A Powerful Tree-Planting Effort Takes Root on the Trail in Stratford

This year, residents of Stratford, Prince Edward Island, gathered to make their community a lot greener.  

Supported by our Planting for Tomorrow program, volunteers and municipal staff planted more than 1,000 trees and shrubs on or near the Trans Canada Trail, leading to healthier habitat and improved climate resilience.  

Boosting biodiversity with native species  

Twenty-two people came together to plant at four sites in Stratford, including at two sites in Fullerton’s Creek Conservation Park, one of which is along P.E.I.’s Confederation Trail in Stratford.  

An initial volunteer planting day took place on June 22, 2025. Another group of volunteers planted between July 9 and 11 as part of Tidal Impact, a missional event for youth led by the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada.

Councillor Jill Chandler, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, Town of Stratford, said: “Their help was much appreciated and the work they put in will make for a positive impact here in Stratford.”  

“There’s always a great sense of energy when everyone comes together for a hands-on project like this!” 

Photo credit: Town of Stratford

With a focus on biodiversity, the group planted native deciduous and coniferous species. Red oak, which happens to be P.E.I.’s official tree, was well represented with more than 200 saplings established over the four planting locations. Other native trees prioritized during the event included sugar maple, hemlock, red spruce and white pine.

In addition, bird- and pollinator-friendly shrubs like serviceberry, red osier dogwood and chokecherry were established – advancing ecological health in the area.  

Once placed in the soil, the plants were watered and mulched by the team. Along with helping the town meet its tree-planting targets, the event allowed community members to gain hands-on knowledge about the essential role of trees in the wider environment. There was a sense of excitement and pride in the air after the planting, Jill recalls. 

“Many of those who planted trees said they’d like to come back in 15-20 years to see how tall the trees have grown and to reflect on the work they did and be able to say that they planted those trees,” she adds. 

Funding from the Planting for Tomorrow program allowed the Town of Stratford to host volunteer tree planting days and cover the costs of supplies and support.  

Growing community partnerships  

Now that the trees and shrubs have taken root, town staff will monitor their progress, care for them during drier months, and tackle any issues that arise. While watering was a challenge after this year’s dry season, it’s hoped that most of the trees will survive. 

As they grow, each plant will provide shade to pedestrians, cyclists and park users, as well as food and shelter for local wildlife. By capturing carbon from the air, they will also help reduce greenhouse gases and build long-term climate resistance in Stratford.  

Looking ahead, the Town hopes to encourage more people to join in through partnerships with schools and community groups.  

“Our goal is to keep involving the community in caring for these spaces so that over time they grow into thriving green corridors for everyone to enjoy,” Jill says.  

Photo credit: Town of Stratford

Join our national tree-planting effort 

The Planting for Tomorrow program empowers Trail groups and local organizations to plant thousands of trees across Canada. By participating in this nature-based initiative, communities like Stratford are:

•  Increasing tree cover along or near the Trans Canada Trail 

•  Strengthening biodiversity and ecological health 

•  Improving forest resilience to climate change 

•  Encouraging community members to get involved in environmental stewardship 

Photo credit: Town of Stratford

Ready to bring a project like this to your community? Apply for funding for the Planting for Tomorrow program and create healthier, greener spaces near you!  

The Planting for Tomorrow Program is generously supported by Domtar, Dow Canada, The Drax Foundation and Toyota Canada. Federal funding is provided through National Resources Canada.  

Main photo credit: Town of Stratford