Green future. Peter Seemann (left) and Mike Johnson are founders of Steward of the Earth. Their reforestation project gives students a say in where they want to plant trees. Their program inspires a new generation of stewards. Staff Photo/Mike Barrett

There is always a need for more trees.
And local organization Steward of the Earth developed a program so trees are planted and not forgotten.
Newmarket resident and Steward of the Earth founder, Mike Johnson, wanted to start a tree-planting program within a local school.
“Kids were very excited to plant the trees,” he said. “But the trees get forgotten because no one takes ownership.”
Often, after planting trees in the spring, students returned in the fall to find the saplings were mowed over during summer maintenance.
Rather than leave the trees in the hands of schools, Mr. Johnson decided to put the trees in the hands of students.
And Steward of the Earth was born.
“These kids can plant a tree wherever they want,” he said. “We hope it is in a place where they will see it and love it every day.”
The goal is to inspire a new generation of stewards.
Mr. Johnson’s friend and East Gwillimbury resident, Pete Seemann, who is the organization’s chairperson, joined the Steward of the Earth team.
Each April, the pair goes into a local school and explains the importance of planting trees. Each student from grades 1 to 4 is given a native white spruce seedling that is about 20 to 25 centimetres tall.
The duo has give out more than 10,000 trees and the program has grown to include more than 20 schools across northern York Region.
The pair also teaches students the most important part of planting a tree — nourishing it.
“It doesn’t matter where a tree is planted,” Mr. Johnson said. “A tree here has the same impact as a tree there. But the crucial part is at the start.”
And you start with plenty of water.
When going into the schools, the pair shows students how to water and take care of trees.
“We don’t want this to be a mystery for them,” Mr. Seemann said. “This needs to be simple enough so kids can use it as a stepping stone to plant more trees.”
After the seedlings are planted, students are encouraged to take photographs by their trees as they and the trees grow.
“This puts the care of the tree right in the hands of kids,” Mr. Johnson said.
The goal is to get one tree in the hands of every young person across the country.
Steward of the Earth is starting to recruit volunteers for its annual Earth Day tree distribution in April.
For more information, visit
stewardoftheearth.ca

reference: http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1244912–children-given-say-in-future-of-tree-planting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Farmer Jack’s Making a Difference – One Tree at a Time! 

(York Region: March 22, 2011) Steward of the Earth, a York Region based not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing environmental stewardship amongst children is thrilled to recognize Scott Burrows from Farmer Jack’s Gardens as the first “Maple Leaf” sponsor for Steward of the Earth since its inception in 2008. By agreeing to sponsor seven community schools at $1200 each, Farmer Jacks Gardens easily surpassed the $5000 annual benchmark for the exclusive “Maple Leaf” donor category.

Founded in 2009, Steward of the Earth (SOTE) aims to get one tree in the hands of every young person across Canada.  Since its inception the organization has provided more than 5,000 local children with a hands-on learning adventure that teaches the environmental benefits of planting and nurturing one tree at a time.  With the support of local businesses and community organizations, each student who takes part in the Steward of the Earth program receives a seedling of their very own to plant and nurture for a greener tomorrow. 

“Our program is unique in terms of the community participation.  Through the extremely generous support of Farmer Jack’s Gardens we are able to deliver the program to seven more schools in the Whitchurch-Stoufville and Markham areas. His donations this year will provide more than 2000 families an opportunity to benefit from our program and for that he should be recognized as a community leader,” said SOTE Chair Peter Seemann.  “This level of support from a community sponsor is unparalleled and we want thank Mr. Burrows for his generous contributions to our program,” Seemann added.

Farmer Jack’s Gardens offers a wide variety of products and expertise to help home owners design, plan and build their dream garden.  Located in Stouffville and Sharon, Farm Jack’s carries a large selection of interlocking stone, retaining wall and aggregates.  To learn more, visit them online at www.farmerjacks.ca.

Steward of the Earth (SOTE), a not-for-profit community organization which aims to get one tree in the hands of every young person across Canada, will be delivering the program to several York Region area schools in conjunction with Earth Day (April 22, 2011).

To learn more about the Steward of the Earth Program, please visit us online at www.stewardoftheearth.ca 

-         30 –

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Steward of Earth Appoints Richmond Hill Ambassador 

(York Region: February 9, 2011) Steward of the Earth, a York Region based not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing environmental stewardship amongst children is excited to announce the expansion of the school-based program into Richmond Hill, and to welcome Vic Gupta as the program’s Richmond Hill Ambassador.

