Samuel de Champlain is one of nine provincial parks to see 12,000 native trees and shrubs planted by Forests Canada and Ontario Parks this past fall and spring.
It was part of efforts to restore the natural beauty and support species conservation in provincial parks impacted by extreme weather events, invasive species, tree loss due to insects and disease, or shoreline erosion.
4,500 potted trees and species of shrubs were planted in targeted areas of all nine parks, with another 7,500 seedlings recently planted at Samuel de Champlain.
Officials say the added seedlings were planted to help restore sections of the park after extensive storm damage in June last year.
“Forests Canada is proud to lead the restoration efforts and promote the long-term health of these incredible spaces,” Jess Kaknevicius, CEO, Forests Canada, says. “We approach our forest recovery work in a systematic way – considering every stage from seed collection and seedling production to planting and long-term survival, and we are honoured to put our knowledge, experience and network of partners to work benefitting Ontario’s provincial parks.”
The other eight provincial parks include Charleston Lake, Craigleith, Emily, McRae Point, Presqu’ile, Rock Point, Sibbald Point, and Turkey Point.
“Provincial parks are at the heart of Ontario’s natural heritage, and our government is proud to support initiatives that give families and communities more opportunities to explore our great outdoors,” says Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Through strong partnerships and targeted investments, we can help ensure our parks remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.”
Forests Canada is a national charity dedicated to conserving, restoring, and growing Canada’s forests.
