Lincoln, ON – (April 25, 2025) - In celebration of Arbor Day, the Town of Lincoln proudly highlights the significant strides made by the Urban Forest Management Review working group since its inception in late 2023. This collaborative team – made up of engaged residents, Council members, and Town staff – has been working toward a key goal of establishing a Tree Protection By-law to preserve and grow Lincoln’s valuable tree canopy. In partnership with Ontariogreen, the team has made major advances in the Town’s efforts to protect and expand the local urban tree population.
2024 Accomplishments:
- 1,000 Tree Planting Community Challenge: United the community around a shared environmental goal, resulting in surpassing the goal of 1,000 trees planted across the Town.
- Heritage Tree Hunt: Highlighted the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of native trees in Lincoln via a cash prize challenge.
- Native Tree giveaway and Rain Barrel Sale: Encouraged sustainable practices and greater native biodiversity.
- Miyawaki Mini Forests Pilot Project at Rotary Park: Created a dense, diverse native forest in an urban space, supporting pollinators and local wildlife.
- Draft Tree Policy Work: Made significant progress toward a comprehensive private tree protection policy, with public consultation taking place in Spring 2025 and finalization anticipated later this year.
Goals for 2025:
- Increase Urban Forest Outreach and Education: The group will continue to deepen community knowledge and engagement through new events, workshops, and information sessions.
- Continue and Grow Tree Planting Initiatives: Set the bar higher for the number of trees planted in and by the community to 1,200 new trees in Lincoln this year, as well as continuing the successful Tree and Rain Barrel Sale.
- Support Climate Resilience through Tree Strategy: Align urban forestry goals with the Town’s broader climate change response efforts.
Quotes:
“Lincoln is proud to be a community rooted in sustainability. Trees are vital to our quality of life – supporting biodiversity, providing shade, and helping us fight climate change.” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “I’m grateful for the dedication of the Urban Forest Management Review Working Group and the many residents who’ve taken action to grow and protect our tree canopy. Together, we are shaping a greener legacy.”
Michael Kirkopoulos, the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Lincoln, added “Our urban forest is a strategic asset, and the work we’re doing now will benefit generations to come. The collaboration between Councillors, Town staff, residents, and environmental leaders is key to developing thoughtful policies that support both development and sustainability. This initiative is a testament to what we can accomplish together”.
Liz Benneian, Executive Director of Ontariogreen Conservation Association and Urban Forest working group member stated that “Lincoln is setting an example for other municipalities. The passion and vision shown by this group – and the Town’s willingness to act on it – show how local efforts can have a big environmental impact. The tree protection by-law will be a critical step forward, ensuring we don’t just plant trees, but that we value and safeguard the ones we already have.”
To learn more about the Town’s Urban Forest initiatives, the working group, or to get involved, visit Speak Up Lincoln.
- 30 -
For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230
Backgrounder: 1,000 Tree Planting Community Challenge -
Tree Mapping Inventory
Overview
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and enhancing urban forestry, the Town of Lincoln launched the 1,000 Tree Planting Community Challenge in 2024. This initiative aimed to engage residents, businesses, and community groups in planting trees across the town to combat climate change, improve air quality, and beautify neighbourhoods.
2024 Achievements
The community responded enthusiastically, surpassing the initial goal by planting 1,160 trees throughout Lincoln. This collective effort not only increased the town's tree canopy but also fostered a sense of community pride and environmental stewardship.
2025 Goals
Building on the success of the previous year, the Town has set an ambitious target for 2025: planting 1,200 new trees. Residents are encouraged to participate by planting trees on their properties and contributing to public planting events.
Tree Mapping Inventory
To track progress and visualize the impact of the tree planting efforts, the Town has introduced an online Tree Mapping Inventory. This interactive tool allows participants to "pin" the location of newly planted trees, providing a real-time map of the growing urban forest. The inventory serves as both a record of community contributions and a resource for planning future planting initiatives.
How to Participate
- Plant a Tree: Choose a suitable native tree species and plant it on your property or participate in community planting events.
- Map Your Tree: After planting, visit the Tree Mapping Inventory to log your tree's location and details.
- Stay Informed: Follow the Town's updates on upcoming planting events, workshops, and educational resources related to urban forestry.
Community Impact
The 1,000 Tree Planting Community Challenge exemplifies Lincoln's dedication to environmental initiatives and community engagement. By involving citizens directly in urban forestry efforts, the Town fosters a collaborative approach to sustainability and climate resilience.
Contact Information
For more information on the Tree Planting Challenge, Tree Mapping Inventory, or to get involved in upcoming events, please contact the Town's Parks and Recreation Department, visit the Rooted in Lincoln webpage or Speak Up Lincoln.