Whitby Teaches Youth Real-World Skills to Grow and Care for Trees

The Town of Whitby is teaching students and local youth how to plant and care for trees through hands-on learning this spring – helping to grow greener neighbourhoods across the community.

For more than 10 years, Whitby’s Forestry team has partnered with Durham College’s Horticulture Program to run a full-day tree pruning workshop. Students learn by doing, working alongside Town staff who show them how to properly care for trees and keep them safe and healthy.

That learning continued in the community on May 2, when the Town teamed up with Scouts Canada for its annual Scouts Tree Planting Event at College Downs Park.

Scouts, families and volunteers planted new trees, helping expand Whitby’s urban forest. Forestry staff were on site to show proper planting techniques and explain how trees help clean the air, cool neighbourhoods, and support wildlife.

The Town continues to invest in its urban forest as part of its work to build healthier, greener neighbourhoods.

QUOTES

“Working with students and youth helps us take care of Whitby’s trees now and in the future. It also gives young people the skills and confidence to help protect the environment in their own communities.”

                                 - Matt Gaskell, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Whitby

LEARN MORE

Learn more at whitby.ca/urbanforest.