New ‘microforest’ planted outside Cambridge soccer complex

One hundred new trees and shrubs have been planted outside the Fountain Street Soccer Complex in Cambridge. (Courtesy: GrandBridge Energy).

One hundred new trees and shrubs have been planted outside the Fountain Street Soccer Complex in Cambridge.

Grandbridge Energy said they teamed up with Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) to plant what they called a ‘microforest.’ The trees and shrubs are all native to the region and include 22 different species.

The two organizations said it will enhance the area’s biodiversity, add green space and support local sustainability.

“They support wildlife, absorb carbon and clean the air we breathe, aligning with our ambition to enable our communities to create a sustainable and resilient future,” Sarah Hughes, the president and CEO of GrandBridge Energy, said in a media release.

The project marks the fifth microforest in Waterloo Region funded by GrandBridge Energy.

What is a ‘microforest’?

The term microforest is used to describe a small but densely-packed area with native trees and other plants.

According to Sustainable Waterloo Region, they can be as small as a building lot.

The goal is to grow and bring the surrounding area back to its former state.

The trees can help produce clean oxygen, add moisture to the environment and create a habitat for small creatures and insects.

Trees are also good for nearby communities, as they can act as natural noise buffers in neighbourhoods.

Sustainable Waterloo Region said the organization has planted a total of 36 microforests across the region, including 3,283 trees, since 2021.