LIKE IT OR not, summer is over. While leaves are changing colour, it’s time to look around the house and outdoors to think about how we can improve our conservation practices.
Starting this fall, in partnership with the Region of York and Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), the town will provide trees to residents at an affordable, subsidized price through the backyard tree planting program. For between $100 and $200, you will not only get a tree with planting service but also a qualified arborist for consultation. The arborist will recommend the tree species and where to plant after considering soil conditions, light and other factors that affect the growth of the tree.
Trees provide shade, reduce storm water runoff and wind impact and, of course, help clean the air and beautify your home. The program offers a good deal, and I encourage you to take advantage of it.
Now that the province has banned the use of cosmetic pesticides, it is in your interest to learn more about pesticide-free alternatives. The town holds workshops on organic lawn care, to help residents with alternative lawn care practices. As well, the town holds the healthy yard program once a year, to promote the planting of native trees, shrubs and plant species on your own property. This program is very popular, so you should sign up early.
Indoors, you may wish to enroll in the “peaksaver” conservation program and get a free touch screen programmable thermostat. As you may know, the Canadian and Ontario governments provide grants for home renovation or retrofit. To learn more conservation and community information, you are invited to the Ward 6 community fair on Oct. 25. Details at www.godwinchan.com.