Grandparents and grandchildren in North Bay planting trees to fight climate change

Chippewa Creek cleanup a community effort A multi-generational event in North Bay is helping to restore the Chippewa Creek shoreline. CTV's Eric Taschner has the story.

North Bay — Grandparents and their grandchildren in North Bay are helping restore Chippewa Creek's shoreline -- and combat climate change -- by planting 900 tree seedlings at a starter nursery.

The annual project encourages families to inspire the next generation to keep the city clean, green and beautiful.

"We are the future," said Morgan Montgomery while scooping up soil. "We need to help save the Earth from climate change and make our Earth healthy."

Montgomery and her grandmother, Dorothy Hone, are taking part in this year's event.

"It's wonderful to bring her along and help her realize that planting trees helps our environment," said Hone.

Grandparents and grandchildren

The pair is one of 20 sets of grandparents and grandchildren planting the young tree and shrub seedlings.

The seedlings will grow for three to five years in the nursery and then will be planted at city parks and other public landscapes.

"Kids will take ownership -- maybe on their own property or maybe on municipal property -- and they'll go back and visit that tree in 20 years from now and bring their children," said Troy Storms, North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority manager of lands and stewardship.

Members of the Women Living Fit Inside-Out Group, their grandchildren and the Trees For Nipissing Group are partnering in the planting.

Since 2004, Trees For Nipissing has planted more than 7,500 trees in the North Bay area.

"The trees we're planting today will increase the tree canopy," said Trees For Nipissing Chair Peggy Walsh Craig. "Meaning, we'll have more shade."

It's the third year the event has taken place. There are 16 different species being planted, from various maple trees, to cedar, birch and much more.

Officials stress the importance of having more trees planted around the city.

"We are improving the air quality and water quality along rivers, lakes and streams," said Storms.

Officials said the trees are meant to combat flooding and erosion from shorelines, as well as replace trees that were cut down at construction sites or those that die from old age and disease.