Member Spotlight – Bob Hyland

By Brooke McClelland 

Bob Hyland’s dedication to Forests Ontario is not only admirable but can also be seen through the many ways he’s involved in our organization: as a member, a donor, a 50 Million Tree Program participant, and as a member of our board.  

Growing up in Toronto, Bob always had a love for nature and the outdoors. 44 years ago, that affinity led him to purchase a 50-acre property in Creemore, Ontario, where he now spends the majority of his time. Along with his wife and children, Bob started planting trees on his property early on, and to date as a family, they have planted approximately 10,000 trees on the property, with another 5,400 trees planted with the help of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program.  

“Trees capture carbon from the atmosphere; they produce oxygen, preserve and prevent extinction of all sorts of species, and help control floods,” Bob says. “Within cities, urban forests provide a canopy, and enable people to get out into nature, the unequivocal benefits of which can be felt psychologically and physically.”  

Bob’s many years in the medical field as a doctor, and the chief of medicine at two hospitals, has given him a sound understanding of the benefits of nature and the importance of education. He notes that nature has been shown to be therapeutic to those suffering from anxiety, depression, and asthma, and that Forests Ontario’s education programs provide kids with experiences they otherwise wouldn’t get.  

“We are trying to make a better world for our children, and our grandchildren,” Bob says. “If Forests Ontario wasn’t around and didn’t do this, it would be worrisome.” 

Forests Ontario would like to thank Bob and all our members and donors for their valued support. Your contribution continues to make our urban and rural communities healthier through the creation, preservation and maintenance of forests and grasslands.  

If you would like to become a Forests Ontario Member, click here.