City of Leduc to Plant 20,000 Trees as Part of the 2 Billion Trees Program

Forests are a nature-based climate solution: trees contribute to biodiversity, protect and conserve water resources, and lower emissions by capturing and storing excess carbon. Forests and trees also clean the air that we breathe and help cool urban centres.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, and Bob Young, Mayor of the City of Leduc, announced a $363,000 contribution to Leduc'sUrban Tree Canopy Expansion project. Leduc will plant 20,000 trees supported by federal funding through the 2 Billion Trees program.

In Leduc, native tree species like balsam poplar, trembling aspen, lodgepole pine and white spruce will be planted in urban parks, along boulevards, and around restored wetland areas to advance naturalization efforts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Planting will take place on City-owned land this year and next, providing ecological benefits and increased wellness throughout the community for years to come. All newly planted trees will be monitored to make sure they grow and flourish. The first wave of tree planting is starting at the City’s annual Arbour Day event on June 3, 2023.

The Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program is not only helping to clean the air and keep neighbourhoods cool in the summer, it will create sustainable jobs and fight climate change while protecting nature and reinforcing valuable habitats and biodiversity. Currently, agreements are signed and under negotiation to support Indigenous communities, profit and non-profit organizations and provincial, territorial, and municipal governments for planting over 260 million trees.

By working together with provinces, territories, local communities and Indigenous Peoples, Canada is continuing  to build a prosperous, sustainable, and healthy future — for our environment and for future generations of Canadians.

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Quotes

“Trees are essential to our lives — they capture carbon, improve air quality and support wildlife — and they are important allies in our fight against climate change. That’s why Canada has committed to planting two billion trees. Through this investment to plant 20,000 trees in Leduc, we are collaborating with municipal and local partners to help deliver more climate-resilient communities while ensuring cleaner air for future generations.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Natural Resources

“We are thankful for the Government of Canada's support as trees play a significant role in environmental preservation. This funding will advance the City’s priority and commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Bob Young, Mayor
City of Leduc

Related Information

• 2 Billion Trees program
• Our action: How we will get there together
• Planting the right tree in the right place for a better tomorrow
• 2 Billion Trees working with provinces and territories
• 2 Billion Trees program ongoing call for proposals
• 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
• Natural Climate Solutions Fund
• Urban Tree Canopy Expansion Project
• City of Leduc Arbour Day

Contacts
Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca