‘Welcome Forest’ in shape of maple leaf being planted in Ontario town Saturday [Video]

Earth Week will take on extra special meaning in Ajax Saturday when 700 trees and shrubs will be planted in the shape of a maple leaf at the Greenwood Conservation Area as both a welcome to new Canadians and a celebration of the town’s 70th birthday.

Trees For Life, a non-profit organization that plants trees in the urban environments, in partnership with Toronto Region Conservation Authority and the Town of Ajax, are planting their first ever ‘welcome forest’ on April 26.

Trees For Life Development Director Mike Hurley said the idea was the long-time vision of the organization’s co-founder, Michael de Pencier (1935-2024), who dreamed of creating spaces that welcome newcomers who have chosen to make Canada their home.

“This was an idea that really was all Michael’s,” Hurley said. “He believed new Canadians should have ‘welcome’ places.”

Located in an urban area where many newcomers settle, the forest symbolizes …