Founded in 2009, Steward of the Earth (SOTE) aims to get one tree in the hands of every young person across Canada.  Since its inception the organization has provided more than 5000 local children with a hands-on learning adventure that reaches the environmental benefits of planting and nurturing one tree at a time.  In addition, each of these students has received a seedling of their very own to plant and care for.  To-date Steward of the Earth has delivered the program to schools in northern York Region, including the communities of Georgina, East Gwillimbury and Newmarket.  With the addition of Mr. Gupta as a local ambassador, the organization is please to welcome the program to Richmond Hill.

“Our program is unique in terms of the community participation.  Through the substantial contributions of our community ambassadors we are able to unite businesses, municipal governments, local schools and families around a shared environmental goal”, said SOTE Chair Peter Seeman.  “Whenever we have someone like Vic Gupta volunteer to help deliver the program to a new community like Richmond Hill, we are thrilled”, Seemann added.

“When I heard about the many benefits of Steward of the Earth, I knew it was something I wanted to get involved in”, said Vic Gupta. “I have met a lot of families in Richmond Hill and I know this is something that would be welcomed, particularly through the educational programs delivered around Earth Day.  I am thrilled to be doing what I can to grow the program in Richmond Hill” he added.

Steward of the Earth (SOTE), a not-for-profit community organization which aims to get one tree in the hands of every young person across Canada, will be delivering the program to several York Region area schools in conjunction with Earth Day (April 22, 2011).

To learn more about the Steward of the Earth Program, please visit us online at www.stewardoftheearth.ca 

-         30 –

The 2010 Annual General Meeting for Steward of the Earth has been set for 7pm on Wednesday September 22^nd and all those who support the mission and ideals of our organization are welcome to attend. Like many new not-for-profits associations, Steward of the Earth has grown exclusively through the hard work and countless hours volunteered by its current members. As we grow our organization across Ontario and in time across Canada, we are looking for new members to join our ranks so that we can deliver our important program of environmental leadership to a higher number of children every year. Our AGM will be a great opportunity for supporters of our program, both new and old, to find out what we have been up to over the past year and where we are hopefully headed.

Refreshments and a light dinner will be served.

For detailed information on the location and agenda for the evening or to RSVP, please email info@stewardoftheearth.ca or call me directly at 905-716-3000.

Looking forward to seeing you at our AGM on September 22^nd!

As Steward of the Earth wraps up our 2010 school program, we would like to thank our almost two-dozen generous sponsors who helped make this years program a great success.

Because of the kind support of so many dedicated individuals and businesses, we were able to provide an environmental education to over 2,800 students in Holland Landing, Keswick, Newmarket, Stouffville and Sutton.  Thank you for helping us plant and nurture for a greener tomorrow.

We would also like to extend a warm thank you to the Towns of Georgina, East Gwillimbury, Newmarket and Witchurch-Stouffville for declaring May 12^th Steward of the Earth in their communities.  Thanks to the willingness of these communities, we were able to unite local stakeholders around a common cause, and in doing so give students across York Region our communities the support they need to be environmental leaders of tomorrow.

As Steward of the Earth continues to grow, we must recognize the dedication and commitment of the many volunteers who make this program possible.  Because othe selfless commitment of so many people, we are able make a difference – one tree at a time.

Steward of the Earth aims to get one tree in the hands of every Canadian child, and with your support today, our program can continue to expand and reach a greater number of children across the province and the country.

For more information of the Steward of the Earth program and to sponsor our 2011 campaign, please click here.

Steward of the Earth is very busy promoting their annual spring drive to match schools and donors to fulfill their desire to educate a new school aged generation in the importance of our environment. Each of the selected schools’ children from Kindergarten to grade five will receive their very own tree to plant.

During the presentation children learn about the importance of trees and also how to care for trees. The children are always both thrilled and amazed when they discover that the hundreds of healthy new trees on display in their school are given to them at the end of the presentation to plant.

Every child who receives a tree is also offered the opportunity to be entered into a contest to see which classroom planted the most trees. Every child who participates will receive a participant’s certificate on behalf of Steward of the Earth for them to keep and treasure.

Participating schools: TBA

Steward of the Earth wishes to thank the following donors for 2009: