Planting Trees and Building Community on the Newfoundland T’Railway
In the spring of 2023, the Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association, a dedicated volunteer group based in Clarenville, Newfoundland, who frequently helps to maintain and enhance the Newfoundland T’Railway, teamed up with a local Scouts Canada troop and the provincial forestry department. They held a hands-on tree-planting event along the Trans Canada Trail, south of Terra Nova National Park.
An all-ages effort to reforest the T’Railway
Volunteers from the Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association, forestry officials, and young participants worked together to plant trees along the trail. The Scouts were equipped with kid-friendly tools suitable for planting. Over the course of approximately 4 hours, volunteers planted 1,800 trees, with each Scout contributing around 60 trees. Peter Troke, chair of the Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association, says, “The Scouts planted right along with the adults and were very interested in every tree. They did an amazing job!”
Photo credit: Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association
Improving ecosystems and educating youth
In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the environmental benefits of tree planting, the Scouts highlighted the lunch and treats provided as major pluses. One main downside: mosquitoes!
A forestry worker involved in the event highlighted the event’s collaborative spirit. They noted that the event was a great partnership between community members and the Trans Canada Trail, and an excellent opportunity to expose kids to the importance of planting trees and understanding their role in the ecosystem.
Building on the success of the 2023 event, plans are underway for a second tree-planting day this spring.
Photo credit: Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association
About Trans Canada Trail’s Planting for Tomorrow Program
This tree-planting event was made possible by Trans Canada Trail’s Planting for Tomorrow program, which provides funding for tree-planting, invasive species removal, seed collection and more.
Through the program, trail groups can access funding to achieve the following:
• Increase tree cover in communities across Canada
• Strengthen biodiversity and ecological health
• Improve forest resilience to climate change
• Encourage community participation in environmental stewardship
Get involved!
Trail groups and other organizations can bring a project like this to their community by applying for funding through the Planting for Tomorrow Program. The Planting for Tomorrow Program is generously supported by Domtar, The Drax Foundation and Toyota Canada. Federal funding is provided through the 2 Billion Trees program. Click here to learn more.
