Lincoln, ON – (April 25, 2025) - In celebration of Arbor Day, the Town of Lincoln proudly highlights the significant strides made by the Urban Forest Management Review working group since its inception in late 2023.
This collaborative team – made up of engaged residents, Council members, and Town staff – has been working toward a key goal of establishing a Tree Protection By-law to preserve and grow Lincoln’s valuable tree canopy. In partnership with Ontariogreen, the team has made major advances in the Town’s efforts to protect and expand the local urban tree population.
2024 Accomplishments:
- 1,000 Tree Planting Community Challenge: United the community around a shared environmental goal, resulting in surpassing the goal of 1,000 trees planted across the Town.
- Heritage Tree Hunt: Highlighted the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of native trees in Lincoln via a cash prize challenge.
- Native Tree giveaway and Rain Barrel Sale: Encouraged sustainable practices and greater native biodiversity.
- Miyawaki Mini Forests Pilot Project at Rotary Park: Created a dense, diverse native forest in an urban space, supporting pollinators and local wildlife.
- Draft Tree Policy Work: Made significant progress toward a comprehensive private tree protection policy, with public consultation taking place in Spring 2025 and finalization anticipated later this year.
Goals for 2025:
- Increase Urban Forest Outreach and Education: The group will continue to deepen community knowledge and engagement through new events, workshops, and information sessions.
- Continue and Grow Tree Planting Initiatives: Set the bar higher for the number of trees planted in and by the community to 1,200 new trees in Lincoln this year, as well as continuing the successful Tree and Rain Barrel Sale.
- Support Climate Resilience through Tree Strategy: Align urban forestry goals with the Town’s broader climate change response efforts.
Quotes:
“Lincoln is proud to be a community rooted in sustainability. Trees are vital to our quality of life – supporting biodiversity, providing shade, and helping us fight climate change.” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “I’m grateful for the dedication of the Urban Forest Management Review Working Group and the many residents who’ve taken action to grow and protect our tree canopy. Together, we are shaping a greener legacy.”
Michael Kirkopoulos, the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Lincoln, added “Our urban forest is a strategic asset, and the work we’re doing now will benefit generations to come. The collaboration between Councillors, Town staff, residents, and environmental leaders is key to developing thoughtful policies that support both development and sustainability. This initiative is a testament to what we can accomplish together”.
Liz Benneian, Executive Director of Ontariogreen Conservation Association and Urban Forest working group member stated that “Lincoln is setting an example for other municipalities. The passion and vision shown by this group – and the Town’s willingness to act on it – show how local efforts can have a big environmental impact. The tree protection by-law will be a critical step forward, ensuring we don’t just plant trees, but that we value and safeguard the ones we already have.”
To learn more about the Town’s Urban Forest initiatives, the working group, or to get involved, visit speakuplincoln.ca/urban-forest.