Reep's Native Tree Nursery

Expanding native tree planting across Waterloo Region.

What is Reep’s Native Tree Nursery?

Reep Green Solutions’ Native Tree Nursery began with a simple idea to grow more native trees. With support from Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program and dedicated volunteers, a greenhouse was built at the rare Charitable Research Reserve in Cambridge where locally collected seeds are cultivated into healthy young trees.

From Seed to Canopy

It All Starts with the Seeds

A team of trained seed collectors gather seeds from a wide diversity of native trees and shrub species across the region. Each seed is carefully cleaned, prepared, and planted by hand, beginning the long journey from seed to canopy.

Volunteers Play a Vital Role

Tending seedlings, watering trays, transplanting saplings, and preparing trees for their new homes. Together, volunteers help grow and distribute thousands of native trees each year for community planting projects.

Our Nursery Continues to Expand its Impact

Each year, approximately 10,000 young trees are grown at the nursery, steadily contributing to a healthier, more resilient urban forest.

Our tree nursery is helping ensure that the forests of tomorrow start right here, one seed at a time.

Photo credits to Explore Waterloo Region.

Roadside Tree Planting

Planting 9000 Native Trees by 2026

Increasing tree canopy in our communities is a pressing priority across the region, and we’re excited to share news of our project that directly contributes to this cause. Supported by funding in part from FCM’s Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, Reep Green Solutions has partnered with the Region of Waterloo and the Townships of Wellesley and Wilmot to plant 9000 native trees along regional and township roads by the end of 2026 as part of our Roadside Tree Planting Project.

Homegrown from Our Tree Nursery

Many of the trees for this project are homegrown in Reep’s volunteer-supported native tree nursery. These trees are uniquely suited for planting since they are grown from locally collected seeds with genetics that will help these trees thrive even in the face of climate change.

Making Our Roads Greener and Safer

The Roadside Tree Planting Project will not only make our roads more beautiful, but will increase road safety by preventing snow drifting, reduce soil erosion from neighbouring farm fields, and keep our rural waterways and groundwaters cleaner for generations to come.

Our Tree Nursery is Rooted in Volunteer Power

From collecting locally-sourced seeds to caring for seedlings in our greenhouse, our volunteers are at the heart of every tree we grow. Their time, knowledge, and dedication help turn native seeds into thriving forests.

Opportunities are posted here as they become available throughout the year:

Help Us Grow More Native Trees

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are actively seeking values-aligned organizations to deepen the impact of our work. If you are interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities, we encourage you to get in touch with us to start a conversation.

Make a Donation

Your support helps us grow thousands of native trees, restore local ecosystems, and strengthen community green spaces. Every donation, big or small, contributes to planting more trees, nurturing seedlings, and ensuring a thriving natural environment for generations to come.

Funders and Partners

Growing thousands of native trees takes a community. This project is made possible through the generous support of our funders and the collaboration of community partners who share our commitment to growing native tree canopy in our region.