The environment and how we care for it, is one of six strategic pillars for the City of Waterloo. We are leaders in the protection of our natural resources because of important environmental initiatives and partnerships such as TD Tree Days.

Today, our community has a 12.2% urban tree canopy with a goal of increasing this number to 30%. Many area municipalities experienced a setback in 2013 when extensive damage from three ice and wind storms occurred. In Waterloo, an estimated 700 park trees and 700 street trees were damaged, making this year’s TD Tree Day even more important than ever.

Last year, TD Tree Days in Waterloo had a strong turnout of enthusiastic TD employees, families and Girl Guides that managed to plant 500 native trees and shrubs in Waterloo Park in only two hours!

We look forward to working with TD Tree Days volunteers again this year on September 20  as we plant 360 native trees and shrubs in Waterloo Park.

This planting will provide shade and a seed source, increase the tree canopy and replace damaged trees lost during storm events. The new vegetation will also help to protect the adjacent wetland and creek tributary, which drains into Laurel Creek - an important watershed within our community.

It is through the generous support of urban forestry initiatives, such as TD Tree Days, that Waterloo’s urban tree canopy continues to grow and thrive through community stewardship and action.