Volunteers help restore Oldcastle trail at TD Tree Day

Volunteers helped to restore the natural landscape along the Oldcastle section of the Chrysler Canada Greenway at the annual TD Tree Day on Oct. 31, 2026. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)

About 50 volunteers picked up shovels Saturday to help restore the natural landscape along the Oldcastle section of the Chrysler Canada Greenway.

Bank staff, friends and community members joined the annual TD Tree Day planting effort near North Talbot Road, with Essex Region Conservation Authority staff welcoming volunteers.

The local event was part of what organizers described as the 20th anniversary of TD’s tree planting events across Canada.

Jennifer Vear, the local site leader and a manager of customer experience at TD’s Kingsville branch, said Saturday’s turnout was her strongest since taking on the leadership role.

“For myself, I’ve been doing this now for three years as a leader. This is definitely my biggest turnout that I’ve had in the last three years,” Vear said.

A Girl Guide group was among those taking part.

“So that was really special for us today,” she said.

“Every year we just hope to get as many people, especially people from our community coming and joining us.”

The two-hour event began with a welcome and planting demonstration. Volunteers were asked to come prepared for digging, lifting and planting, with other possible tasks including mulching, placing tree guards and watering.

Vear said the effort was aimed at helping bring back the trail’s natural landscape while encouraging residents to become more involved in caring for their surroundings.

She also encouraged people who have never participated to consider joining a future planting event.

“Just hopefully, if you haven’t ever done this before, come join us next year,” she said.