North Shore ONWA donate seedlings for planting

By Margaret Hele

GARDEN RIVER FN –  On May 14, some 50 scouts, leaders and parents participated in reforestation by planting 1000 trees in an area off the Gordon Mine Road.

This is the third year that the scouts from the Sault Ste. Marie area have planted on the Garden River Reserve. The first two years the planting took place on the Powwow grounds. The leaders and parents appreciate that the sites are convenient and close to the city.

Through their participation the scouts are learning the importance of trees and what they do for our environment. Over the years, Scouts of Canada have planted over 80 million trees in Canada. The first tree was planted in 1972 by Beaver Scouts.

The local Ontario Native Women’s Association Anishnaabekwe of the North Shore donate the seedlings each year which are purchased from the Thessalon First Nation. Dennis Jones was responsible for making arrangements and determining the site. Once chosen the site is marked with blue flags so that those planting will recognize the selected area.