Brant Waterways Foundation, through the work of the Brant Tree Coalition (BTC), has proudly supported tree planting and restoration efforts across Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations for many years. These projects bring together students, community groups, businesses, and volunteers to create greener spaces, restore habitats, and strengthen connections between people and the natural environment. Collectively, these efforts have resulted in the planting of more than 134,000 native trees and shrubs—a remarkable achievement that continues to grow each year.
Each of these projects reflects Brant Waterways Foundation’s belief that environmental stewardship thrives when the whole community is involved. From high school students learning the value of hands-on conservation to corporate groups giving back through employee volunteer days, every planting brings us closer to a healthier, more resilient environment. The Brant Tree Coalition’s past projects showcase how partnerships, dedication, and collective action can leave a legacy of green spaces, cleaner air, and stronger ecosystems for generations to come.
A Lasting Impact
2025 Summary
This year, the Brant Tree Coalition helped orchestrate 12 planting events. Six were held in the spring and six in the fall. A total of over 6,500 native trees and shrubs were planted.
In spring 2025 alone, more than 4,700 native trees and shrubs were planted at sites across Brantford and Brant County.
The 16th Annual High School Tree Plant engaged over 450 students in creating a 1.4-hectare naturalized area at Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, showcasing the power of youth involvement in environmental action. The 10th Annual County of Brant Spring Plant added 850 trees at Mt. Pleasant Nature Park, while the 12th Annual City of Brantford Plant saw community volunteers and students restore the riparian buffer at D’Aubigny Creek Park with 1,000 native plantings. The Annual Rotary Tree Plant further expanded natural areas at Rotary Park, and corporate volunteers from S.C. Johnson contributed through plantings at Barker’s Bush and the New Forest in the City, including restoration work.
In the fall, two community tree plants were undertaken. A County Tree Plant at Mt. Pleasant Nature Park added another 450 trees to the park. This planting was focused on stabilizing the banks of the ponds. Students from Assumption College assisted with the event. The City held a public event at Donegal Park. Corporate events were arranged for the Cowan Foundation at D’Aubigny Creek Park and the annual TD Tree Day event at Donegal Park.
Two fall high school events took place. The BCI STEAM club created Brantford’s second Miyawaki Forest (mini forest) at Devon Down Park and students from Pauline Johnson helped finish off the planting at Donegal Park.
2024 Summary
The 2024 planting season continued to build momentum, with thousands of trees added through both community-wide and smaller-scale initiatives. The 9th Annual Brant County Community Tree Plant and the 11th Annual Brantford Plant brought together students, families, and volunteers to restore important natural spaces across the region. Corporate partners like TD and local service groups contributed to events at Echo Park, Dufferin Park, and Burford Lions Park, reinforcing the role of partnerships in sustaining these efforts. In total, more than 5,200 trees and shrubs were planted throughout the year, helping to expand the region’s canopy and strengthen resilience against climate change.