oakville, ON
- Project Size: 100 square metres
- Number of Plants: 310
- Number of Volunteers: 100
Grandmother’s Voice led the creation of a new mini forest at Valleybrook Park in Oakville, Ontario. They transformed an area that had been overgrown with invasive buckthorn and other weeds. During the site preparation phase, temporary signage about the upcoming project was installed in the park. The signage helped engage many neighbours in conversations that led to invitations to participate. A series of planting days engaged community members, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous neighbors, seniors, visually impaired volunteers, and families. Activities included an opening smudging ceremony, community planting, and education on ecological benefits. Native trees and shrubs were selected for three planting zones based on soil conditions, with guidance from Indigenous Elders and sourced from Kayanase Greenhouse, Six Nations.
Little Forests Durham
- Project Location: Uxbridge, ON
- Project Size: 200 square metres
- Number of Plants: 600
- Number of Volunteers: 180
Little Forests Durham planted the first mini forest in the Durham region at the Fields of Uxbridge. The 200 square metre site is near a wetland and part of a protected area in the Lake Simcoe Region . On planting day, over 80 volunteers arrived ready to work, putting 420 trees and 180 shrubs in the ground. Going forward, Rotary Club of Uxbridge and Little Forests Durham will host volunteer days to conduct site maintenance, ensuring mulch is topped up, removing weeds, and watering. This project received positive feedback and there are already plans for future mini forests in nearby areas.
Ontariogreen Conservation Association / Town of Lincoln
- Project Location: Lincoln, ON
- Project Size: 290 square metres
- Number of Plants: 795
- Number of Volunteers: 40
Ontariogreen Conservation Association and the Town of Lincoln collaborated to plant a mini forest in Rotary Park, located in Beamsville, ON. A total of 795 trees and shrubs were planted in the 290 square metre area, showcasing a variety of species and height classes to foster biodiversity. The project also features a Birds’ Berry Bush Planting, which includes native berry-producing shrubs to supply food for birds and other wildlife.
The planting day was a collaborative effort, uniting community members, dignitaries, and project partners. The main planting session included 40 community volunteers working alongside a team of five Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) staff. This project has inspired future plans for ongoing community engagement and educational opportunities.
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