Fall Planting Overview

Caring for our trees

We kicked off the fall with a series of hands-on tree care events at several of our established sites. Volunteers joined us at Aviation Parkway (September 3rd and 11th), Riverside Drive (September 10th), and the FCF Base of Operations (September 16th) to weed, mulch, and water trees planted earlier this year. Corporate volunteers also pitched in: teams from Thales Group (September 19th) and Karma Dharma (August 14th) installed tree guards at our Hog’s Back Park and Westboro Beach sites, respectively, giving hundreds of young trees an extra layer of protection as we head into the colder months. 

These important maintenance tasks couldn’t be done without the time and effort of our volunteers. Every weed pulled, site watered and tree guard placed helps to set our trees up for success – an essential step as we work toward our goal of an 85% survival rate, compared to the 60–75% typically seen across the industry.

Celebrating National Tree Day

This year marked the 14th edition of National Tree Day, and we were proud to support Tree Canada’s flagship celebrations here in Ottawa. The week included a corporate planting event at Hogs Back Park on September 24^th, followed by a large community event at Remic Rapids Park on September 27^th. Together, volunteers planted more than 600 native trees and shrubs during both events, working to enhance local biodiversity, improve access to green space, and deepen people’s connection to the land around them. With four out of five Canadians now living in urban areas, it’s more important than ever to grow and safeguard the resiliency of Canada’s urban forests; events like National Tree Day help make that a reality.

National Tree Day 2025 was made possible by the presenting sponsor, BMO, and by further support from Fidelity Investments, Starbucks, Pattison, and Athletic Brewing. We also like to extend our thanks to the National Capital Commission, the landowner for these sites, for permitting and supporting these events.

Growing the Tiny Forest Network

With the addition of 8 new Tiny Forests planted this October, seven of which were installed with our partners at EnviroCentre, the FCF Tiny Forest network now stands at 21 total sites in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

The month began with a new site at the Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) Penfield Drive Retirement Community, where residents helped to plant a diverse mix of 209 trees, 58 shrubs, and 75 forbs. Over the following weeks, additional Tiny Forests took root at Carleton University, the Ottawa Rotary Home, and at three elementary schools supported by the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation: Queen Elizabeth Public School, Manor Park Public School, and D. Roy Kennedy Public School. More than 1,300 students from JK to Grade 8 helped plant 94 total native tree species on their school grounds this fall, acting as a practical lesson in environmental stewardship and enhancing local biodiversity.

October wrapped up with the University of Ottawa planting on October 30th, where more than 20 volunteers braved the rain to plant 205 trees, 169 shrubs, and 219 forbs at the edge of Lees campus. FCF supported this event as Tree Canada’s Regional Forestry Advisors, helping to guide species selection and planting efforts throughout the day.

FCF was also thrilled to partner directly with Collège La Cité to establish their own Tiny Forest, supported by student and faculty volunteers. Planted on October 7th, this Tiny Forest is intended as a pilot project and teaching tool for La Cité’s Forestry and Agriculture program, with 195 trees, 205 shrubs, and 205 forbs planted in total. Beyond the numerous ecological benefits provided by the presence of an additional Tiny Forest, this partnership will also provide a hands-on learning opportunity for students for years to come.

Building the Mer Bleue–Larose Ecological Corridor

Restoring Biodiversity at Lac-des-Fées

On October 4th, we broke ground at Lac-des-Fées with financial support from CIMA+ and the help of 35 employee volunteers, along with additional support from the NCC. As one of our newest planting sites – and an exciting step forward in our expansion into Quebec – this event built on restoration work that began in 2024 with the removal of a dense stand of invasive European buckthorn trees. In order to support long-term recovery and to prevent the re-establishment of buckthorn, participants planted 86 trees and 114 shrubs, laying the foundation for a resilient and biodiverse native forest community. 

Doubling Down at NCC Greenbelt P16

EY Volunteers

Finally, On November 7th, a dedicated team of volunteers from EY joined us for a full morning of stewardship at the FCF Base of Operations Community Food Forest. The group mulched, placed tree guards, and helped close up the Birch Path Healing Forest for the season. Volunteers also planted four large fruit trees (three apples and one pear) in one of our lawn conversion guilds. Their continued support helps keep this space productive, resilient, and welcoming for the whole community.

Fall Event Highlights

On September 13th, FCF participated in the fourth edition of Open NCC at the newly-opened Dow’s Lake Recreational Dock. Kiosk visitors received a hands-on look at our projects, learned how urban afforestation makes a difference, and discovered fun ways to get involved in growing greener, healthier communities at our “Urban Tree Planting 101” booth. FCF executive director Shelley Crabtree, along with Board directors Kevin Myers and Aileen Duncan, were on hand to answer questions and connect with attendees.

uOttawa Campus Sustainability Day represented a great opportunity to connect with the next generation of environmental stewards eager to make an impact. Leann (FCF Community Engagement Lead) and Sarah (FCF Community Forestry Program Assistant) hosted a booth in University Square, where students stopped by to learn about who we are, what we do, and how they can get involved in our efforts to create greener, healthier community spaces in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. 

