About 500 native trees, bushes and shrubs were planted at Terwillegar Park on Thursday as volunteers gathered for National Tree Day. Organized by Tree Canada in collaboration with the City of Edmonton’s Root for Trees program, the event also involved pulling weeds and applying compost to support local biodiversity and remove invasive species.

Program liaison Lindsay Vander Hoek said native plants have evolved in the area and the ecosystem depends on the connections among its trees and shrubs. “Native plants are important because they’ve evolved in this place, so the whole ecosystem kind of revolves around the interconnectedness of those trees and shrubs,” she said.

“What we’re doing today is like giving a boost to the ecosystem,” Vander Hoek added. “Part of that is allowing the plants to grow the way that they may have in nature … the benefits are many, including climate resilience.” She said a healthier urban forest can also improve air quality, mitigate flood risks, capture carbon and reduce heat.

The next planting event is scheduled for Sept. 27 at noon at Kinsmen Park for Orange Shirt Day. Details are available on the City of Edmonton website.

Based on reporting by CTV News Edmonton.