During National Forest Week, Canadians are invited to learn more about Canada’s
Forest heritage and to raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource.
Forests are fundamental to our economy, culture, traditions and history – and to our future.
Communities, families and individuals depend on forests for their livelihood and way of life.
History
Established circa 1920 as Forest Fire Prevention Week, the intention was to encourage greater public awareness towards Canada’s forests. At the time, there was no apparent shortage of trees for industrial expansion – the greatest threat came from forest fires, due mainly to human causes. Since then National Forest Week, as it was renamed in 1967, has evolved to encompass the many and varied human and environmental aspects of Canada’s forest resources – past, present and future. Although special activities are promoted across Canada, National Forest Week remains first and foremost a challenge to individual Canadians to learn more about their forest heritage and support greater recognition of this valuable resource. National Forest Week is observed annually during the last full week of September, Sunday through Saturday.
National Tree Day
On March 2, 2011 a private members motion received consent from the House of Commons to declare the Wednesday of National Forest Week as National Tree Day. National Tree day is an opportunity for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide us – clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature.
For more information on National Tree Day: http://www.treecanada.ca