The City of Windsor is creating a small arboretum-style area along the riverfront, just east of the Ambassador Bridge, using trees which are native to the Detroit River habitat.
The city is getting $15,000 from TD Bank's Friends of the Environment Foundation to fill a 20 m by 20 m space with ten trees.
"As they grow and mature, we might create a 'no mow zone,'" says city forester Paul Giroux. "So pollinator species can come and enjoy some of the prairie-like plants that come up in between the trees, creating a small little natural area."
Giroux says $15,000 might seem like a lot of money just to plant ten trees, but most of the money is being put away to maintain the trees over the next 30 to 50 years.
The type of trees being planted include sugar maple, red maple, bur oak, swamp white oak, hackberry, black gum, american dogwood, and honey locust.
Giroux adds that the shaded area won't just be a great place to come hang out by the river, but an educational one as well. He says there will be plaques beside each tree, explaining what it is and its connection to the region.