FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Maple Leaves Forever to Join the Township of Mulmur’s 175th Anniversary Celebration and Dedicate a Memorial Maple Grove in Memory of Ken Jewett

Mulmur, ON – September 9, 2026 – Maple Leaves Forever is honored to join the Township of Mulmur in celebrating its 175th anniversary during a special community event on Saturday, September 26. As part of the day’s festivities—set against the vibrant backdrop of Ontario’s autumn colors—a newly planted grove of native maple trees in Thomson Trail Park will be dedicated in memory of Ken Jewett, long-time Mulmur resident and founder of Maple Leaves Forever.

Mulmur’s 175 Celebration BBQ:

As part of the Township’s year-long celebration of Mulmur’s 175th Anniversary, residents are invited to come together for a special community BBQ hosted by the Township. This free event is an opportunity to celebrate Mulmur’s rich history, strong community spirit, and the people who make it such a special place to call home. Attendees can enjoy a complimentary BBQ, cake, face painting, music, and treats from the Make It Sweet Ice Cream Truck. Reconnect with friends, neighbours, and fellow residents. The celebration promises an afternoon of fun, community, and reflection on 175 years of Mulmur’s proud heritage.

Memorial Maple Grove:

The memorial grove features native sugar and red maples, a dedicated memorial bench, and educational signage. The grove stands as a lasting tribute to Ken’s environmental leadership and his deep connection to the Mulmur community. It was coordinated alongside park enhancements funded through an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant.

“Ken’s passion for native maples has helped shape landscapes across Ontario,” said Deb Pella Keen, Executive Director of Maple Leaves Forever. “Joining Township residents to celebrate Mulmur’s 175th milestone among the peak fall colors makes this dedication truly special.” Maple Leaves Forever is a charitable foundation dedicated to promoting and supporting the planting of native Canadian maples. Thanks to Ken’s vision and determination, the foundation has supported the planting of more than 135,000 native maples across Ontario—the equivalent of over 1,250 km of roadside and laneway plantings.

Paved Walking Path and Outdoor Exercise Equipment Grand Opening:

Thanks to funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), the Township of Mulmur is excited to announce that the new paved walking path and outdoor fitness equipment at Thomson Trail Park in Mansfield are now open to the public. These new additions provide residents and visitors of all ages and fitness levels with a free, accessible space to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve balance, or add movement to your daily routine, the equipment is available year-round for everyone to enjoy. Stop by Thomson Trail Park and help us celebrate it’s grand opening.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
• Location: Thomson Trail Park, Mulmur, ON
• Schedule of Events:
  o 11:00 AM: Opening remarks and speeches by MP Kyle Seeback, MPP Sylvia Jones and Mayor Janet Horner.
  o 12:00 PM: Maple Leaves Forever dedication, remarks by Maple Leaves Forever representatives, and a formal plaque unveiling.
  o 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: BBQ, face painting, ice cream and cake
• Bring your own chairs and blankets!
• For more information about the event, visit www.mulmur.ca.

Media Contacts:

Roseann Knechtel, Clerk
Township of Mulmur
rknechtel@mulmur.ca | 705-466-3341 ext. 223

Mary Bella, Marketing
Maple Leaves Forever
marketing@mapleleavesforever.ca