OPG commits to supporting the planting of one million trees over two years to reach 10 million goal
At a glance
- Since 2000, OPG has supported the planting of more than nine million native trees and shrubs across Ontario.
- The company is continuing to partner with Forests Ontario and other agencies to plant an additional one million trees by 2025, to reach a total of 10 million trees planted.
- This effort will help reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, strengthen the province’s biodiversity, and fulfill a key action outlined in OPG’s Climate Change Plan.
This Earth Day, OPG is committing to set down more roots to grow a healthier future for Ontario.
With the help of its partners, the company will be putting shovels in the ground to support the planting of more than one million native trees across the province by 2025 and achieve a total of 10 million native trees planted since OPG’s inception in 2000.
To reach this major milestone, OPG is partnering with Forests Ontario to support the planting of more than 580,000 trees over the next two years. An additional 426,000 trees will be planted with the help of OPG’s other partners, including First Nations and conservation agencies.
“Achieving 10 million trees planted will fulfill one of the key actions outlined in OPG’s Climate Change Plan,” said Heather Brown, OPG’s Vice-President of Environment, Health, and Safety. “Developing and refurbishing clean energy assets like hydro and nuclear power are the foundation of Ontario’s push for electrification. Nature-based solutions like these tree-planting partnerships supplement our efforts towards achieving net-zero and a more sustainable future.”
Achieving 10 million trees planted will fulfill one of the key actions outlined in OPG’s Climate Change Plan. Developing and refurbishing clean energy assets like hydro and nuclear power are the foundation of Ontario’s push for electrification. Nature-based solutions like these tree-planting partnerships supplement our efforts towards achieving net-zero and a more sustainable future.Heather BrownOPG’s Vice-President of Environment, Health, and Safety
As nature’s ultimate carbon-capturing machine, trees are one of the most effective ways to mitigate climate change. These woody marvels also provide life-giving oxygen, cooling shade for animals and communities, habitat for wildlife, and can help reduce the impacts of flooding.
“We are incredibly proud of the partnership we have grown with OPG over the years and are grateful for their investment into creating and restoring forested landscapes to support local communities, boost wildlife habitats, and help mitigate the effects of climate change,” said Jess Kaknevicius, CEO of Forests Ontario. “Their support will leave a legacy for generations to come and we hope their leadership inspires other individuals and organizations to invest in our natural environment.”
Across the company, OPG continues to be engaged in a number of programs with conservation authorities and agencies to promote biodiversity and strengthen the environment. These range from habitat restoration to tree plantings to managing ponds and wetlands.
In addition to its tree-planting goal, OPG has committed to advancing other nature-based solutions as part of its Climate Change Plan. These include creating/restoring 500 acres of grasslands and creating/restoring 250 acres of wetlands.
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