Earth Week in Ajax will be marked with a powerful symbol of welcome and community as 700 trees and shrubs are planted in the shape of a maple leaf at Greenwood Conservation Area. Set for Saturday, the initiative celebrates both the town’s 70th anniversary and Canada’s tradition of embracing newcomers.
The project, led by Trees For Life in collaboration with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and the Town of Ajax, is the first-ever “welcome forest” by the non-profit organization dedicated to urban greening. The forest, designed as a giant maple leaf spanning hundreds of feet in diameter, is both a literal and symbolic gesture—offering newcomers a place to reflect, connect, and feel rooted in their new home.
Mike Hurley, development director for Trees For Life, says the vision came from the late co-founder Michael de Pencier, who passed away in 2024. De Pencier, a lifelong advocate for green spaces, envisioned creating welcoming natural spaces across Canada for immigrants beginning their journey in a new country.
“This was an idea that really was all Michael’s,” said Hurley. “He believed new Canadians should have ‘welcome’ places.”
The site was chosen for its location in an urban area where many newcomers settle, making it not only symbolic but accessible. Hurley hopes the Ajax forest is the first of many across the country, pointing out that all Canadians, regardless of background, share a deep connection with nature.
“Every Canadian will agree that a connection with nature is intrinsic to being Canadian,” he said.
The trees and shrubs for the forest were supplied through fundraising efforts by Trees For Life and in-kind contributions from the conservation authority. Hurley described the area as already “spectacular,” saying this new feature will enhance it further as a community asset.
The event in Ajax is part of a wider Earth Week celebration, which includes another Trees For Life event in Milton on Saturday afternoon. That event will include a tree planting alongside a family picnic and community activities.
These events are part of Trees For Life’s ambitious goal to plant 150,000 trees across Canada in 2025. This week alone, more than 2,300 trees and shrubs are being planted as part of that effort.