MEDIA RELEASE:

KingCity: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2012

Media Contact:

Susan Walmer, Executive Director

95-833-3171 ext 32

Website:

A GREEN CHRISTMAS:

CUTTING TREES, PLANTING MORE

A break from the Christmas rush can include cutting your own Christmas tree. Tree farming is a renewable and local activity that supports your community’s economy. Start a new tradition on the Oak Ridges Moraine, where cut-your-own and nursery operations are beneficial, sustainable uses, for all seasons, for years to come.

Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust volunteers will be present at five local tree farming operations on the weekends of December 8th / 9th and 14th/ 15th collecting donations. Funds raised will support stewardship of properties owned by the Trust.

Participating farms are: Horton’s, Ludbrooks and Smalley’s, all a short drive east of Newmarket, Aurora and Richmond Hill or north of Markham.

Getting outside is a healthy break during this busy season. Experience the Oak Ridges Moraine on your own or with friends and family.

Volunteer Bryan Challis sums it up: “My childhood Christmas memories are all about the search for a great tree, the fresh air, the fresh tree scent.Slow down and buy Moraine-grown trees. You reduce green-house gases from plastic ones shipped from other parts of the world or real trees shipped from out of province. Support local tree farmers and make a donation to the Trust. Its win-win-win and great fun!”

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Participants:

OakRidgesMoraineLand Trust:

The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT) a registered charitable organization was formed in 1999 by citizens interested in protecting the Moraine. It is not a government agency. The Land Trust ensures significant Moraine properties are protected for future generations through agreements with landowners, acquisition of lands and on-going stewardship. To date the Trust has secured over 3,317 acres of land and planted over 90,000 trees.

The OakRidgesMoraineLand Trust

The Gate House, 13990 Dufferin Street North

King City, OntarioL7B 1B3

Telephone: 905−833−3171

Fax: 905−833−6619

Horton’s Tree Farms:

Horton Tree Farms began in 1961 and for the next several decades the family devoted themselves to tree planting - millions of seedlings in the area and on their farms. They purchased sand dunes and abandoned farmland and restored them to green, highly productive Christmas Tree and Landscape Stock plantations. Today the family owns and operates over 300 acres on 5 farms.

Media Contact: Brian Horton

905 888-1738

800-420-7385

905-888-1887 FAX

Website:

Locations:

Home Farm / 5924 Slater, Stouffville (south of Aurora Rd., just west of Warden)
Kennedy / 15899 Kennedy Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville (just south of St. Johns Sdrd.)
Magic Hill / 13953 Ninth Line Stouffville (east of Hwy 48, north of Bloomington)
Ludbrook’s Tree Farm:
Ludbrook Tree Farm is a family owned and run Christmas tree farm, open for about 20 years. Don Ludbrook bought the farm 36 years ago with his wife Jenifer and their five children.

Media Contact: Donald Ludbrook

905 640-3704

647 839-4182

Website:

Location: 6550 Aurora Road, Stouffville (east of Hwy 48, just west of Regional Rd 30)

Smalley’s Tree Farm:

Operated on 100 beautiful acres in just outside of Uxbridge, Ontario, Smalley’s
Christmas Trees began as 55,000 seedlings in 1980.

Media Contact: Harold Smalley

905-473-9229

Email:

Website:

Location: 7201 Regional Road 30/York-Durham Line (east of Hwy 48, just north of Vivian Rd.)