The goal of the week is to highlight the special role that trees play in our world.
National Forest Week was first started in 1967 but didn’t gain official status until 2011.
Patricia Pohrebniuk is the Executive Director of the Manitoba Forestry Association and she says trees and forests do more for the world than we think.
“(Forestry Week) is a week that has been put aside to raise awareness of the special role that trees play in our everyday lives,” said Pohrebniuk “Environmentally, just the fact that they are important for the production of clean air, clean water, they help with soil erosion control, they provide shelter, and they provide food. Economically, they are very important, to not only Manitoba but to all Canadians right across Canada.”
Pohrebniuk says that it is very easy for people to get involved in Forest Week.
“It’s just a matter of, even taking a walk down your street, or in a community park. Try to identify some of the trees that are in and around your yard sites, along the street, within the park. Have a better understanding of the trees, and how to try and maintain your trees.”
National Forest Week always takes place the last week of September.
