FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 June 2026 | OTTAWA | UNCEDED, UNSURRENDERED TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHINAABEG
Ecology Ottawa today proudly launched its 2026 Trees for Today program, an initiative designed to complement their long-standing and beloved native tree seedling giveaway program. Ecology Ottawa is building on its longstanding commitment to increasing tree cover in low‑canopy and equity‑deserving neighbourhoods across Ottawa.
“Ottawa’s tree canopy is one of our strongest tools for climate resilience, but many neighbourhoods still lack the shade, cooling, ecological and health benefits that trees provide.” said William van Geest, Executive Director. “Trees for Today is about empowering residents to grow a healthier, greener city—one tree at a time.”
Funded by Trees for Life and delivered in partnership with various community associations, Trees for Today will distribute 640 native saplings in 2026. This program focuses on supporting residents who can plant on private property, to complement city-led efforts on public lands. Residents in participating neighbourhoods can register to receive a 1‑ or 2‑gallon native tree sapling (approximately 2–4 feet tall), which includes planting guidance, and seasonal check‑ins over two years to help ensure their tree thrives.
“This program is a powerful example of community‑driven biodiversity conservation,” said Phillipa MacDonald, Nature Organizer. “By partnering with community associations and their residents, we’re working to build on a culture of ecosystem stewardship in neighbourhoods and help them stay cooler, healthier, and more resilient in our changing climate.”
The pilot Trees for Today giveaway event was scheduled for Vanier residents, where canopy cover remains around 21 per cent—far below the City’s 40 per cent target. The giveaway took place on June 6th, in partnership with Vanier Community Association. The event was met with great enthusiasm from the community, demonstrating the strong appetite for programs supporting tree canopy growth in Ottawa. Ecology Ottawa is poised to bring this program to more communities in fall 2026, residents can learn more about the program and stay informed of upcoming giveaways at http://ecologyottawa.ca/trees_for_today
