CHARITABLE FOUNDATION MAPLE LEAVES FOREVER CHAMPIONS THE NATIVE CANADIAN MAPLE Part of Canada’s Natural Legacy Ontario’s rural landscape has been shaped by both farming and tree planting. Those of us who grew up in southern Ontario will recognize the unique legacy of native maple trees along our country lanes and roadways. Farmers planted those maples in the late 19th century to mitigate the damage caused by wide spread deforestation in return for a government incentive. These native maple trees have provided wildlife habitat and scenic enjoyment, blocked snow, prevented erosion and provided the sweet taste of maple syrup over the years. Heritage Maples are Disappearing Two hundred years later, many of these road and laneway trees have disappeared from the landscape. Maple Leaves Forever is a charity that is helping farmers and landowners bring back this iconic feature. To help promote the benefits of native maples, the charity provides a 25 per cent Tree Rebate to plant red, silver, sugar or Freeman maple trees - all native to Ontario. Visit mapleleavesforever. ca/apply for more information. Founded by entrepreneur Ken Jewett, Maple Leaves Forever has supported the planting of more than 1,200 kilometres of maple-lined roads and laneway. The Case for Native Maple Trees The focus on native maples is important, especially when we see the huge environmental impacts from non-native and often invasive maple trees such as Norway Maple and cultivars such as ‘Autumn Blaze’ which have low biodiversity value. Many species of wildlife do not recognize these non-native species and cultivars and cannot use them for food or shelter. Since native maple trees have developed over the millennium in this region, they are obviously better suited to grow here, requiring less water and fertilizer and being more resistant to pests, disease and weather events. All good reasons to pick native maple trees for planting! Join the Maple Leaves Forever Community Honour Roll In 2023 Maple Leaves Forever established an Honour Roll to recognize organizations and municipalities that commit to planting only native maple trees when a maple is called for in a planting plan. They encourage other jurisdictions to take similar action when it comes to native maple trees. Maple Tree Rebates for Spring Planting Landowners interested in the rebate program can find details and apply online through the Maple Leaves Forever website mapleleavesforever.ca. Deadlines are May 15 for spring planting and November 15 for the fall. MLF Founder Ken Jewett “I saw native maple trees disappearing and being replaced by cultivars and invasive species. I’ve made a pledge to try to stop this, and help farmers and landowners plant native maples.” - Ken Jewett, founder, Maple Leaves Forever 41 Promotional Supplement Business Profiles | April 2024
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