The Town of Amherstburg is inviting residents to participate in Earth Day celebrations on Saturday, April 25, 2026, through a pair of community initiatives focused on growing the local tree canopy. These events, which include a tree giveaway and a volunteer planting project, are part of the town’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental stewardship.
The Map and Grow tree giveaway will take place at the Libro Centre at 3295 Meloche Road. From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, residents can pick up free trees through a drive-thru service, with species available including Kentucky Coffee Tree, Red Oak, Serviceberry, Red Maple, and Tulip Tree. Residents are asked to bring proof of address to participate.
The giveaway is held in partnership with the University of Windsor School of the Environment. As part of this long-standing collaboration, university researchers, including Dr. Alice Grgicak-Mannion, will use global positioning systems to map where the new trees are planted. This data allows researchers to monitor tree health and potentially use the trees as monitors to track pollutants in the local environment.
At the same time, the Amherstburg Environmental Advisory Committee is organizing a volunteer tree planting event at Jack Purdie Park, located at 609 Richmond Street. Volunteers will plant 100 new trees at the 4.6-hectare community park, which is named after local World War II veteran Jack Purdie. This project reflects the town’s broader commitment to environmental health, supported by Mayor Michael Prue, who has consistently promoted initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change through local action.
These efforts build on recent initiatives, including the town’s decision to declare 2025 as The Year of the Tree and the adoption of a policy dedicated to the protection and enhancement of natural vegetation. Since the start of these programs, the town has seen strong community participation, with hundreds of trees added to the local landscape to ensure a greener future for Amherstburg.
