Forest in the Village 2024

Registration for Forest in the Village 2024 opens on September 9th!

The Forest in the Village is a Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) led community activation pilot project to a) build community understanding in the value of the urban forest canopy for biodiversity and climate resilience, to b) support the Village of Cumberland in achieving targets set out in the Village of Cumberland’s Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) and to c) engage the community directly in actions that enhance the urban forest within the Village.

The Urban Forest of Cumberland is in decline. Many of the large trees planted during Cumberland’s early settler years are reaching the end of their life cycle, urban densification (while great for housing needs) ultimately results in tree removal, and new developments have replaced forested areas. Urban forests offer environmental, habitat, hydrological, social, and cultural values and support community climate resilience. Read more HERE

Our goal, a reflection of the UFMP, is to help increase canopy cover in Cumberland’s urban areas from 20% to 30% by 2040. Last year we kick started this project by planting 125 trees in the Village to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Cumberland’s incorporation. Join us in 2024 as we continue this legacy project of stewardship and climate resilience –  by and for our community.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

– Chinese Proverb

How can you engage?

There are three ways participate in the 2024 Forest in the Village Project. Click here for the sign up form.

OPTION A.  Purchase your own tree from a local nursery OR grow your own tree from seed (self-funded).

OPTION B.  Purchase one of five carefully selected subsidized trees for your yard. These trees have been selected for drought tolerance, FireSmart alignment and habitat and biodiversity values.

• Black Hawthorn – Crataegus douglasii. Native, smaller trees grow up to 6 meters. In spring, the flowers bloom in clusters, later turning to bundles of deep and dark purplish-red fruits that are edible, but not necessarily palatable to people. Birds, on the other hand, feast on these berries. The tree is armed with short, sharp thorns, protecting them from herbivory. Black Hawthorn tolerates a range of soils, prefers at least some moisture and can thrive in full sun and partial shade. Pollinator and bird friendly. Has thorns.
• Pacific Ninebark Physocarpus capitatus. Native shrub growing to 4 m tall. Pacific ninebark is named after its shedding, textured bark that makes it look like it has 9 layers of bark. In the spring, small green leaves and bunches of white flowers appear. In the fall, its foliage turns yellow and drops, exposing its attractive bark. It is tolerant to a wide range of conditions from drought to occasional flooding.
• Oceanspray – Holodiscus discolor. Native, tall shrub, grows 3-5 meters. Drought tolerant and does well in dry rocky soils. full sun to partial shade. Pollinator friendly with clusters of cascading showy white flowers that first bloom in June and flower through July in summer. Many wildlife species depend on this plant including Bushtits that nest in its branches, other birds that forage in its seed heads.
• Douglas Maple – Acer glabrum. Tall shrub with narrow crown and numerous upward-reaching stems. Leaves are small and deep green in typical maple shape, becoming brilliant orange-red in the fall. It thrives in both moist and dry sites, and in full or partial sun, making it a versatile plant that does well in open and non-irrigated landscapes. It can be used to shade herbaceous plants. It attracts birds, squirrels, and pollinators. This small tree will grow to 30 ft. (10m).
• Pacific Crab Apple – Malus fusca. The only native apple tree in the west! Pretty flowers and small edible fruits which attract birds but may attract wildlife. It is useful for planting in wet areas and when a smaller tree is needed. In spring, blossoms are attractive and fragrant. In fall, the leaves turn red or yellow-orange.
• Saskatoon Berry – Amelanchier alnifolia. A native shrub growing to 5 m tall. It has soft green oval leaves and clusters of delicate white flowers in the spring, followed by delicious purple-black berries in the summer. It likes to be in full sun and kept warm during the growing season. Saskatoon berry is attractive to pollinators and birds.

Note: availability depends on species; trees will be available on a first come first basis; these trees will be available for pick up on October 20

OPTION C.  Don’t have a place to plant a tree? Renting or living in an apartment or low footprint townhouses? Not a problem. Contribute to a CCFS / Village of Cumberland planting as part of a restoration or urban forest enhancement project on public land or in local conservation areas. ($25)

Community Wide Planting Day: Is scheduled for Sunday October 20. All tree orders will be available for pick up at that time.

Thank you to: First Credit Union and the Village of Cumberland for their support!