BY: JASLEEN DHILLON
Every day is a good day for tree planting, especially when you're doing it with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority at Rowntree Mills. Even though Sunday was a gloomy and rainy day, lucky for us, the morning was filled with a cool breeze that made the weather perfect. As we drove down to North York, the scent of the fall fresh air filled our car and the morning was off to a great start.
Volunteers came ready to roll up their sleeves and start digging to plant native trees and shrubs. Photo credit: Matias de Dovitiis
When we met up with our guide and got ready to head towards the site, we came across the obstacle of directions. When you’re at the 5th largest park in Toronto, mapping skills are handy assets that come to the rescue. Now it's all fun and all until you realize you truly are lost and need help. However, if anything, this experience made the trip even more memorable. The park was filled with our laughter figuring our ways and even though some of us have never even met before, it proved that with teamwork, anything is possible.
Once we arrived at the site, we put on our gloves, picked up our shovels and got to work right away. Constantly switching between shovelling, bending over, the prickling of the plants and handling the dirt is not an easy task and requires determination. The thing that got me through it was seeing everyone contributing their time to the environment. Despite the discomfort, the enthusiasm of the whole group motivates you and keeps you going.
Member of Provincial Parliament Tom Rakocevic and City Councillor Anthony Perruzza were among some of the volunteers at the well-attended tree plantings. Both brought their children with them, contributing to the event being youth-led in attendance. Photo credit: Jessica Pointon
The mud that covered my leggings, my shoes and my gloves was a reflection of all the effort put in. Matias cheered us on and supported us through the way no matter what and that is the true definition of a caring person of the community.
I'm so glad that I came across this opportunity and learnt more about tree planting despite the obstacles. This experience taught me that it's not about the final result, instead, it's about the journey experienced throughout.