Volunteers plant 80 trees at Kerrobert Fairgrounds

By Joan Janzen

The Town of Kerrobert celebrated National Tree Day on Wednesday, September 20th by hosting a tree planting day at the Kerrobert Fairgrounds.

Marli Shepherd, Rec Director said the Town of Kerrobert provided eighty trees to be planted. “We had money in the tree budget and council approved it to be used to plant new trees,” she said. The Grade 5 and 6 class from Kerrobert Composite School came along with two teachers. There were also representatives from Strathcona, Kerrobert Credit Union as well as volunteers from the community. A total of 48 people came out to help plant the trees, and the Town Office was closed for the afternoon so staff were available to provide assistance. 

All the preparation work was done in advance, and snacks and drinks were supplied by Kerrobert Bakery and Coffee Bar and Kerrobert Reddi Mart for the volunteers. The enthusiastic volunteers came with their gloves, ready to do the work and help make the fairgrounds a little greener.

Students from the Grade 5 and 6 class at Kerrobert School along with volunteers from the community planted 80 trees at the Kerrobert Fairgrounds on Wednesday afternoon, September 20th in recognition of National Tree Day.

PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN

The event was registered with Tree Canada and Arbres Canada, who have helped grow trees through programs like these since 1992. The non-profit group helps nurture trees in both rural and urban centres in every Canadian province.

The students were definitely enjoying planting trees and dug into the task with much enthusiasm. They scooped up dirt and spread it around each tree, making quick work of the project. Some kids were even giving their newly planted trees a name. A drip line will be installed to help keep the trees growing and give them the water they need.

“I think this is a cherry tree,” one student said. “I can hardly wait until it produces cherries!” A total of five Romeo Cherry trees, five Treasured Red Apple trees, 40 Poplar and 30 Blue Colorado Spruce trees were added to Kerrobert’s Fairgrounds.

The Town of Kerrobert has a chance to win a free tree planting event in 2024, thanks to Tree Canada’s presenting sponsor. They can submit photos of this year’s tree planting, and a winner will be randomly drawn. If they win, Tree Canada will supply trees for next year’s tree planting.

“Thanks to all the volunteers for making this a successful event!” Marli said.