Ontario, Canada, January 2026
PUR and A Tree for You (ATFY) have spent five years positively impacting farm landscapes in Ontario through tree planting interventions that address farmer needs, promote biodiversity, and protect soil and waterways. Since 2020, ATFY has supported the planting of over 17,000 trees, of which 16 species, across 8 farms throughout Southern Ontario. After monitoring, 12,906 trees are thriving, restoring more than 10 hectares of agricultural landscape.
Local staff have worked closely with farmers to determine the most relevant planting models, species and number of trees, while providing key ecosystem services and supporting farmers’ long-term goals. As this partnership comes to a close, PUR and ATFY reflect on the meaningful impact created together and the lasting legacy these trees will provide for generations to come.
Five Years of Impact: By the Numbers
- Trees Planted: 17,150
- Trees Alive: 12,906
- Species Planted: 16
- Hectares Restored: 10.38
- Farms Supported: 8
A Timeline of Growth
2020: The partnership began at Everdale Farm, where 2,934 trees were planted to support this organic farm’s mission of building community resiliency and a vibrant local food system.
2021: A total of 7,788 trees were planted across 5 farms in Southern Ontario near Creemore, Ilderton, Ravenna, Walters Falls, and Dalston. Despite challenges from forest fires and the invasive moth Lymantria dispar, dedicated farmers supported tree recovery.
2022: A total of 7,812 trees were planted across 2 farms near Mossley and Kawartha Lakes. PUR staff observed that seedlings planted near existing tree canopies were healthier, benefiting from wind protection, cooler conditions, and enriched soil from established habitats.
2023: Monitoring revealed divergent outcomes at the two 2022 sites. The Mossley site achieved a 96% survival rate, indicating excellent conditions for the trees. The Kawartha Lakes site showed 61% survival due to high weed density and competition, prompting recommendations for increased mowing and plans to reassess and replant in 2024.
2024: Following monitoring that showed 61% survival at Kawartha Lakes, 1,550 trees were replanted at an alternative site near Leamington to ensure the project reached its full impact potential.
2025: Final monitoring confirmed the success of adaptive management strategies, with combined survival rates meeting project goals.
The Diversity of Actors Behind This Success
This project has demonstrated the importance of collaboration, as tree planting requires a diverse set of actors working together to ensure success of the project. Nurseries provide reliable supplies of high-quality tree stock, and the expertise required for seed collection, growing, and propagation. Local partners and conservation authorities prepare land for planting, execute plantings, and monitor tree survival. Their localized experience ensures contextually appropriate designs and effective adaptive management strategies. Participating farmers are the stewards of these planting projects. By involving them in species selection and design, feasible plantings are created that are desirable to maintain, ensuring farmers appreciate and safeguard the wellbeing of the trees. Funders like A Tree for You donors make each step of project implementation possible, ensuring that planting projects are built with all the necessary expertise to achieve their desired impacts.
Looking Ahead: A Lasting Legacy
While the A Tree for You project in Ontario is ending, PUR is pleased to see continued growth and interest in tree planting across Canada. A local technician, shared: “Through outstanding collaboration and the passionate expertise and support of great teams from both organizations, we have collectively worked toward conserving, restoring, and growing forests that will benefit generations to come.“
The trees planted as part of this partnership will continue to provide ecosystem services for decades to come: connecting isolated forest fragments, improving natural habitats and biodiversity, improving soil health, protecting waterways and sequestering carbon. These living legacies will benefit Ontario’s landscapes and communities for a long time to come.
Deep gratitude to A Tree for You donors
A big thank you to the donors of A Tree for You for five years of dedicated partnership. Your ongoing support has made it possible to restore more than 10 hectares of agricultural landscapes, plant more than 17,000 trees, and collaborate with eight farming families who are now the guardians of robust tree stands. These successful plantings would not have been possible without you.
