National Forest Week is being celebrated this year from Monday, September 17 to Friday, September 22, and the Provincial Government is encouraging residents and families to get outside and explore Newfoundland and Labrador’s vast and beautiful forests.

The Provincial Government will be planning and participating in several events in support of National Forest Week. Department officials will be visiting schools to talk about topics such as wildfire prevention, wildlife control and the effects of climate change.

The department will also be giving away spruce tree seedlings to families, individuals, schools and community groups free-of-charge at specific district offices (list of offices in the backgrounder below). Please note there is a limited number of seedlings to give away, and interested people will be offered an appropriate number of seedlings for their group.

Youth may wish to take part in the photo, drawing and poetry contests being offered by Canadian Institute of Forestry for National Forest Week. Details about participation are available here.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the vital role reforestation plays in sustainable forest management. Through Budget 2023, $3.9 million has been allocated to plant more than 6 million trees in the province; approximately $5.8 million in additional funding has been provided to support fire suppression in our forests; and a further $5 million is being invested in protecting forests from spruce budworm.

Quote
“Our province is blessed with an abundance of forests and natural beauty. National Forest Week is a wonderful opportunity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to come together to appreciate the value of our forests, and contribute to their biodiversity and preservation.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Canadian Institute of Forestry – National Forest Week 2023

Participation in National Forest Week 2023

Forest management district offices

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BACKGROUNDER

Forest Management District Offices Participating in the Seedling Giveaway

The following forest management district offices will be participating in the seedling giveaway.

• Bay d’Espoir
• Bishop’s Falls
• Clarenville
• Gambo (Gander included)
• Lewisporte
• Paddy’s Pond
• Pasadena
• Port Saunders
• Roddickton
• Springdale
• St. George’s