Residents across eastern Ontario will once again have the opportunity to plant free trees this spring thanks to a regional initiative led by South Nation Conservation (SNC) and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA).
The two conservation authorities, working in partnership with several municipalities, plan to distribute a combined total of 10,000 native and naturalized trees and shrubs in 2026 as part of their annual tree planting program.
The initiative aims to help residents contribute to healthier ecosystems while strengthening environmental resilience across local communities.
Mayor Mike Tarnowski highlighted the program in a recent message shared on social media, encouraging residents to take advantage of the opportunity.
“As Mayor and a member of the South Nation Conservation Board, I’m proud to support programs like this that deliver real environmental benefits at the local level,” wrote Tarnowski. “Every tree planted helps strengthen our region’s resilience to flooding, drought, and erosion, while also improving biodiversity and wildlife habitat.”
Thousands of seedlings available
SNC will have more than 8,000 seedlings available through its portion of the program alone, with distribution taking place across participating municipalities.
Residents interested in receiving a bundle of seedlings are invited to reserve them online through their conservation authority’s website or social media channels.
Requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and quantities are limited in each municipality.
Applicants whose reservations are confirmed will receive an email notification with additional details.
Tree pickup events are scheduled for late April and early May, although specific dates and locations may vary depending on the municipality and the availability of tree species.
Participants are encouraged to monitor their email inboxes, including spam or junk folders, for confirmation messages and pickup instructions.
Officials note that different tree and shrub species may be distributed depending on supply and the area where residents live.
Residents of the municipalities of North Glengarry and South Stormont will need to reserve their seedlings through the RRCA website, while residents in other participating communities can access the reservation form through SCN.
Building greener communities
The free seedling program is part of ongoing efforts by regional conservation authorities to promote tree planting and environmental stewardship throughout eastern Ontario.
By encouraging residents to plant native and naturalized trees, the program helps improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, enhance wildlife habitat, and strengthen the resilience of local watersheds.
“I encourage our residents to take part and help grow a greener, healthier future for our community,” Tarnowski wrote.
More information about the program and the seedling reservation process is available through the websites and social media pages of South Nation Conservation and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority.
