On October 15th, Calgary Climate Hub hosted a community tree planting event generously supported by Calgary Parks. Over 100 community volunteers came out on a chilly Sunday morning and planted nearly 400 trees of various native species including spruce, pine, larch, aspen and poplar. The event began with an Indigenous blessing and smudge ceremony offered by Elder Marilyn Shingoose from the Cote Band, Treaty 4, who now lives and works in Calgary, Treaty 7 territory. Mayor Gondek and Ward 5 Councilor Raj Dhaliwal both spoke in support of community tree planting initiatives, as well as Peter Bhullar, Vice President of the Saddle Ridge Community Association and Alan Joiner, Calgary Urban Forestry Superintendent.

Calgary Parks prepared the site for planting, including soil amendment, delivered shovels, mulch, tree whips and seedlings. Before planting a safety talk and tree planting demo was provided by Colin Truman from Calgary Parks. Then the planting began in earnest. In about an hour the four hundred trees were in the ground and everyone shifted gears to spreading mulch. A human chain formed from the mulch piles along a path through the centre of the forest and buckets of mulch were passed hand to hand along the line. In just under two hours the job was done and the forest looked fantastic!

Special thanks to Randi Kelley, Field Coordinator from Calgary parks who was instrumental in planning and organizing the event; Navjot Sharma for bringing out a group of 50 volunteers from the Shah Satnam Ji Green S Welfare Society, and for making delicious chai and cookies; the group of volunteers from Dawoodi Bohras of Calgary; and all the volunteers from the Saddle Ridge Community and the Calgary Climate Hub. And a massive thanks to the Alberta Real Estate Foundation for supporting our Nature Based Solutions Program and efforts.