− Alumni Eligible for Six-Month Mentorship to Further Develop Skills −
TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2013 /CNW/ - Trees Ontario congratulates the 21 post-secondary students who successfully graduated
from its Program for Local Afforestation Network Training (PLANT) program.
"We congratulate both the students and the strong network of forestry
professionals who, by participating in PLANT, are leading efforts to
close this widening knowledge gap in the forestry sector," said Rob
Keen, Trees Ontario's Chief Executive Officer and a Registered
Professional Forester. "Without robust knowledge transfer strategies,
Ontario is at risk of losing decades' worth of forestry knowledge,
which could further impact future planting initiatives, and ultimately
the health and integrity of local ecosystems and communities."
PLANT, launched in December 2012, is the first province-wide
knowledge-transfer program that proactively ensures selected future
forestry professionals have the practical skills and competence needed
to address forest restoration needs in the face of climate change.
The two-day mentorship-based training was held at Sir Sanford Fleming
College (SSFC) in Lindsay, Ontario, this past week in collaboration
with The Forest Gene Conservation Association, Lands and Forests
Consulting, Nottawasaga Conservation Authority, Rideau Valley
Conservation Authority and Conservation Halton.
"PLANT is a great opportunity for students to learn from southern
Ontario experts," said Barb Boysen, Coordinator at Forest Gene
Conservation Association. "There is no substitute for working with
those who do this complex job well - from helping landowners plan their
new forest, to collecting high-quality seed to actually planting and
tending the seedlings. Climate change and invasive species are making
it more challenging than ever, but not much is more rewarding than
creating a forest!"
Graduates received a Certificate of Training issued by Trees Ontario and are now eligible to further advance their
forestry careers by applying to one of the organization's three
Afforestation Technician field positions. Starting in April, these
six-month roles are financially supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and RBC Foundation, and are offered in partnership with SSFC and planting delivery agents.
Successful candidates will receive training facilitated by Trees
Ontario's seasoned advisors and experts who will share knowledge on
seed collection and genetics as well as leading-edge afforestation
techniques that enhance the health and integrity of the local
environment and ensure survival. Students will also collaborate with
host partners, landowners, municipalities, conservation authorities and
the private sector.
Building on the success of this initial program, Trees Ontario will
expand upon PLANT and partner with additional educational institutions
and partners in the coming year.
For more information on PLANT, visit www.treesontario.ca/programs/index.php/plant
About Trees Ontario
Trees Ontario, the largest not-for-profit tree planting partnership in
North America, is leading efforts to strengthen Ontario's tree planting
infrastructure by enhancing the capacity of its tree planting partners
through financial support and professional development expertise,
delivering landowner incentives through cost offsetting and educating
the public through awareness campaigns and community workshops. Trees
Ontario is the lead delivery agent for the government of Ontario's 50 Million Tree Program. The program significantly cuts landowners' costs of large-scale tree
planting and boosts the number of trees planted across the
province. Visit www.treesontario.ca.
SOURCE: Trees Ontario
