We are a volunteer, non-profit group dedicated to restoring natural habitat within the Rouge Valley, located on the northeastern outskirts of Toronto. We organize a public one-day tree planting each year during Earth Week.

Each planting attracts about 1,500 volunteers. In 2008 we had over 2,000! Since 1989, our volunteers have helped to restore over 145 acres of fragile watershed land.

Our plantings protect creeks and streams in the Rouge watershed from soil erosion, helping to link existing islands of forest and extending wildlife corridors. Together we're making a difference.

Our legacy is hands-on education and stewardship.

Through our work, we hope a legacy of preservation will continue to grow for years to come. We are very proud to have introduced thousands of people to the joys of turning empty fields into growing forests. Our volunteer groups learn practical skills – and people of all ages dig right in and realize they can do something for the land, wildlife and people in our city.

This year we have reached another milestone: our 20th anniversary. I have been chairman for 19 of those years, and have seen considerable change in that time.

When we first started out, many labeled us with the slightly derogatory name "tree-huggers". What a difference a few years can make.

It is now a name associated with people who care about our planet, care about the creatures that inhabit it, and care about global warming. Many know about how trees sequester carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and give off oxygen, giving meaning to the maxim "plant a tree and breath easier."

Our group, 10,000 Trees for the Rouge, is an all-volunteer group dedicated to restoring wildlife habitat in the Rouge Park by planting native trees and shrubs. The plant material is carefully selected to provide both food and shelter opportunities for wildlife. As those of you who have planted with us before will know, we also install nesting snags to encourage the early return of bird species such as tree swallows, wrens, and the eastern bluebird. To help this along, we provide downed woody debris that, during decomposition, attracts insect species that are a food source for returning birds.

This coming Sunday, April 26th, 2009, will be our 20th annual planting. You will note from our flyer all of the businesses and government agencies who support us with both financial and in-kind help, but just as important are you, our volunteers, without whom none of this would have been possible.

No matter what the weather – and some of it has been pretty challenging – our volunteers just keep coming. There were almost 2,500 of you last year. With your assistance, we have now planted 140,000 native trees and shrubs and restored approximately 145 acres back to natural cover.

It is heartening for our group to see just how many people care about our planet, and the creatures with which we share it. Many of our executive volunteer members, who plan these plantings, have been around for many years. Some of us have been involved since the group was started back in 1989. Few of us had any expertise in tree planting when we joined, but we learned from those with experience. We are always looking for volunteers on our planning committee, partly to replace those who retire, partly to inject new blood into the organization, and partly to expand the size of the core group in order to take on new things that we would like to get involved in.

If you would like to join us, please contact us through our website at www.10000trees.com or talk to one of our committee members. We meet once a month throughout the year, except for the summer. We have many different areas in which you may be able to provide help, depending on your skills and what you would like to do. You are also welcome to sit in on our meetings and get an idea of what we do before you decide how you would like to volunteer with us. Hope to see you there.

-- Colin Creasey, Chairman, 10,000 Trees for the Rouge

William (Bill) Carrick: November 14, 1920 - October 7, 2002
We are thankful for the life of Bill Carrick, a much-respected local naturalist, wildlife photographer, and cinematographer. Just a few of the films Bill worked on were "Grey Owl" and "Fly Away Home." While he might well be remembered for his print and film work alone, Bill made a lasting imprint on many lives, raising nature awareness with his wildlife breeding and rehabilitation programs. Members of 10K fondly remember Bill as a person who was always willing to lend a hand to help the Rouge Valley, or to share his affection for nature – particularly his beavers. We miss Bill's experience and most of all, his kind heart.

Bill Carrick, centre with Joel McAlister, left and Marshall Buchanan

The Rouge Park is one of the world's largest natural parks in an urban and agricultural setting. Restoration of damaged ecosystems within the park is a priority. Unprecedented public support spurred the creation of Rouge Park, and continued support will be needed as the park begins the long process of ecological healing. Working with park managers, volunteers will play a key role in creating a healthier future for the Rouge by planting new forests and meadows and restoring habitats for fish, birds and other living things while introducing park visitors to nature close to the city.

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