Thousands of Trees Planted in Sunset Beach Shows Perseverance Pays Off

On the serene shores of Lake Diefenbaker, one Saskatchewan resort community has come together to plant thousands of trees and shrubs along the Trans Canada Trail.  

Supported by the Planting for Tomorrow program, Prairie Sky Trails Association has established a thriving tree canopy next to the Sunset Beach – Wild Sage Trail. 

Their latest plantings are part of a concerted effort by the association and residents of Sunset Beach to enhance the environmental health of their area.  

Tree planting in difficult conditions 

Ashley Demers, a board member with Prairie Sky Trails Association, says the plantings aim to establish healthy and mature landscapes on the Lake Diefenbaker shoreline. The endeavour hasn’t always been easy, due to land clearing for agricultural irrigation and the region’s challenging growing conditions.   

“The sandy, dry soil, combined with intense winds and heat, has made the process a real test of perseverance,” Ashley says. 

However, they persisted with their efforts. In 2024 and 2025, a group of 10 individuals worked together to establish 3,000 seedlings along the Trail in Sunset Beach. Volunteers from Prairie Sky Trails Association were joined by representatives from Prairie’s Edge Development Corporation, as well as summer students.  

Photo credit: Prairie Sky Trails Association

The tree saplings planted include Manitoba Maple, Hybrid Poplar, White Spruce, while shrubs like Red Osier Dogwood were established. This mix of native and hybrid species were carefully selected to contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and a better trail experience for all. 

Although many in the Sunset Beach community were busy with agricultural demands on this year’s planting day, they later organized a volunteer weeding event to foster the saplings’ growth.  

“The passion and care our residents show for the local environment are essential to the long-term success of our projects,” says Ashley.  

Sharing best practices for planting 

After several years of planting events, Prairie Sky Trails Association have developed best practices that they hope will help other organizations.  

Tips they share include choosing suitable species for a specific climate, preparing the soil well and planting by hand. Installing fencing to protect seedlings from wildlife has also been effective.  

One game-changing decision was the association’s investment in a drip irrigation system to maintain consistent watering levels, explains Ashley.  

“It requires minimal ongoing management and maintenance, and the difference it makes in plant survival and overall growth is remarkable,” she adds. “Without this shift, our vegetation simply would not be thriving as it is today.” 

Planting for a vibrant, healthy landscape 

So far, the plantings have had a profound environmental impact, playing a critical role in erosion control and stabilization along the lake shore. Visitors to the Trail have also increased, which the association credits to the higher number of trees near the path.    

“The young trees already contribute to a noticeable increase in wildlife presence, with more birds and rabbits frequently spotted along the route,” Ashley adds. “The trail no longer feels like an open field, but rather a vibrant, green landscape.” 

Alongside accessibility, inclusion and nature education initiatives on Sunset Beach’s Trail section, Prairie Sky Trails Association will also host future planting events in 2026.    

“Seeing the trees grow and thrive after so many challenges has been absolutely incredible,” she says. “We truly feel ecstatic and deeply proud to witness this progress.” 

“Knowing that this growth will enhance the landscape for years and generations to come fills us with immense pride and gratitude.”

Photo credit: Prairie Sky Trails Association

Be part of our national planting program 

Through our Planting for Tomorrow program, Trail groups and other organizations can access funding to bring a project like the one in Sunset Beach to life. By participating in this nature-based initiative, communities can:  

•  Increase tree cover along or near the Trail across Canada 

•  Strengthen biodiversity and ecological health 

•  Improve forest resilience to climate change

•  Encourage wider participation in environmental stewardship 

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. Learn more here.

Main photo credit: Prairie Sky Trails Association