Mark’s Forever Forest – Honouring a Canadian tree champion at Lynde Shores Conservation Area

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WHITBY — Over 10 years ago, Mark Cullen along with Michael de Pencier and Tony DiGiovanni, founded a national organization that helps Canadian communities plant more trees where people live, work and play known as Trees for Life. Since its launch in 2015 the organization has helped support the planting of nearly 3.5 million trees in communities across Canada under Mark’s leadership as President and Board Chair.

Through partnerships with Ontario’s Conservation Authorities, Trees for Life has supported hundreds of projects that have helped restore wildlife habitat and create lasting environmental benefits. On October 8, 2026, family, friends and community members gathered at Lynde Shores Conservation Area to celebrate Mark's 70th birthday and a decade of service to Trees for Life by planting "Mark's Forever Forest" — a grove of 70 trees dedicated in his honour.

Mark and the Cullen family have been a force in the Whitby community for decades, dating back to the well-loved Cullen Gardens. Known as “Canada’s Gardening Guru”, Mark is a member of the Order of Canada and a loving father, grandfather, husband and all-around community activist. Mark’s vision, dedication, and passion for growing canopies and helping others has shaped not only Trees for Life, but impacted many communities in Whitby, the Durham Region and across the country. Today, Lynde Shores Conservation Area is a little greener thanks to Mark's dedication to nature, conservation and community stewardship.

“Mark’s Forever Forest” serves as a place to appreciate what Mark means to his family, friends and to all Canadians. Stop by during your next visit at Lynde Shores Conservation Area, https://www.cloca.com/lynde-shores .