Important Forest Dates

Important Forest Dates Looking for inspiration? Plan your next forest activity to coincide with one of the following dates. Use these websites to gather ideas and resources to help focus your initiative. Take action on a day or year when thousands of people around the world join together to work towards a common goal!

March 21st – World Forestry Day
In 1971, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), declared March 21st World Forestry Day. It is an opportunity for people to learn and reflect on the importance of forests in their day-to-day lives. This is important because forestry is often seen as being far removed from everyday life.
April 10th to 16th – National Wildlife Week
National Wildlife Week was created in honour of one of Canada's most influential naturalists – the late Jack Miner. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1947, the week provides Canadians with an opportunity to celebrate wildlife and take action to protect wild plants and animals. For more information
May 22nd – International Day for Biological Diversity
May 22nd was proclaimed the International Day for Biological Diversity in 1993 to increase awareness of biodiversity issues. Additionally, 2010 was declared by the United Nations to be the International Year of Biodiversity, which will celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity in our lives. Be sure to get involved with the Youth Accord on Biodiversity to have your voice heard on biodiversity issues that will be brought forth to decision-makers in Japan this year. Also, interestingly, the theme for the 2011 International Day for Biological Diversity is Biodiversity and Forests.

June 1st – Peace Tree Day
Peace Tree Day, inspired by Mitra Sen’s film The Peace Tree, began in Toronto in 2006. On this occasion, children around the world create peace trees that display symbols from a variety of cultures around the world. The idea is to explore the diversity of cultures around the world to foster understanding and respect among people. For more information and for tips on how to create your own peace tree, July 17th - Canada Parks Day
Canada’s Parks Day was first celebrated in 1990, and is a national event celebrating the importance of our parks and the contribution that they make to healthy and diverse ecosystems. In 2010, Canada’s Parks Day will recognize the International Year of Biodiversity, as well as the 125th anniversary of the creation of Banff, Canada’s first national park.

September 19th to 25th, 2010 – National Forests Week
Celebrated in late September each year, National Forests Week is a great opportunity for Canadians to reflect on and celebrate the past, present and future role of forests in their lives. For more information on the week and details on this year’s theme, c September 29th, 2010 – Maple Leaf Day: Canada`s National Tree Planting Day
Maple Leaf Day is Canada’s National Tree Day, when Canadians are asked to reflect on their relationship with the maple leaf, a symbol of our important connection to trees. Because it takes place during National Forests Week, Maple Leaf Day is an excellent time to plant trees.
Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign
With the goal of planting at least one billion trees worldwide each year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) encourages people to register their tree planting pledges online. In 2009, the goal of planting 7 billion trees was set and exceeded! This year, tree planting will play a substantial contribution to the 2010 International year of Biodiversity, raising awareness of the connections between forests and biodiversity. For more information, take a look at UNEP’s Billion Tree