I had the opportunity to coordinate and witness an extra-ordinary event, the greening of the Community Waterfront Park Civic Plaza and parking lot in the City of North Bay in 2013. Community volunteers responded to the call for tree, shrub and perennial planting assistance. Their commitment to the completion of this exceptional project, was outstanding. They helped create a park for the people on former contaminated rail lands in the heart of our city.
Landscaping in and around parking lots is a concept which not only improves appearance, it prevents soil erosion, and reduces carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Planted areas also reduce storm water drainage problems, reduce the effects of wind and noise, and enhance human comfort by providing shade. The large, nursery-grown trees and home-grown red maples, red and bur oaks were planted along with hundreds of shrubs and perennials.
Nipissing Botanical Gardens, Community Waterfront Friends and Heritage Gardeners had the financial and in kind support of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and the City of North Bay and a large enthusiastic crew of forty plus volunteers.
The unsung heroes, there from the start, there for the planning, through the obstacles, no accolades needed, driven by their commitment to do good things for their city. I’m so proud to call them my greening friends and another one of my communities.
