Private Land Tree Planting Season for 2026 

Another successful tree planting season wrapped up at the end of May with about 28,000 trees and shrubs being planted and distributed throughout the watershed. More than 30 landowners took advantage of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) planting services, helping to create wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, sequester carbon, and establish recreational opportunities. In addition to the crew’s efforts, another 75 landowners planted on their own to increase and restore natural ecosystems on their property.   

The cooler temperatures in April and May were ideal for planting. Roughly 650 hardwoods and 750 potted shrubs and balled and burlap conifer trees were hand-planted under the Private Lands Large Stock Program. These naturalization projects will help improve watershed health and increase aesthetics in the landscape.

At the beginning of May, about 24,000 seedlings were machine planted within a two-week period. These block plantings, windbreaks along agricultural fields, and buffers along watercourses will contribute to resilient, biodiverse ecosystems. Thanks to our many funding partners, grants were available to landowners to offset the planting costs.

A highlight this season was the work we did with the City of Woodstock to make improvements to Brick’s Wetlands. The tree planting crew, along with other UTRCA staff, spent several days hand planting nearly 2,700 trees around the ponds to enhance water quality and create habitat for wildlife. 

We are looking forward to connecting with new landowners and starting to plan next year’s planting season. If you would like to plant trees on your property in 2027, please reach out to staff to arrange a site visit, or complete this contact form.