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 138,000 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
2026 Spring Summary
This year, the Brant Tree Coalition helped orchestrate new planting events, with a total of over 4,250 native trees and shrubs being planted.
April 18th: 11th Annual County of Brant Spring Community Tree Plant
Paris District High School students assisted a fantastic community turn out as residents planted 1,000 native trees & shrubs to restore a portion of the forest at Glen Morris Rising Park. The Glen Morris Lions hosted a hot dog BBQ.
April 22nd: The 17th Annual Highschool Tree Plant Over 450 high school students planted 2,000 native trees and shrubs at a recently constructed storm water management pond on the western edge of the New Forest in the City Natural Area. The naturalization will not only help prevent the bank erosion of the pond but will also prove to be a home for native species.
April 25th: 13th Annual City of Brantford Spring Community Tree Plant
Students from the Pauline Johnson helped community volunteers plant 1000 native trees on Wayne Gretzky Pkwy. North. The rainy conditions made it a good day for tree planting.
May 9th: Annual Rotary Tree Plant
Rotarians partnered with the Holmedale Neighbourhood Association to double the size of the Mini (Miyawaki) Forest at Holmedale Park. The volunteers added 250 native trees and shrubs to the forest.
2025 Summary
The 2025 planting season continued to build momentum, with more than 4,700 native trees and shrubs planted through both community-wide and smaller-scale initiatives. The 10th Annual Brant County Community Tree Plant added 850 trees at Mount Pleasant Nature Park, and the 12th Annual Brantford Plant brought together students, families, and volunteers to restore the riparian buffer at D’Aubigny Creek Park with 1,000 native plantings. These continued efforts restored important natural spaces across the region. 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 Mount 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 of the planting at Donegal Park.