Tree Trust launches in Centre Wellington -

On Saturday, June 1, the Elora Environment Centre hosted “Elora Tree Day 2019” which officially kicked off the charity’s newest program, Tree Trust.

The day began with opening ceremonies at the Elora & District Community Centre as arborists from four different local companies worked side-by-side as the backdrop for festivities and noteworthy speakers, which included MP of Wellington-Halton Hills Michael Chong, historians Al Koop and Gary Bryant of Older Voices, and Jason Thompson, the first-ever Tree Trust donor. Speeches were followed by an inaugural tree-planting of two sugar maples and a guided Tree Walk led by tree-enthusiast Rob Guthrie. After, the festivities migrated to the Elora Centre for the Arts who, in partnership with the Elora Environment Centre, hosted “See the Forest Through the Trees,” a Planet Youth exhibit that combined the powerful metaphor of trees with an important message about mental health.

History

Initially, the grounds were owned by the Elora Park Company which used the grounds as a race track. In 1870 they planted a double row of Sugar Maples at the front of the property, including the program’s first tree.

The current arena on the site was built in the 1980s after the previous incarnation featured wooden trusses that were condemned by the municipality and torn down in the early 1970s.

The program’s first tree, a 150-year-old Sugar maple at the Elora & District Community Centre.

MP of Wellington-Halton Hills Michael Chong shares his support at the launch event.

Founder Toni Ellis (right) thanks Jason Thompson (left), the first Tree Trust donor.

Andrew Doucette of Out of Your Tree Care works live at the event in the Sugar Maple.

Mat Alain, Centre Wellington’s urban forest manager, plants one of two Sugar Maples beside the legacy tree.

Al Koop (left) and Gary Bryant (right) of Older Voices dressed in historical clothing present the history of the now Elora & District Community Centre.

Thank you to Baum Tree Care, MW Tree Services, Full Circle Tree Care and Out of Your Tree Care for teaming up to launch Tree Trust in Centre Wellington.