Forests Canada and Ontario Parks Plant 12,000 Native Trees Across Provincial Parks
Ontario Parks Tree Planting Supports Biodiversity
TORONTO — Forests Canada and Ontario Parks have completed a large-scale restoration initiative that saw 12,000 native trees and shrubs planted across nine provincial parks in Ontario.
The restoration effort was launched to help repair damage caused by extreme weather events, invasive species, shoreline erosion, and tree loss linked to insects and disease.
According to Forests Canada, 4,500 potted trees and shrubs representing 39 native species were planted throughout several parks during the fall and spring planting seasons. An additional 7,500 seedlings were recently planted at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park following extensive storm damage that forced the park’s closure in June 2025.
The restoration work also included projects at Charleston Lake Provincial Park, Craigleith Provincial Park, Emily Provincial Park, McRae Point Provincial Park, Presqu’ile Provincial Park, Rock Point Provincial Park, Sibbald Point Provincial Park, and Turkey Point Provincial Park.
Restoration Efforts Focus on Long-Term Forest Health
Jess Kaknevicius, CEO of Forests Canada, said the organization approaches forest recovery through a long-term strategy that includes seed collection, seedling production, planting, and survival monitoring.
In a statement, Kaknevicius said the organization is proud to support the long-term health of Ontario’s provincial parks through restoration projects that strengthen biodiversity and support local ecosystems.
The initiative was supported through the Species Conservation Program, with a focus on restoring habitats and supporting species at risk throughout Ontario’s park system.
Mark McDermid, Seed & Stock Specialist with Forests Canada, said the organization worked with five nurseries and five planting partners to complete the projects while maintaining high planting standards.
McDermid also credited Ontario Parks staff for their collaboration and enthusiasm throughout the restoration efforts.
Ontario Highlights Importance of Provincial Parks
Ontario Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Todd McCarthy said provincial parks remain central to Ontario’s natural heritage and outdoor recreation system.
In a statement, McCarthy said partnerships focused on restoration and conservation help ensure parks remain healthy and accessible for future generations.
The restoration project comes as Ontario parks continue facing increasing environmental pressures linked to severe weather, invasive species, and climate-related ecosystem changes.
Forests Canada has also released a new video documenting restoration work completed at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park following last year’s storm damage.
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