Celebrating Greater Sudbury's Regreening Efforts with Dr. Jane Goodall

Jul 7, 2022

Dr. Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, was joined by the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, to plant the 10 millionth tree on the beautiful shores of Ramsey Lake in celebration of Greater Sudbury's regreening efforts.

Over the past 43 years, the City of Greater Sudbury has made a miraculous transformation from a moonscape to a living landscape. Its world-renowned, award-winning Regreening program has enabled partners and thousands of residents to play a role in the ecological recovery of the community.

Since 1978, the City has engaged in regreening its landscape by planting ten million tree seedlings through the City's Regreening program with oversight by VETAC, City Council’s Regreening Advisory Panel.  As a result, Greater Sudbury is a leading global example of how scientists, government, industry, and the broader community can work together to restore landscapes.

Greater Sudbury’s landscape transformation through local regreening continues to significantly improve the quality of life for the community and future generations.

The City of Greater Sudbury is proud to host Dr. Jane Goodall in partnership with Science North for the upcoming Jane Goodall IMAX film "Reasons for Hope" to celebrate and tell the story of Greater Sudbury’s regreening achievements.


Quotes:
"I first visited Sudbury to learn about the fantastic greening project over 20 years ago. I planted a few trees and released a fish in a once polluted stream. The success of this magnificent effort was made possible because of the citizens of Sudbury and their commitment to conservation and the creation of a healthy environment. The regreening of Sudbury is a shining example of why I have hope – the resilience of nature and the indomitable spirit that tackles what seems impossible and will not give up."  
– Dr. Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace


“What Sudbury has achieved through its decades-long Regreening Program is an example for Canada and the world. Our government is supporting this initiative alongside our own commitment to plant two billion trees across Canada in the coming decade. Together, we can protect and restore nature, and build a healthy future for generations to come.”
– The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada


"Sudbury is living proof of the value of tree planting programs. Regreening efforts here have contributed to happier, healthier communities surrounded by more beautiful nature. Tree planting is the answer to many of the issues we want to tackle, such as cleaner air, healthier soils, more habitat for species, and so much more. I cannot think of a more appropriate place to mark this milestone in our Government's campaign to plant two billion trees nationwide."
– Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change


“Sudbury’s regreening story is remarkable. Our community is continuously recognized as a global leader for environmental rehabilitation. Not only have the regreening efforts improved the environment, air quality and natural habitats, the regreening has contributed to several socioeconomic factors including a greater sense of community pride, increased tourism and employment opportunities. Today’s milestone will have a lasting impact on the quality of life for our community, and future generations. I want to acknowledge the leadership, continued support, and dedication of all of the partners and volunteers who have made this possible.”
– Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament, Sudbury

“It is truly an honour to have Dr. Jane Goodall highlight Greater Sudbury’s Regreening Program. Our landscape has radically changed thanks to collaborations with the City, Federal Government, private sector and immense volunteer support. Our region is a shining example for communities around the globe who seek to undergo regreening efforts. Thank you to all the innovators who took the initiative over the last 43 years to bring this massive project to life and congratulations to all parties involved!”
– Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament, Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages


"The City's Regreening Program is a point of pride for our community, and it continues to improve the quality of life that we enjoy. Thanks to our partnerships with the Government of Canada and collaboration among many of our partners, the results of this program continue to be successful. I want to recognize the VETAC advisory panel members and volunteers who have dedicated countless hours and efforts to enhance our community over the last 43 years."
– Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury


“Science North is proud to join the City, the Government of Canada, and Dr. Goodall in commemorating the momentous occasion of the 10 millionth tree planting. The Sudbury Regreening story is one of the most inspiring environmental rehabilitation stories anywhere on the planet, and we are thrilled to be telling the story of how our community came together to transform Sudbury’s landscapes and watersheds through our upcoming IMAX film, Jane Goodall’s Reason for Hope.”
– Jennifer Booth, Interim CEO, Science North


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