Toronto environmental non-profit LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests, for those of you scoring at home) has been planting trees in people's backyards since 1996, but mostly under the radar of Toronto's best green services or organizations. Although known especially for their backyard tree planting, LEAF also runs workshops and training sessions, gives tree tours and organizes the popular Leslieville Tree Festival each year. But for those of us thinking about planting a tree - and the fresh white stuff on the ground sure makes it hard to think ahead to spring - LEAF is still doing consultations this year to get ready for next year's plantings.

The process is straight-forward, and the cost is minimal: $80-120 for most trees, all inclusive. Considering you pay more, often much more, at the typical tree retailer, the partially subsidized not-for-profit offerings from LEAF sound pretty good. Plus they send out a certified arborist to ensure your tree will succeed, and they strongly encourage native species. So you won't just have any tree in your yard, but a tree that was meant to be in your yard.

Fresh off a move to the new Artscape Wychwood Barns, passionate and certified arborist Sarah Lamon took some time to answer a few questions about LEAF, tree plantings and her favourite tree in the city.

Fledgling carpool organization PickupPal was dealt a heavy blow by the Ontario Highway Transport Board, who found that they were operating an illegal carpooling operation. With the launch of Smart Commute Toronto and carpooling on everyone's mind (commuters and businesses alike) as a way to save money (and the environment), the decision in this case seems extra laughable.

PickupPal seems to have gotten themselves in trouble by letting ride seekers pay drivers for rides, which irritated bus companies, and apparently violated the Public Vehicles Act.

As Americans go to the polls today, Queen of Tarts is offering a way for those of us north of the border to cast our ballot: Obama, McCain and Palin cookies are available for purchase. One (or three) of these cookies makes for a tasty snack on the way to an election watching party, with the added satisfaction of the opportunity to break off Sarah Palin's head.

A couple of weeks ago, we gave a heads up on where to party if Obama wins (and watch the returns), but there's more.

Rasputin Vodka Bar is airing results, Canada Votes Obama is holding their shindig at Wayne Gretzky's, and the Department of Culture is inviting folks to the Gladstone Hotel's Melody Bar. Both of the latter events are free.

It's hard to believe, but after two years of nearly non-stop campaigning, today America will choose their leader for the next four years.

Photo: "Yummy" by EgnaroorangE, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA this Halloween Friday:

If you see some Draculas with needles instead of fangs tonight, they may be from Canadian Blood Services. After hearing that the national blood supply was low, now we're hearing that local hospitals are rationing their blood supply. It may not be as much fun as meeting a real vampire, but consider making an appointment to donate at one of Toronto's clinics.

Just in time to scare parents into throwing away all their kid's loot treats, Hershey's candy recalled two years ago is showing up in some Toronto stores. I know this candy was stolen just before it was to be destroyed, but is it common for stores to stock 2+ year old candy?

Transit may get a big boost from the city's capital budget unveiled yesterday, but it comes at the cost of our much needed road repairs, which has at least one councillor up in arms. But what would a Mayor Miller decision be like if it didn't rankle at least one councillor? On the other hand, I'm glad I'm not the only one who wondered when - if - Bloor St will ever be driveable again.

Photo: "Attention Wal-Mart Shoppers..." by chewie2008~, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA:

22 rural groups opposing wind farms have gotten organized, unifying their message that producing energy from wind hurts communities and isn't actually a green energy. I think this is the same group that said burning fossil fuels is actually good for the environment.

Dude, where's my trash bin? Roughly 75,000 households haven't received their trash receptacle, but the city's going ahead with its new user pay garbage program, set to start Saturday. Confused homeowners are unsure of how to dispose of the non-green non-blue waste. I miss the days when trash was trash.

If I had a million dollars... I'd still be $49 million short of the asking price for an original Jackson Pollack. The woman selling the painting bought it for $5 (US) and was planning to throw darts at it with a friend. Bet she's glad her friend's boyfriend was an art teacher, cause now she might get the biggest return on a $5 investment ever.

Photo: "Midnight eats" by un_owen, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA:

Steven Page cashed in his Get Out Of Jail Free card and will have the drug possession charges in New York dropped. His lawyers earned their keep in securing a deal that lets Page avoid life behind bars, not to mention continue to cross the border into the US, making BNL US tours still possible. Page has to stay clean for 6 months, and since I like the guy, I hope he sticks to Kraft dinner and dijon ketchup this time 'round.

Saturday's shooting suspect Kyle Weese turned himself into authorities yesterday. After a huge manhunt, it's nice to have your guy turn himself in. He's due in court today, which should be the first of many media circuses.

And so it begins. It's snow season again, and officials are warning morning commuters about slippery road conditions. After near record snowfall last season that extended well into spring, and a snow pile I swear wasn't all the way melted a couple weeks ago, I was looking forward to a snow-less run up to the holidays.

Apparently WestJet is in the Halloween spirit. If your name is Candy, Orange, Web or Sweet you fly free on Friday while the rest of us get 5% off. Too bad the return portion is full price.