Toronto Star Special Report Aboriginal Student Services

HAMILTON (May 1, 2013) -- Three hundred saplings will be planted in two-and-a-half hours along the shoreline of Lake Ontario Saturday morning during Mohawk College and Earth Day Hamilton-Burlington’s first Planting our Roots event.

The tree planting begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Confederation Park behind Wild Waterworks. To volunteer alongside a team from Mohawk including President Rob MacIsaac and Vice President Academic Cheryl Jensen, please register online. Volunteers will be supplied with shovels, get a tree planting demonstration from Earth Day Hamilton-Burlington and receive a free lunch at noon. Volunteers are asked to bring rain boots, long pants, sunscreen and bug spray.

The trees will help anchor the soil, protect from further soil erosion, increase biodiversity and provide enhanced habitat for migratory birds.

Planting our Roots is supported by the Mohawk Sustainability Office, Mohawk College Alumni Association, Earth Day Hamilton - Burlington, the Hamilton Conservation Authority and the City of Hamilton.

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For more information about Planting our Roots at Confederation Park, contact:

Jessica Scott, Facilities Communications Assistant, Sustainability Office, Mohawk College

905 575 1212 x 4725 or 905 928 5377

jessica.scott3@mohawkcollege.ca www.mohawkcollege.ca

Laurel Harrison, Coordinator, Earth Day Hamilton-Burlington

905 973-3064 or 289 755-0433

laurel@earthdayhamilton.ca www.earthdayhamilton.ca