MEDIA RELEASE:
KingCity: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 10, 2012
Media Contact:
Susan Walmer, Executive Director
95-833-3171 ext 32
Website:
A GREEN CHRISTMAS:
CUTTING TREES, PLANTING MORE
Uxbridge Mayor Gerri-Lynn O’Connor recognizes that Christmas Tree farming is a renewable and local activity that supports the community’s economy. That’s why on Saturday the Mayor will be chopping locally at Smalley’s Tree Farm (Regional Road 30 and Vivian Road).
Tree farming on the Oak Ridges Moraine, where cut-your-own and nursery operations have been based for many years is a sustainable use of the Moraine.
“Getting outside is a healthy break during this busy season,” notes Mayor O’Connor, “A real bonus is experiencing the Oak Ridges Moraine as so many from outside our municipality do at farms like Smalley’s with friends and family. The Land Trust who will be collecting donations here works with many landowners throughout our municipality.”
Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust volunteers will be present at on 15/ 16th collecting donations at Smalley’s Tree Farm and four Whitchurch-Stouffville locations, Hortons (three farms) and Ludbrooks. Funds raised will support stewardship of properties owned by the Trust.
The Land Trust ensures significant Moraine properties are protected for future generations through agreements with landowners, acquisition of lands and on-going stewardship. To date the Trust has secured over 3,317 acres of land and planted over 90,000 trees.
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Photo opportunity:
At 11 a.m. Mayor O’Connor will be joined by Land Trust President Patricia Short-Gallé and Director (Uxbridge resident) Mary Dubé to cut a tree following a short wagon ride from the parking/tree baling area to the treed portion of the Smalley property.
Participants:
OakRidgesMoraineLand Trust:
The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT) a registered charitable organization was formed in 1999 by citizens interested in protecting the Moraine. It is not a government agency.
The OakRidgesMoraineLand Trust
The Gate House, 13990 Dufferin Street North
King City, OntarioL7B 1B3
Telephone: 905−833−3171
Fax: 905−833−6619
Smalley’s Tree Farm:
Operated on 100 beautiful acres in just outside of Uxbridge, Ontario, Smalley’s
Christmas Trees began as 55,000 seedlings in 1980.
Media Contact: Harold Smalley
905-473-9229
Email:
Website:
Location: 7201 Regional Road 30/York-Durham Line (east of Hwy 48, just north of Vivian Rd.)
Ludbrook’s Tree Farm:
Ludbrook Tree Farm is a family owned and run Christmas tree farm, open for about 20 years. Don Ludbrook bought the farm 36 years ago with his wife Jenifer and their five children.
Media Contact: Donald Ludbrook
905 640-3704
647 839-4182
Website:
Location: 6550 Aurora Road, Stouffville (east of Hwy 48, just west of Regional Rd 30)
Horton’s Tree Farms:
Horton Tree Farms began in 1961 and for the next several decades the family devoted themselves to tree planting - millions of seedlings in the area and on their farms. They purchased sand dunes and abandoned farmland and restored them to green, highly productive Christmas Tree and Landscape Stock plantations. Today the family owns and operates over 300 acres on 5 farms.
Media Contact: Brian Horton
905 888-1738
800-420-7385
905-888-1887 FAX
Website:
Locations:
Home Farm / 5924 Slater, Stouffville (south of Aurora Rd., just west of Warden)Kennedy / 15899 Kennedy Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville (just south of St. Johns Sdrd.)
Magic Hill / 13953 Ninth Line Stouffville (east of Hwy 48, north of Bloomington)