Tree Canopy and Forest Restoration Fund

Protecting High-Risk Forests at the Royal Botanical Gardens: How You Can Help

As the weather warms, thousands of visitors will head to the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) to enjoy the trails, shaded forests, and natural lands. These spaces are more than just beautiful—they are vital refuges for people and wildlife alike. They also play an important role in promoting mental health, reducing stress, and improving air quality.

But these forests face serious threats. Climate change, historic tree loss, and emerging invasive species like the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) are placing immense pressure on forest ecosystems. The Eastern Hemlock, a key species found along RBG’s south shore trails, is particularly at risk.

HWA, an invasive insect, feeds on Eastern Hemlocks by draining the trees of water and nutrients. If left unmanaged, it could destroy century-old Hemlocks within just 2 to 6 years. These trees, often referred to as “the redwood of the East,” can grow up to 150 feet tall and live for 1,000 years. They store large amounts of carbon, help mitigate climate change, and create cooling canopies that support biodiversity and water quality.

RBG is one of the first organizations in Canada to develop and begin implementing a plan to protect Eastern Hemlocks from HWA. The goal is to take immediate, science-based action through research, forest management strategies, and conservation programs.

Another important initiative is RBG’s American Chestnut seed orchard. Once dominant in Ontario’s forests, the American Chestnut was decimated by blight in the early 1900s. Today, the species is listed as endangered at both the provincial and federal levels. In response, RBG has created a seed orchard to establish a disease-resistant, genetically resilient, self-sustaining local seed source. Currently, 52 new saplings are growing in monitored areas, representing two distinct genetic strains from eastern and central North America.

This work is supported by donor contributions, which fund the research needed to inform forest management plans and ensure that the right trees are planted in the right places—planning not just for the present, but for future generations.

With over 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of natural lands in Southern Ontario, RBG sits at the edge of rapidly growing urban areas like Hamilton, Burlington, and the Greater Toronto Area. This makes the conservation and restoration of natural lands even more critical.

RBG’s forests serve as a vital green lung for surrounding communities, filtering air, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity. With the planet now 1.5 degrees warmer than it was in 1900, strategic conservation has never been more urgent.

Protecting and restoring RBG’s forests is a direct investment in a cleaner, healthier, more resilient future. Continued support is essential to combat invasive species like HWA, advance sustainable forest restoration, and inspire the next generation of conservation advocates.

Consider supporting RBG’s forest conservation work today. Your contribution helps ensure that these forests thrive for generations to come.