Community volunteers, along with over sixty students from Park Dale Public School planted three hundred and fifty trees and shrubs in Cascade Park in Belleville on Friday morning.
Lindsay Nash, Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator with Quinte Conservation says, “Cascade Park was chosen for this planting project because it lacks natural shade coverage and can accommodate mass planting efforts to help naturalize the area and make it more inviting for the community.”
Cascade Park, located at 33 Tracey Park Drive in Belleville, is a 2.94-hectare parcel of parkland located in the City’s west end. In 2021, it was identified as a priority location to receive park improvements.
“Planting projects like this one are incredibly important for creating sustainable community spaces while supporting the local wildlife and ecology through native fruit and nut vegetation,” Nash adds.
The Cascade Park planting initiative was made possible through dedicated environmental community groups including the Quinte Field Naturalists, Tree Canada, the City of Belleville, and the LCBO’s Spirit of Sustainability Fund. Additional event supporters include Connon Nurseries, Campbell’s Orchard, and Sprout’s Earth Products.
A variety of native fruit and nut bearing trees and shrubs were carefully selected for the park.
Greg Parson’s with the Quinte Field Naturalists explains, “Native species play such a critical role in supporting the environment. Not only do these species offer food and habitat for local wildlife, but can also withstand extreme weather events and a changing climate.”
Once established, native species thrive with little to no maintenance, providing a sustainable way to create a beautiful, welcoming greenspace. After a planting project takes place, it is important to properly care for the plants to ensure their success rate. Residents may see staff and volunteers watering on a regular basis so that the plants can become established.
Gord’s Water Service has generously filled, and will continue to fill, three water holding tanks to support not only the Cascade Park initiative, but Quinte Conservation’s two other planting projects as well.
(PAUL MARTIN)
