One tree does make a difference

This is a call to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day by planting a tree

The Morris Flowers Garden Centre in Creston, B.C., is one of the many places to buy a tree for Earth Day 2016. — Kristen Mitchell photo

Here’s my simple request to you, dear reader. Will you join me in planting a tree during April to celebrate Earth Day 2016 on April 22?

Your one tree will be a part of the Global Forest, a campaign sponsored by the global network of Earth Day organizations. The goal is to plant 7.8 billion trees by 2020—one for every person on the planet—thus reducing carbon emissions by nearly nine billion tonnes per year by 2030.

“The notion of planting trees can seem quaint, almost too simple,” states Earth Day Canada on its website. “But the reality is, restoring our forests remains the most affordable, health-promoting and regenerative solution to climate change.”

Countries around the globe are committing to growing this global forest to help meet their carbon reduction targets under the Paris Climate Agreement. Canada’s commitment translates into planting 35 million trees by 2020.

What type of tree will you plant? Any species will do, but personally my preferences would be for trees that produce food for humans or animals, such as trees that produce fruit or mast (which is a fancy word for the fruit of forest trees like oak or beech).

Staff in all of the wonderful garden supply businesses and nurseries in the Kootenays will gladly assist you in your tree selection.

If you do not own a piece of ground or do not want a new tree on your property, you can give a tree as a gift to someone who wants one. My one tree will be in the form of a gift to my daughter and her family.

Another way to participate is to visit www.earthday.ca during Earth Month (April 1 to 30) and participate in the crowdfunding Pledge and Plant campaign.

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 and is the largest environmental event in the world. This year marks a milestone—Earth Day’s 25th anniversary. The mission of Earth Day Canada is to foster and celebrate environmental respect, action and behaviour change that lessens our impact on the Earth.