September 23, 2025 – Wellington County Press Release
This long-standing tradition brings employees from the County and local member municipalities together to plant trees, enhance public spaces, and strengthen connections across communities.
Today, over 850 treeswere planted, including some Carolinian species like cucumber magnolia, Kentucky coffee trees, sycamore, and Ohio buckeye.
Since the Green Legacy Programme began in 2004, over 3.3 million trees have been planted by community partners across the County.
“The Green Legacy Tree Planting Programme is the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America,” said Warden Chris White. “It has become a model of environmental stewardship, and this year’s planting will benefit residents for many years to come.”
The Warden’s Tree Planting has become a meaningful opportunity for municipal staff across Wellington County to roll up their sleeves and work side by side. Over time, thousands of seedlings and larger potted trees have been planted in local parks, schools, conservation areas, and other community spaces.
“Every tree that we’ve planted started its journey right here in Wellington County,” commented Green Legacy Manager, Rob Johnson. “We collect the seeds locally, nurture them through every stage of growth, and then our community partners plant them throughout the County.”
On October 1, Wellington County residents will be able to order free Green Legacy trees for their own properties. The trees available are grown from locally collected seeds, making them more adaptable to seasonal temperatures and giving them greater growth potential in Wellington communities.
To place an order, and/or for more information about the Green Legacy Programme, visit www.wellington.ca/greenlegacy.
