Conservation group needs some helping hands to grow a new tiny forest in Oakville

The Oakvillegreen Conservation Association is looking to bring a new tiny forest to Oakville.

The non-partisan environmental charity is looking for volunteers to help them create a new native forest. The Mini Forest Site Prep will take place Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre.

Volunteers will help prepare the ground for the planting of the trees on Sept. 30.

Supported by Green Communities Canada and Definity Insurance Foundation, the partnership will see the group transform a site on the grounds of the Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre using an innovative tree-planning method modelled after the Miyawaki forest technique.

The technique mimics the way a forest would recolonise itself if humans were to leave it. Only native species of trees that would occur naturally in that area, given the specific climate condition, are planted.

This marks Oakvillegreen’s first ever mini forest project.

“We need some helping hands,” said the conservation group on its website.

The non-partisan environmental charity has been helping to protect and restore nature through community education and location since 2000.

Since its start, Oakvillegreen has planted more than 35,500 trees in natural areas and local greenspace with the help of volunteers.

“Help us grow Oakville’s urban forest canopy and enhance natural diversity today,” said the conversation group. “It’s a fun way to get outdoors for families and individuals of all ages. Our treeplanting events take place in spring and fall.

“Bring the family or come as a group and experience the pride in planting trees together to give our urban forest a boost!”

Those interested in being a volunteer for the Mini Forest Site Prep can register here.