The Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Regenesis@York, Grounds, Facilities Services, the SDG Student Hub and the Division of Students, hosted two community tree-planting events on York’s campuses.
On Wednesday, Oct. 27, on the lower part of the Glendon Campus, the first tree-planting event took place; the second event was held on Wednesday, Nov. 3, on the grounds that surround the Stong Pond.
The trees were purchased through a tree-planting grant received by Regenesis@York from the City of Toronto. The grant was provided to purchase native trees to advance the city’s strategic priorities to invest in people and neighbourhoods, tackle climate change and build resilience.
Participants worked together, creating a greener campus while helping to restore ecosystems to aid in the mitigation of climate change. As trees grow, they help mitigate the effects of climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing that carbon within the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
The tree-planting event provided an opportunity for community members to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and benefit both mentally and physically, all while advancing York’s efforts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land (SDG 15).
The event was oversubscribed, with an overwhelming number of registrants. Participant spaces were limited due to the current COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and protocols in place. More events of this kind will be added in the future by the Office of Sustainability so that community members can enjoy the beauty of the University’s Keele and Glendon campuses. Each event advances the University’s progress towards meeting its goal of carbon neutrality on or before 2049.