Green Leaders: Mike and Mary Deelen Manage Their Forest as a Team

By Andi Darell Alhakim

70 kilometres south of Woodstock, two of Forests Ontario’s newest Green Leaders, Mike and Mary Deelen, have a story to tell about reforestation of their property in Southwestern Ontario.

The Deelens purchased their 96-acre property in 2019. Twenty-two acres are farmable with cash crops on it most months. On a separate four acres, Mike and Mary decided early on that reforestation was the answer. But on their fertile soil, the trees they have planted faced fierce competition from weeds.

“Weeds are common in the area. I’ve been treating my property for weeds for up to two years prior,” Mike says. “When we started planting this spring, the soil looked perfect. But then, the weeds came with a vengeance.”

For the Deelens, caring for their new forest is a team effort. “Between us, I’d have to say it’s a tie. I’m out there most days of the week, while Mary is doing a bulk of the land maintenance as well,” Mike says.

For parts of their property, growing a new forest is the most sensible option. “There’s a section here that’s all hills. Though it used to have corn on it, naturally, it’s quite challenging to rent it out for production or to even go out there and cut it every now and then,” Mike says. “The previous owners belonged to the Amish community and had farmed cattle there, so it kept the soil nice and fertile. It was in a good condition to plant trees.”

Nowadays, the property boasts Red Oak, White Oak, Bur Oak, White Birch, Trembling Aspen, Hackberry, Tamarack, pine, and White Cedar. This is thanks to Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program, which helped plant 3,200 trees in spring 2023.

“When it comes to choosing the tree species, we always went back to what would benefit the wildlife here,” Mike says. “Out here, I see a lot of turkeys and deer who love the acorns from the oak, for example.”

Paul Gagnon from the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, a Forests Ontario planting partner, had been involved from the start. “I had full trust in Paul to advise me which tree species would best survive on the terrain,” Mike says. “I had heard about the 50 Million Tree Program on television and through an excavator working on some washouts on my property. I was introduced to Paul, and after a site visit, we chatted about what’s possible.”

Planting took three days and five planters. The Deelens were pleased with the early growth they had seen, thanks to heavy rain in the first few weeks. “Being the outdoors person that I am, I’d be quite disappointed if my trees didn’t survive,” Mike says. His hard work has certainly started to pay off. “You can especially see it now with the evergreens like pine – that little bit of growth is visible now,” Mike says.

To landowners considering Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program, Mike encourages them to dive in. “There’s no guesswork. They work with you at every step, making it an excellent program,” Mike says. “The subsidies alleviated the financial burden from landowners – that’s when I became certain of the program.”

For him and Mary, the return of diverse wildlife is what makes planting trees worth it. “I just get out there and have conversations. Most people are surprised at the amount of support I’m getting with my property. I’m also learning about what other exciting programs are out there,” Mike adds. “Bobolinks, or the R2-D2 birds as I call them, are now here. As are red-tailed hawks because of the meadows. I’m stoked to see what other wildlife will come once the forest really grows.”

For landowners like the Deelens, Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program has been instrumental in helping them realize their dreams of growing new forests on their properties and experiencing the benefits that come with it.

The financial and technical support the program provides helps landowners do a world of good for their communities and the environment.

“Our 50 Million Tree Program participants often exemplify what Green Leaders are,” says Jess Kaknevicius, Forests Ontario CEO. “They’re dedicated landowners eager to make a difference, care for their new trees as they grow into healthy diverse forests and inspire others in the process.”

This article was originally published in the Fall-Winter 2023 edition of Our Forest, Forests Ontario's print magazine delivered as a benefit for Members.