Trees Riverview has completed a second successful planting season with 44 trees added to our community’s boulevards and public spaces. 

“It’s deeply satisfying to see these young trees filling in the spaces where trees have been lost over the years, knowing our community will be able to enjoy and benefit from them for generations to come,” says Wendy Botkin, Trees Riverview co-chair.

Contractor Green Drop planted 29 boulevard trees on Oakwood, Montague, Bartlett and Churchill Drive in mid-October. For increased resilience in the face of disease and other risks, a variety of trees were planted: basswood, Ohio buckeye, Delta Hackberry, Triumph elm, Ivory Silk Tree Lilac, and Starlite Flowering Crabapple. They are mostly medium to large shade trees, with a few smaller ornamental trees.

The boulevard tree planting was made possible by a $12,298 grant from the City of Winnipeg’s Land Dedication Reserve (Fort Rouge–East Fort Garry Ward allocation)–the second year Councillor Sheri Rollins has championed this use of funds. Additionally, Trees Riverview received $2000 from Red River Co-op and two smaller donations from community members to support the planting project. 

One community member gave in honour of his father. Another small group with links to Riverview, called Contemplative Manitoba, was inspired to become involved in local environmental issues, starting with tree planting. They wrote: “Trees offer the earth and our city so much: beauty, decarbonizing our atmosphere, cool shade in the summer and a decrease in the sewage overflows into our rivers. We thought trees were a good place to start in our involvement with the climate crisis that is rapidly gaining momentum.”

Man planting tree behind community centre

“We are so grateful for this financial support, whether large or small, that is helping our small community group make meaningful progress in enhancing the tree canopy that so defines our neighbourhood,” adds May Wady, also co-chair of  Trees Riverview. 

Trees being planted behind community centre

In addition to the 29 boulevard trees, Trees Riverview worked with a couple in the community (who also wish to remain anonymous) who paid for 15 trees to be planted at the Riverview Community Centre. Look for them adjacent to the bus loop on Eccles Street.

“We wanted to do something about climate change, and planting trees seemed like a good move… We chose to plant them at the club because our family has had a long, rewarding connection with RVCC, “ the donors wrote. “Each member of our extended family chose a particular kind of tree from a list the city provided… It’s a real hodge-podge, but will hopefully be an attractive one.”

The 44 trees planted this fall add to the 55 Trees Riverview helped plant in the spring of 2021. Green Drop replaced three of those trees this fall, as well, as they had either died or were struggling. Once again, the contractor is responsible for maintaining the new trees for two years.