Markham Trees for Tomorrow

Did you know that the Town of Markham has a commitment to plant 75,000 trees by the end of 2010, and that more than 50,000 have already been planted?

Why plant a tree? Trees help the environment, the economy and our overall well-being. Trees clean the air and absorb noise. They provide shade and wind-protection that can help to reduce utility costs and they add to property values

In the spirit of spring and upcoming Earth Day (April 22), why not plant a tree of your own? You can attend one of many tree plantings with your friends and children, or even plant a tree on your own property. Every tree counts, in fact, the Town has set up an online registration page so you can include your tree in the grand tally.

Upcoming Earth Day Tree Plantings:

Pomona Mills 10th Anniversary Tree Planting - April 25
Community Tree Planting- Toll Bar Park - April 25
10,000 Trees for the Rouge - April 26
Trees for Tomorrow Community Planting - May 2
Grandview Park Tree Planting - May 7
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Planting - May 9
Community Tree Planting- Fontainbleu Park - May 10

Check Child's Life's events pages for more info on these and other events.

Happy Earth Day - The Lesson in The Lorax

“UNLESS someone like you...cares a whole awful lot...nothing is going to get better...It’s not.”
Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth’s natural beauty.

First published in 1971 this tale of greed leading to environmental destruction is a perfect pick for an Earth Day read. With it's wonderful illustrations and fun Seuss style rhyming, the story will keep any child engaged. We can empathise with the Lorax trying to save his Truffula forest and the creatures that live in it. The story is a sad one, but it ends on a hopeful note and instills a sense of personal responsibility to our earth and all living things.

Watch it:

Re-thinking the Future

A 'must see' short film - Annie Leonard's The Story of Stuff is simply excellent! An engaging and beautifully presented look at production and consumption in our time. Annie helps us understand so clearly how the modern world is affecting the the globe and how we as people, and parents of the next generation, have the power to improve the current system.

Go There: www.storyofstuff.com