Media Release
For Immediate Release
May 3, 2008

Taking Root in Markham - Mayor Launches Trees For Tomorrow

"During this term of Council, we will plant more trees than we have planted in the last decade, making Markham a greener and better place to live and work."

~ Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Markham, ON ~ "Every time you plant a tree, Markham breathes a little easier," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti at the Trees for Tomorrow launch May 3.

In his inaugural speech at the beginning of Council's term, Mayor Scarpitti pledged to plant more trees in the next four years than had been planted in the last decade. To meet this commitment Markham and its partners have plans in place to plant more than 75,000 trees by the end of 2010 – one for every Markham household.

The first Markham community tree planting took place at Milne Park Conservation Area. Community plantings are also planned for Settlers Park on May 4 and with TD Friends of the Environment on May 10.

"You can expect to see more community planting events throughout the year. The Town is establishing $250,000 annual Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund to help make this happen. Community groups and non-government organizations will be able to apply for funding for tree-planting initiatives," said Mayor Scarpitti.

In 2007, more than 16,000 trees were planted. Trees will take root throughout Markham this year with plantings planned in 2009 and 2010. A total of over $1.2 million was committed from the Town's 2007 and 2008 budgets for Trees for Tomorrow.

An aspect of the Trees for Tomorrow initiative is a partnership with the Region of York and Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) on a residential backyard planting program. The Town is also working with Evergreen who will deliver three community-based plantings in Markham. Markham plans to work with local businesses and the development community to help them enhance their industrial, commercial and residential locations.

On Town-owned land, there are areas of focus for plantings that will have a visible, tangible and long term impact on the physical and urban character of the Town.

Town initiatives include enhancing:

• Existing parks with additional caliper tree plantings, natural areas and buffers with naturalized native sapling plantings so that parks become more ecologically diverse, environmentally sustainable while increasing wildlife habitat
  
  
• Gateways where feasible with distinctive trees and shrubs, so that the experience of entering into Markham is distinct
  
  
• Major arterial roads in partnership with the Region of York with distinctive tree species so that 'great streetscapes' are created
  
  
• Newer parks by adding more trees where appropriate to strengthen the design and programming intent
  
  
• Communities and neighbourhoods with distinctive plantings so that they retain a distinctive visual character
  
  
• Public buildings and facilities with additional tree plantings where appropriate
  
  
• Valleylands with native species that in consultation with the TRCA support sustainability, diversity and fisheries management

"I encourage everyone to get involved! Help us create a green legacy for the future," said the Mayor.

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Background – Tree Facts:

• A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs/year and release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support 2 human beings*
  
  
• A single mature tree reduces the same amount of atmospheric CO2 as released by a typical car driven 500 miles*
  
  
• Over a 50-year lifetime, a savings in dollars can be recognized: a tree generates $47,187 worth of oxygen, provides $93,620 worth of air pollution control, recycles $56,635 worth of water, and controls $47,187 worth of soil erosion*
  
  
• Buildings, roads and bridges receive wind and temperature protection. When placed in a proper position in your yard, they act as a windbreaker and insulator. This can mean lower home heating costs – saving money.
  
  
• Various parts of a tree absorb sound waves by deflecting the waves in different directions. This reduces the sound's intensity, keeping noise levels down.
  
  
• The elimination of greenhouse gas and the clean air impacts of the Trees for Tomorrow program will be fully reported.
  
  
• The Trees for Tomorrow program will emphasize the use of native species in the plantings.

* source www.coloradotrees.org

Media Contact:
Markham Corporate Communications 905-479-7754