(Barrie, ON) – The City of Barrie invites residents to celebrate National Forest Week, taking place September 20 to 26, 2026. Forest Week is celebrated across Canada and encourages people to learn more about the value of forests and the benefits trees provide to communities, wildlife, and the environment.
Throughout the week, the City is hosting a variety of free, educational community events designed to connect residents with Barrie's urban forests:
- Guided tree walk on September 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunnidale Park (265 Sunnidale Rd.)
In partnership with Nature Barrie, this event will invite participants to explore the Sunnidale Arboretum and Park to learn about local tree species and the important role trees play in the urban environment.
- Tree seedling giveaway on September 22, 4 to 6 p.m. at Sunnidale Park (265 Sunnidale Rd.)
Residents are invited to pick up a free tree seedling and take home a lasting addition to their property. Seedlings are available while supplies last. Non-perishable food donations for the Barrie Food Bank are welcome.
- Community tree planting on September 23, 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Brown Wood Park (101 Brown Wood Dr.)
In partnership with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, residents can help plant 100 new trees and shrubs.
- Invasive plant identification walk on September 24, 4 to 5 p.m., North Shore Trail (meet at Kempenfelt Park, 55 Kempenfelt Dr.)
Participants will learn how to identify invasive plant species and understand their impact on local ecosystems.
- Community tree planting on September 26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sunnidale Park (265 Sunnidale Rd.)
In partnership with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, residents are welcome to help plant 400 new trees.
- Forestry booth on September 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Barrie Public Library downtown branch (60 Worsley St.)
As part of Doors Open Barrie, Forestry staff will offer educational resources, tree and wildflower giveaways, and information about Barrie's urban forest.
Learn more about Barrie's urban forestry initiatives at barrie.ca/UrbanForestry.
Image
