Young Professionals
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
National Capital Region
Dear colleagues,
The Board of Directors had decided to plant saplings in each Region in commemoration of the PIPSC 100th Anniversary. We could not plant in NCR due to COVID-19 soon after the decision was made. Now, we are planning to plant those trees in the current planting season (ideally, in May). This activity will be completed in collaboration with Tree Canada, per the decision of the Board.
Project Scope:
We will plant 125 saplings in Ottawa and 125 saplings in Gatineau.
Tree Canada has identified one site in Ottawa (Queensway Carleton Hospital) in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, and one in Gatineau (Off 131 Rue des Dunes, Gatineau) in collaboration with the City of Gatineau.
Dates and locations:
The date that has been proposed for Ottawa is Saturday, May 7, 2022 (firm). The date for Gatineau has to be determined.
Seeking volunteers to sign up:
Tree Canada has told us that they would like to have 25 PIPSC members participate in the plantation event at each location. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers who are interested in signing up. If you would like to support efforts to increase urban tree coverage and reduce Canada’s Greenhouse Gas emissions, please sign up now.
Action:
Please send your name, email and cell phone to Waheed.Khan@pipsc.ca Since the date for Ottawa is rather close, please sign up for Ottawa as soon as possible but no later than April 19.
Description of the activity on Saturday, May 7, 2022:
The activity will take about 2.5 hours. Below you will find details of the planned activity on May 7, 2022 at Queensway Carleton Hospital. Details about the next activity in Gatineau on May 28 (TBC) will be similar but will be provided later.
- Arrive by 9:45 hrs at Queensway Carleton Hospital, 3045 Baseline Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 8P4.
- Park in the gravel parking lot in the north of the property (Google map to be provided to those who will sign up). PIPSC and Tree Canada signs will be visible on site.
- Walk approximately 200 meter to the planting site. The ground may be uneven and a short, moderate incline.
- Pick gloves and equipment that you intend to use. Water/soft drinks will also be available.
- At the planting hour (10:00 hrs), we will begin with introductions about PIPSC, Tree Canada, and the hospital. We will be standing around at the top of the embankment.
- There will be a short demonstration of how to plant the trees. Please watch this video: https://youtu.be/cg8LwT0P86E.
- Tree Canada staff will identify the saplings, and help with making sure trees are planted right, and in the right place.
- There are about 5 trees per person. People may plant individually or in groups (sharing tasks).
- Roles will be assigned for those who wish to only do certain tasks, rather than all the tasks associated with planting a sapling. Tasks are described below.
- Tree planting will include being able to do at least one of the following tasks:
Use a large handled shovel to break into the ground, and excavate a hole about the size of a washing bucket
Move saplings, up to 25 lbs each.
Remove the tree from the pots without damaging roots
Get on your hands and knees to remove soil and plant the tree
Carry and place ‘mulch mats’ around trees
Place plastic ‘tree guards’ around the trees
Replace soil (get your hands or gloves dirty!)
Help collect small tags and empty pots
Provide moral support to colleagues or give a hand if needed.
- Planting takes about 1.5 hours (average)
- Lunch (lunch boxes, water, drinks will be served by PIPSC)
- Return to Parking lot, about 200 meters, and disperse.
What Should I Wear?
Clothes that you find easy to move in
Long pants (no bare legs)
Sturdy shoes (no open-toed shoes or sandals)
Raincoat and/or hat, depending on the weather
Sunscreen
Remember the planting event will take place, rain or shine.
What Should I Bring?
A Mask
A charged-up phone or camera for photos and your smiles
Questions/comments?
Contact Waheed.Khan@pipsc.ca
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
Director, National Capital Region