plants

Connecting

people

&

for a greener, healthier

URBAN climate

#GreenMyCity

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We're always looking for NEW projects:

Imagine a future…

… where the air is clear and easy to breathe
… where city streets are shaded and cool on hot summer days
… where being outside in the city means enjoying a healthier, natural environment

Green Cities Foundation wants to create that future – with you. Together we can #GreenMyCity, one green space at a time.

What is #GreenMyCity?

It’s a collaboration between donors, volunteers and the Foundation to design and build urban green spaces.

Where & When?

We are taking on new projects all the time for the #GreenMyCity program. Apply today and your community could be next!

Why?

To reduce the effects of climate change. To help people breathe. To improve the quality of life in Canadian cities.

How can I help?

Get involved! Volunteer, Donate funds or materials, Nominate your community. We’re just getting started, and every bit of help is welcome and appreciated.

Our Mission & Vision

Green Cities Foundation is a community connecting plants & people for a greener, healthier urban climate.

PROTECT We commit to protect the environment.

RENEW We commit to renew failed green spaces and to increase the amount of public green space in Canadian cities.

IMPROVE We commit to improve the climate in Canadian cities for the people who live and work in them, & for those affected by climate change.

read our story

OUR VALUES

APPRECIATION

Showing our appreciation to program supporters and volunteers by acting with integrity, honesty and gratitude.

INTERDEPENDENCE

Acknowledging the connectedness between people, plants, good health, happiness and vibrant communities.

PARTNERS

We will partner with other community organizations who recognize and understand our mission and values. With that partnership, we will respect their mission, values, traditions and practices

RESPECT

Treating the world we live in, the people we share it with, and the environment honourably, with kindness and care.

COLLABORATION

Connecting people across the country with resources that reduce our impact on climate change and make city living more enjoyable.

GET READY FOR THE YEAR OF THE GARDEN!

You’re invited to join in the fun and “Live the Garden Life” during the Year of the Garden 2022, a celebration of everything garden and gardening related in Canada.

LEARN MORE

Green Cities Foundation is a private foundation established by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), for which CNLA remains a generous contributor. Our annual operating costs are paid by CNLA.

Be an environmental Champion

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Green Revitalization

How do plants help my city?

When we plant trees, grasses, shrubs, and flowers where none was growing before, they improve air and water quality, and help in the fight against climate change. The effect is very noticeable in cities where there are more hard surfaces, such as concrete and pavement.

SOIL

Healthy soil is important for the health, growth, and maintenance of plants. Plants in urban areas (cities) rely on soil to absorb, retain and release water when they need it. If plants have the right soil, watering can be reduced.

WATER

There are a lot of hard surfaces in cities that don’t absorb water. Heavy rain and melting snow can be dangerous and damaging. Increasing the amount of green space can absorb more water, reducing runoff and flooding.

PLANTS

Soil and plants absorb rainwater, which later evaporates into the air. This process cools the area by taking heat from the air for the process of evaporation. Trees provide shade, too, which is lovely and cool on a hot summer day.

AIR

Plants clean the air so we can breathe. They remove carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and tiny particles you can barely see floating around. That’s a fancy way of saying that plants breathe in the bad stuff and produce oxygen for us to inhale.