Hundreds of volunteers plant trees across Calgary parks

More than 60 volunteers planted hundreds of new trees at Winston Heights Park on Thursday as Calgary ramps up efforts to expand its urban canopy.

The community event is part of a broader initiative led by Trees for Life and partners to boost tree coverage across the city. The planting builds on a successful pilot last year at West Nose Creek Park, where 2,000 trees were added. This year's goal is even more ambitious: organizers plan to plant 1,400 trees citywide as Calgary works toward long-term climate and canopy-growth targets.

Mike Hurley, development director with Trees for Life, said the organization is planting 300 trees at Winston Heights, with another 300 to 400 planned next week and 700 more this fall. "The idea is to help the City of Calgary double their urban tree canopy over the course of the next few years," he said.

City officials say public involvement will be essential as Calgary works to increase tree coverage across parks, boulevards, and private land. Urban forestry superintendent Alan Joiner said the city hopes to grow canopy coverage from just under 10 per cent to 16 per cent by 2060.

The next community planting event is scheduled for June 11 at West Nose Creek Park.