Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation

Toronto Tree Portraits

The Toronto Tree Portrait 2009 Calendar , with photographs and texts by Roberta Bondar, will be available in early October, 2008. A continuing celebration of the importance and uniqueness of our city's tree heritage, the 2009 edition explores trees from the unique perspective of Canada's first woman astronaut.

"Roberta Bondar's photographs display four seasons of astonishing natural beauty, always having us look upward - sometimes completely immersing us in the tree canopy and sometimes leading us beyond to the endless blue sky. Her accompanying texts remind us of our relationship with these 'great beings' called trees, guiding us to appreciate the vital role they play in our lives and inspiring us to continue in our efforts to preserve them".

- Excerpt from Foreword by Frank Ferragine, a.k.a "Frankie Flowers" of CityTV

Similar to past years, the 2009 Toronto Tree Portraits Calendar is conveniently formatted as a self-standing desk calendar. It is rectangular shaped, measuring 7.75" by 5.5". The proceeds from sale of the Calendar go directly towards preserving, enhancing and increasing Toronto trees and urban forest. The Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that works with the City of Toronto and community groups to enhance and preserve Toronto's parks and trees.

Reasonably priced at just $15.00 (plus $3.00 shipping for orders less than three) Toronto Tree Portraits makes an excellent gift. To order: Mail cheque or money order to: Toronto Parks & Trees Foundation, 157 Adelaide Street West, Suite 123, Toronto M5H 4E7. Phone: 416-397-5178. parksandtrees@toronto.ca Calendars will be available and shipped from early October and on.

Download Order Form

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation wishes to recognize the outstanding philanthropic and creative contributions of the people who made this project possible.

Tanny Wells, who on behalf of her real estate clients donated the seed grant to create the first Toronto Tree Portraits, has once again generously provided the funding that makes possible another full colour version calendar - celebrating the beauty that trees bring to our city.

Roberta Bondar, Frank Ferragine and C.J. Graphics Inc. all approached this project with outstanding passion and commitment.

Roberta Bondar wishes to acknowledge the following: The Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries - especially Pine Hills, Prospect and Mount Pleasant Cemeteries; Jack Radecki and Peter Summers for assistance with tree identification; Bill Armstrong and Dimitri Levanoff of Colourgenics; Christine Yankou for editorial and photographic assistance; Dr. Betty I. Roots for scientific editorial assistance; and Arthur Beauregard of the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation for planning, support and logistics. Resource materials included: Trees in Canada by John Laird Farrar, The Department of Canadian Heritage and The United States National Arboretum.

The Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following companies and individuals for contributing financial and in-kind support: Nicholas Austin, Ellen and Howard Greenwood on behalf of the Henry and Bernice Kaufmann Foundation, Cynthia MacDougall, Mark's Choice Garden Products at Home Hardware, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Robins Appleby & Taub LLP, Janet Rosenberg and Associates, Glen Simpson, The Planning Partnership, Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and Wittington Properties Limited.

2009 Tree Portraits

January - Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
April - Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
June - Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Roberta Bondar, OC O.On MD PhD FRCP FRSC
Astronaut, Scientist, Physician, Photographer

Aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1992, Dr. Roberta Bondar became the world's
first astronaut-neurologist. For over a decade she researched new connections
between recovery from unusual environments and neurological illnesses. Time
Magazine named her as one of Canada's Best Explorers in 2003.

A true renaissance woman, Dr. Bondar is an acclaimed photographer of the natural
wonders of our planet. She is the author of four best-selling photo essay books
featuring her stunning photography of the Earth. Roberta's photographs of the
deserts in the American Southwest and the Canadian Arctic became a well received
exhibition entitled The Deserts of North America.

Numerous commendations include the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, the NASA
Space Medal and the International Women's Forum Hall of Fame. Dr. Bondar is in her second term as Chancellor of Trent University in Peterborough.

Respected for her expertise and animated commentary, she has appeared on television networks such as CNN, BBC, PBS and CBC. Dr. Bondar now applies her insights to help business organizations adapt to the uncharted territory of work and life.

Dr. Bondar's photographic artistry and scientific insights are combined in the 2009 Toronto Tree Portraits Calendar - inspiring us all to discover new ways to chart a successful course for the urban forest in which we reside.

Here are some of the 2008 Calendar Tree Portraits

January-Winterscape at Prospect Cemetery
April-Sakura or Japanese Yoshino Cherry (Prunus yedoensis matsum) in High Park
October-Red and White Oak (Quercus rubra and alba) on Balsalm Avenue

Here are some of the 2007 Calendar Tree Portraits

American Elm at 200 Bloor Street
Eastern White Cedar at Woodlands Park
European Purple Leaf Beech in Glenn Gould Park

Home
About Us
Enhancing Our Parks
Community Grants
Toronto Tree Portraits
Donating
Our Supporters
Contact Us

Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation 123-157 Adelaide St W Toronto, Ontario M5H 4E7 Tel 416-397-5178 - Fax 416-392-3355