Peterborough’s Riverview Park & Zoo received a vibrant boost this week as Siemens Canada, alongside Tree Canada and Otonabee Conservation, spearheaded a tree planting initiative. A hundred native trees and shrubs found their new home, enriching the area adjacent to the Otonabee River and enhancing local wildlife habitats.
A diverse array of native species, including button bush, speckled alder, tamarack, Saskatoon serviceberry, and silky dogwood, were planted to enhance the natural environment. Ian Almond, Plant Manager at Siemens Peterborough, highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to community beautification and sustainability, noting that Siemens employees have planted over 17,800 trees across Canada in the past decade.
For over ten years, Siemens Canada has partnered with Tree Canada and Otonabee Conservation to improve habitats within the Otonabee Region watershed. Together, they have planted nearly 2,000 trees and shrubs with the help of 300 Siemens employees at multiple sites across the region.
“We are thrilled to continue working with Tree Canada and Siemens to enhance habitats in our watershed,” said Janette Loveys Smith, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer at Otonabee Conservation. Cathy Mitchell, Manager and Curator of Riverview Park & Zoo, emphasized the project’s role in naturalizing the shoreline and creating spaces friendly to birds and pollinators, ultimately increasing the park’s climate resiliency and biodiversity.
Michael Petryk, Director of Urban Programs at Tree Canada, underscored the importance of trees and healthy ecosystems for community wellbeing and addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. “With support from Siemens Canada and Otonabee Conservation, we can foster greener environments for Canadians,” he said.
The Riverview Park & Zoo, which offers free admission, attracts over 300,000 visitors annually.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
