NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD
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An extraordinarily generous gift has begun to benefit the community of Collingwood with the completion of the Di Lorenzo Tree Park. Plans to activate a $500,000 donation from leading Toronto builder and developer, Julie Di Lorenzo, had been somewhat stalled by the onset of COVID-19. However, the tree park was accomplished in 2020, with more plans to follow in the spring of 2021.
The Di Lorenzo Tree Park, located at the Fisher Fields sports complex property, consists of 100 native trees made up of Balsam Fir, Maple, Spruce, Pine, Hemlock, Birch, Beech, Dogwood, Sumac, and more. Supplied by Clearview Nurseries, the total cost of trees installed was $51,000. The trees and understory bushes have been strategically planted to provide a maximum opportunity for success of the new forest, as well as allowing room for growth. While being of hearty size, the choice of trees also meets the donor’s wishes that the trees be young enough to maximize their carbon-capture potential.
A dedication of the tree park will be scheduled for spring of 2021 with trail works and other features added over time to provide access and opportunities to learn about the influence trees have in the fight against climate change.
Phase two of the Di Lorenzo donation will be a collaboration between the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, local schools, and the town, to provide educational opportunities along with additional plantings in priority areas in the community.
Phase three of the project includes subsidized trees provided to members of the community who are willing to install and care for trees on lands they own. This program presents an opportunity to enhance the tree canopy on private land, while providing information on the value of urban forests, best practices for planting and sustaining healthy tree assets, and inspiration for others to join Ms. Di Lorenzo in the promotion and growth of tree coverage everywhere.
Ms. Di Lorenzo’s generous gift will span over five years.
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