6/15/2011 7:12:41 PM

June 15, 2011

Cherry Tree Lane launched at tree festival on Toronto Island

Volunteers and tree enthusiasts of all ages spent much of this past Saturday exploring the diversity of trees, enjoying music and taking part in other activities at Toronto Island Park. The day began with the annual "Tour de Trees," which led participants on a guided tour of 20 unique tree species that call Toronto Island home. Professional arborists and tree experts volunteered their time to help the public learn about the historic and cultural significance of the various species.

In the Franklin Children's Garden, festival goers were treated to a tree rappelling demonstration by City of Toronto Urban Forestry staff. Musical entertainment was provided by Washboard Hank & the Corn Pickles, who delighted the audience with their high energy and comedic presentation. Children took part in a workshop presented by Professor Pricklethorn, who taught them about the importance of trees and explained photosynthesis. Visitors also enjoyed art installations and a vendor village.

The inauguration of "Cherry Tree Lane" was one of the day's highlights. Steve Fry, President of the Friends of Toronto Island, welcomed the Acting Consul-General of Japan, Mr. Nobuaki Yamamoto, to Centre Island for a ceremonial tree planting and plaque unveiling. The tree planting commemorated the gift to the City of Toronto of 30 Japanese flowering cherry trees, also known as Sakura trees, by the Consulate-General of Japan in co-operation with the Sakura Project.

The trees, planted earlier this spring, line a pathway near the fountain at the south end of the bridge that runs from the ferry dock to the beach. The path is now officially known as Cherry Tree Lane. A plaque donated by the Friends of Toronto Islands recognizes the generous donation of the trees by the Sakura Project in co-operation with the Consulate-General of Japan.

Established in 2000, the Sakura Project is on target to donate 3,000 Sakura trees across Ontario. The Sakura Project, spearheaded by the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto with the support of local private donors, has been donating Sakura trees as a symbol of goodwill and friendship between Canada and Japan. Other notable donations to the City of Toronto include trees that have been planted in High Park and Centennial Park in Etobicoke.

Friends of Toronto Islands is a locally based not-for-profit organization established in 2009. The group aims to provide support to the City of Toronto in maintaining and improving Toronto Island Park. In addition to organizing social and recreational activities through the year to encourage the use of the Toronto Islands, the organization was instrumental in bringing the Sakura trees to the Toronto Island and is looking at other projects to enhance the Toronto Island experience.