In October, the Stratford-Perth Tree Trust team partnered with local youth at St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute to plant a new generation of understory saplings on the school grounds. These young trees, generously donated by Sutherland Insurance, will grow to provide shade, shelter, and greenery for students and the community for years to come.
Earlier in the month, Chapter Manager Jane Eligh-Feryn visited the school to deliver an engaging lesson about the importance of caring for trees. Students learned why trees need regular watering, how to protect their bark, and the many ways small actions can support a tree’s long-term health. Armed with new knowledge and appreciation for all trees young and old, this group of students were excited to get involved and put their learning into action.
Over two separate planting days, Chapter Managers Jane Eligh-Feryn and Geoff Love, joined students to guide them through every step of the process, from digging the perfect hole to ensuring each sapling was properly supported and watered. The group successfully planted four new trees on the school grounds, each one chosen to thrive in its location. These new additions are expected to offer shade, beauty, and ecological value to future generations of students who will walk the same grounds.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the St. Marys school community and the dedicated Stratford-Perth Tree Trust team for their ongoing commitment to protecting and nurturing our urban forest, one tree, one student, and one act of care at a time.
By teaching young people to value and care for the natural world around them, we’re not only growing stronger, more resilient trees, we’re also cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards who will carry this work forward for years to come.
If you’re interested in donating to support more Tree Trust initiatives in Stratford-Perth, click here.
