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 125,000 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
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 after a spring brush fire.
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 3,800 trees and shrubs were planted throughout the year, helping to expand the region’s canopy and strengthen resilience against climate change.