# Professional Pilot Helps Government of Ontario’s Tree Planting Program Soar toward 50 Million Goal

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/professional-pilot-helps-government-of-ontarios-tree-planting-program-soar-toward-50-million-goal/
- Published: 2020-05-04T01:10:31-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

#### **Local man awarded Green Leader status by Forests Ontario**

Local pilot, Jeff Roney, is Forests Ontario’s newest Green Leader. Therefore nominated
for his work with the government of Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program (50 MTP). 
He and his wife, Samantha Campbell, a nurse practitioner, planted more than 2,000
trees through the program.

Jeff is not only a pilot but a farmer and proud family-man with a [passion](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/plant-this-earth-day-ten-simple-tips-for-you/)
for forests. Early in his career, Jeff worked as a water bomber pilot. He was a 
pilot for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) in Thunder Bay. 
His job suppressing forest fires.

![Local man awarded green leader status by forests ontario
amaranth on march 2 2018
cnw   local pilot jeff roney is forests ontario&aposs newest green leader nominated
for his work with the government of ontario&aposs 50 million tree program 50 mtp
He and his wife samantha campbell a nurse practitioner planted more than 2000 trees
through the program 
jeff is not only a pilot but a farmer and proud family man 
with a passion for forests Early in his career jeff worked as a water bomber pilot
for the ministry of natural resources and forestry mnrf in thunder bay suppressing
forest fires](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_3901.
jpg?resize=780%2C517&quality=52&ssl=1 "img_3901 - The Green Living Guy")

In 2014, Jeff and Samantha moved south to Ontario’s rural Amaranth Township. That’s
where they purchased a 100-acre farm. Working the farm was a steep learning curve
for the couple. However, Jeff knew the basics from time spent on his grandparents’
farm as a boy. As a result, there was no shortage of neighbors and relatives to 
lend a helping hand. They began raising grass-fed cattle, free-range chickens, and
growing non-GMO grains. Realizing the value of pollinators, they also welcomed a
[bee keeper](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/10/non-beekeepers-we-need-your-help-too/).
So Glenn Roberts of Grandview Honey to use their land for his hives.

The couple’s farm, Bennington Hills, had been hit by a severe ice storm in the early
2000s. That’s causing many of the property’s original trees to die. Jeff knew that
he wanted to plant trees. So he contacted Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)
and learned about the 50 Million Tree Program (50MTP).

![Amaranth](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pexels-
photo-730424.jpg?resize=780%2C520&quality=52&ssl=1 "Professional Pilot Helps Government
of Ontario's Tree Planting Program Soar toward 50 Million Goal - The Green Living
Guy")

#### The 50 MTP significantly reduces large-scale tree planting costs for landowners. Therefore it’s increasing tree planting across the province.

![Ontario province trees the 50 mtp significantly reduces large scale tree planting
costs for landowners Therefore its increasing tree planting across the province](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pexels-photo-1564493.
jpg?resize=150%2C150&quality=52&ssl=1 "pexels-photo-1564493 - The Green Living Guy")

Then Jeff worked with GRCA to develop a strategic site plan. All the while creating
wind breaks and long rows of [trees](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/united-nations-institute-for-training-and-research-unitar-and-trees-for-the-future-sign-memorandum-of-understanding/)
or shrubs planted. All along the edge of fields or property lines to reduce win.
Therefore in beneficial locations throughout the farm.

“I knew that wind breaks could mitigate soil erosion and improve crop yield,” Jeff
explained. “And trees are such an important part of any ecosystem. They bring in
wildlife and help to cycle nutrients.”  The windbreaks will also provide shelter
for the family’s cattle as the trees grow, which will allow them to graze outside
in cooler months, reducing the need for hay. Several rows of spruce and cedar trees
were planted to line the fields.

“The trees planted by the Roney family will not only help their farm, but help to
sequester carbon and mitigate the effects of climate change in Ontario,” said Rob
Keen, CEO of Forests Ontario. “We are honored to recognize Jeff and Samantha as 
Green Leaders.”

#### The Green Leader program acknowledges individuals who have planted trees with the 50 Million Tree Program, and have made a dedicated and lasting commitment to re-greening the province.

“Jeff and Samantha are setting a positive example for Ontario landowners,” commented
Nathalie Des Rosiers, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Every tree planted
helps us move towards our goal of planting 50 million trees across our province,
and helps fight climate change in Ontario.”

The couple considers farming to be a learning experience, one in which they are 
constantly evolving and trying new techniques. “It’s about finding a way to make
work your leisure and leisure your work,” muses Jeff. “For us it’s not just a job,
it’s where we live.” And for Jeff and his family, it wouldn’t be home without trees.

**_Sources_**: _50 Million Tree Program, contact Forests Ontario [www.forestsontario.ca/50MTP](https://www.forestsontario.ca/planting/programs/50-million-tree-program/),
Forests Ontario administers the government of Ontario’s [50 Million Tree Program](https://www.forestsontario.ca/planting/programs/50-million-tree-program/),
Forests Ontario
 [www.forestsontario.ca](https://www.forestsontario.ca/)
, AMARANTH,
ON, March 2, 2018 /CNW/ –

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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