FCF was thrilled to be part of the 4th annual Fall Farm Fest, an event with free activities, farm-fresh produce, and community workshops held at the Just Food Community Farm in Blackburn Hamlet (also home to the FCF Base of Operations!). Items for sale at the FCF booth included native trees and shrubs, homemade cookies, and low-sugar food forest preserves generously supplied by Nanabush Food Forests, with all proceeds supporting our urban afforestation projects. 

Another highlight from this event was an expert workshop hosted by FCF Director Shelley Lambert, titled “Sweet Outcomes: Tips for Happier, More Resilient Trees”:

“Healthy soil is the home to millions of diverse soil microbes. We will cover how the microbial life in the soil interacts with trees to improve a tree’s ability to absorb nutrients, promote sugar production, and result in sweeter fruit. Sweeter, more nutrient dense food is not the only positive outcome of investing in your soil. By improving the environment for beneficial microbes, you help make trees more resistant to disease and pests. A virtuous circle of activity, hurray!”

We were pleased to welcome Gail Anglin as our storyteller for our fall Storytelling in Nature event, held at FCF’s Base of Operations “Cedar Song Stop”. As the Co-President of Ottawa Storytellers, Gail has delighted listeners of all ages in the National Capital region for many years.Drawing inspiration from natural migration patterns that mark the fall season, Gail’s story centered on the themes of movement, change, and flights of fancy, concluding with a guided listening tour to learn about the bird species regularly seen along the walking path by the Storytelling circle. 

This event was supported by several local organizations, including Forest Therapy Ottawa, Bird Friendly Ottawa, Nanabush Food Forests, as well as Forêt Capitale Forest. We also thank the City of Ottawa for their support through their CEPGP program.

FCF is a proud member and co-chair of the CAFES Tree Caucus and was delighted on October 18th to provide a tree planting demonstration and help plant trees at a community event hosted by CAFES, the Mechanicsville Community Association and MP Yasir Naqvi at Tunney’s Pasture. About 30 volunteers planted over 70 native tree saplings in the “Mother’s Day Woods” site between Goldenrod Driveway and Kitchi Zibi Mikan. 

Thanks to our incredible partners and supporters, our ‘Comedy Night for the Trees’ fundraiser and 5th anniversary celebration was a huge success! Guests enjoyed forest-inspired drinks, hilarious performances from talented comics, and a silent auction featuring locally-made jams and honey, unique tree-themed experiences, handcrafted art, and other special gifts. Together, we raised over $2,100 to support our mission of planting and caring for trees across the National Capital Region. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, laughed with us, and helped make a lasting impact on our urban forests!

On November 9th, FCF was proud to work with Ottawa Tourism and C’est Bon Ottawa to welcome delegates attending the NTA Trex conference in Ottawa for an immersive Forest-to-Table experience hosted by C’est Bon Ottawa. As one of the signature sightseeing activities during the conference, this activity showcased programming to make Ottawa a more sustainable destination. Shelley Crabtree presented FCF’s activities and opportunities for conference organizers to plant and care for trees or help steward forests in the region as part of their sustainable conference goals. C’est Bon Ottawa’s delicious interactive meal integrates forest ingredients in every plate.

Community Spotlight: a Special Thanks

In addition to all of the amazing volunteers that come out for planting and tree care events, we also want to take a moment to thank several partners who have supported us behind the scenes this season. 

Norman Johnston Alternative School

A huge thank you to the students from Norman Johnston Alternative School, who have regularly assisted us at our Base of Operations this fall. Their hands-on contributions included the planting of trees and shrubs in the BoO “wild zone” and Siska Guild demonstration plot; moving and organizing potted trees at the FCF nursery into groupings for upcoming plantings; participating in an educational mushroom cultivation workshop; sorting seeds for the Chi Garden; and performing tree care in our Red Barn Food forest. Your dedication has been greatly appreciated.

Vesta Design Centre

Vesta Design Centre, an Ottawa-based countertop provider that offers design, creation, and installation services, has been an integral part of FCF operations this season. Their fleet of electric vans distributed thousands of trees to various planting sites across Ottawa, keeping our projects on schedule while also helping us to limit our emissions. This support makes a huge difference, and we can’t thank you enough for your continued dedication to our cause. 

Raymond Leury

A local EV advocate and longtime core FCF volunteer, Raymond uses his electric vehicle to deliver trees and watering equipment to planting sites across the city with zero emissions. His tireless efforts help us keep our carbon footprint as low as possible during the busy planting season. Thank you, Raymond, for your continued support!

Looking Ahead…

On this global day of generosity, we’re inviting our community to help us grow a greener, more resilient Ottawa-Gatineau by supporting our urban forest projects. Your donations help us plant more native species, care for existing sites, and expand our impact across the region, and every contribution makes a difference! Here are a few different ways you can support FCF’s work:

Visit FCF at the Just Food Community Farm Holiday Market on December 6th and 7th. The market will be held from 11am-3pm both days in the Big Red Barn at 2391 Pepin Court. We’ll be joining plenty of wonderful local vendors and producers, offering delicious holiday treats and gifts made by Nanabush Food Forests and FCF staff. All proceeds go towards supporting FCF’s mission.