• 10,000 Trees for the Rouge is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to restoring habitat in the Rouge Valley through tree-planting events.
  • The organization’s Earth Week planting event at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park will take place on April 26-27, 2025.
  • 10,000 Trees is hopeful to increase Stouffville participation throughout the weekend.
  • April 26 is a setup day, with volunteers needed to prepare the site and move trees into the field; training for new Planting Coaches will also be offered.
  • Sunday, April 27, features two tree-planting sessions, during which volunteers will plant more than 4,500 native trees and shrubs.
  • Registration details are available on the 10,000 Trees website, and early sign-up is encouraged as spots fill up quickly.

 

Since 1989, 10,000 Trees for the Rouge has been dedicated to restoring habitat in the Rouge Valley. The volunteer-driven nonprofit works each year to revitalize fragile watershed lands by organizing large-scale tree-planting events.

Originally launched as an initiative under Save the Rouge Valley and the Rouge Valley Foundation, 10,000 Trees has since become an independent charitable organization. It is recognized as one of Ontario’s leading tree-planting groups.

Beyond planting trees, the organization promotes environmental stewardship. Volunteers—including families, students, and community organizations—gain hands-on experience in conservation efforts that directly benefit local ecosystems and wildlife.

10,000 Trees’ signature Earth Week planting event at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park draws more than 2,000 volunteers annually. Together, they help protect creeks and streams from erosion while strengthening wildlife corridors and expanding forested areas.

This year’s Earth Week event at Bruce’s Mill is set for April 26-27, and the organization is hoping to attract a greater number of Stouffville participants.

“In the past, most of our tree plantings were in Markham, so the majority of our volunteers have been Markham residents,” said Scott Heaslip, a Stouffville resident and member of 10,000 Trees, in comments to Bullet Point News.

“We would like to raise awareness of our work here in Stouffville so more of our community members come out to volunteer,” Heaslip added. “We register volunteers on Eventbrite, and many return each year. Registration for the Bruce’s Mill weekend can fill up quickly, so we want to get the word out early.”

Event details and registration links are available on the 10,000 Trees website. While no tree planting will take place on Saturday, April 26, volunteers are needed to help set up and transport trees into the field.

Training will also be offered on Saturday for those interested in becoming Planting Coaches. Often former volunteers, Planting Coaches guide groups and teach proper planting techniques.

Two tree-planting sessions will be held on Sunday, April 27: one from 9 a.m. to noon and another from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will plant more than 4,500 native trees and shrubs to expand local habitat. Training will be provided for newcomers.

“Plant as many trees as you like, but one well-planted tree will always be better than 10 poorly planted trees,” the group states on its website.

Volunteers are asked to bring a shovel and a five-gallon bucket. A water bottle and appropriate clothing and footwear for fieldwork are recommended.

“I started as a volunteer planter with 10,000 Trees for the Rouge about 8 years ago, and it’s so fulfilling to do something to give back to the planet,” Heaslip concluded. “I hope more Stouffville residents will come out and join us this year.”

 

Cover image by Syahrin Seth on Unsplash