Select organizations will receive reimbursement funding for up to $1,500 to purchase trees for their project, with help from Pembina Co-op volunteers on a designated planting day. Applications close on April 30.

Boundary Co-op has a similar if slightly different program. Where Pembina will reimburse for trees, Boundary has applicants apply for the trees themselves, which they supply and help plant if requested.

“It is a donation program we developed for Boundary and introduced in 2023,” said Boundary Marketing Manager Cheryl Rushing. “It started as a way to make a sustainable and lasting impact in our communities. Groups, organizations and community projects can apply for trees through our application portal. They provide us with the details of their project, where they wish to plant trees, and request species of trees. We source the trees through a Manitoba nursery and once they arrive, we schedule a date to assist in the planting.”

She added recipients are chosen based on how well they align with their brand values and the projected long-term benefit they will bring to the community.

Previous recipients are the Hartney Golf Club, Cartwright School, Tiny Turtle Playroom in Boissevain, Killarney Kinsmen and the Municipalities of Deloraine-Winchester and Brenda-Waskada.

“Tree species have varied somewhat over the years, but we try to select varieties that are well-suited to Manitoba climate and that are easy to care for. They have included Colorado spruce, Manitoba maple, oak, ash, lilac, and poplar.”

Applications have also opened at Boundary, and will close on April 30.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff