One of Vancouver’s largest and much-beloved, Stanley Park, is getting a boost from Western Forest Products, which is contributing seedling trees to help replant and restore the park’s tree canopy. The first seedlings are being planted now, with 65,000 trees set to be planted over the course of the three-year partnership.
Stanley Park, which spans 400 hectares of West Coast rainforest, has been a cherished destination for locals and visitors since it first opened in 1888. Through dedicated tree planting with a diverse mix of species, this replanting effort is designed to strengthen the park’s natural resilience and ensure the forest continues to thrive for future generations.
The seedlings being planted were grown at Western’s Saanich Forestry Centre, which has earned a reputation for its expertise in researching and cultivating high-quality seeds and seedlings. Every year, the seed orchard and tree nursery produces over four million trees, which are planted across the coast of British Columbia, contributing to climate resilience, supporting biodiversity and providing long-term benefits for communities.
“Stanley Park is a treasured space for so many people. This generous contribution of seedlings from Western will not only enhance the beauty of the park but also support a stronger more resilient forest, making sure it continues to thrive for years to come,” said Steve Jackson, General Manager, Vancouver Park Board.
As a leader in sustainable forestry and forest management, Western Forest Products is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful contribution to reforestation efforts. The company’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship spans from nurturing seeds and maintaining healthy forests to manufacturing high-value wood products that naturally store carbon.
“Our team understands what it takes to go from nurturing seeds and maintaining healthy forests to supplying sustainable wood products around the world, and we’re fortunate to have experts at every step of the process,” said Steven Hofer, President and CEO of Western. “It is incredibly rewarding for all of us at Western to know that we are playing a role in restoring Stanley Park so that generations to come will be able to connect with nature in the heart of the city.”
This contribution reflects the company’s ongoing commitment towards investing in the areas where its team members live and work. In addition to community contributions, Western takes pride in generating significant value in the areas in which it operates, including through tax payments, job creation and the purchase of local goods and services.
