On June 5, the United Nations launched the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which “aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean”.
Greater Sudbury knows something about ecosystem restoration – we’ve been at it since 1972.
That’s when VETAC, the City’s Regreening Advisory Panel, was established to bring together local organizations and businesses to find ways of getting plants to grow on the landscape of black rock and bare soil that defined our community – the infamous Sudbury ‘moonscape’. Researchers at Laurentian University conducted experimental trials and eventually discovered that tree seedlings could be grown successfully by first spreading crushed limestone and a grass/legume seed mix on the degraded land.
Following further process refinement, the municipality integrated regreening actions into its operations in 1978 to scale up the efforts. Since then, crushed limestone has been spread on tens of thousands of hectares and over 10 million tree and shrub seedlings have been planted locally by thousands of volunteers and temporary workers. Regreening efforts, which are now funded primarily by the City of Greater Sudbury, Vale and Glencore, are ongoing. The young developing forests provide several benefits: habitat for a growing diversity of plants and animals, cleaner and healthier rivers and lakes, control of stormwater, and the capture of carbon from the atmosphere, which helps reduce greenhouse gases.
Greater Sudbury has shown the world that with steadfast resolve, sustained effort, reliable funding and scientific input, a community can achieve unimaginable feats in ecological recovery. Doing so helps build community hope and empowerment and encourages investment, which strengthens economic development and stability.
Since 1978, thousands of volunteers both young and old can boast to have directly participated in regreening our landscape by planting trees. Involving young people in these efforts is critical to the regreening success story by instilling a sense of pride and personal ownership in the positive transformation of our environment.
FAVOURITE TREE PHOTO CONTEST
In celebration of our achievements, VETAC is encouraging local residents to participate in the “Favourite Tree” photo contest. The tree doesn’t have to be the biggest or the most beautiful, just your favourite tree in Greater Sudbury.
Tell us about the tree and why it’s your favourite. Each week from July 8 to September 30, one photo will be picked at random and the winner will receive a copy of the hardcover book “Healing the Landscape”, which showcases Greater Sudbury’s remarkable regreening story. Participate every week if you wish – everyone has more than one favourite tree! Each weekly winner will also be entered in the grand prize draw in early October. The grand prize will include a number of goodies, including a rain barrel. Find out more here.
