LONDON, ON – ReForest London is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $61,000 Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support the launch of SPROUT, a youth-focused environmental education program delivered through the organization’s Community Tree Nursery.
SPROUT -which stands for Sowing Potential, Resilience, Opportunity, Understanding, and Trees – will run from May 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027. The program is designed to engage youth in hands-on learning about native trees, seed collection, nursery operations, and climate-resilient land stewardship. Participants will gain skills and experience in restoration ecology while contributing directly to the region’s environmental resilience.
“We’ve already seen incredible curiosity and enthusiasm from youth who visit the nursery,” said Rodger Moran, Executive Director of Finance & Business Development at ReForest London. “SPROUT gives us the structure and stability to turn those one-time interactions into meaningful learning experiences that can shape future careers in sustainability.”
“This grant strengthens our ability to connect young people with real, on-the-ground environmental work,” added Rachael Jensen, ReForest London’s Growing Programs Coordinator. “It’s not just about education. It’s about growing the next generation of community leaders and environmental stewards.”
The SPROUT Seed Grant builds directly on the momentum of the Community Tree Nursery, aligning with and reinforcing programming already underway. It works alongside earlier funding investments from the City of London, TD Bank Group, and The Alva Foundation, providing additional stability for the delivery of nature-based education in the region.
Located at the Westminster Ponds Centre, ReForest London’s Community Tree Nursery is home to more than 10,000 native trees and functions as a living classroom for environmental education, conservation, and community engagement. The SPROUT program adds a new layer of impact, aligned with ReForest London’s mission to inspire, educate, and empower people to plant and care for trees.