Growing a Greener Perth County Tree Planting Event

The Rotary Club of Stratford Environment Committee is committed to increasing tree cover across Perth County. Today, the county has only 9% tree cover, far below the recommended 30% needed for healthy biodiversity.

Why Trees Matter Here

Perth County’s rich farmland is vital and should not be converted to forest. However, there are many opportunities to increase tree cover through:

• Windbreaks
• Planting in marginal or unused areas
• Roadside plantings
• Silvopasture systems (combination of trees, livestock, pasture on the same land)
• Protecting and maintaining existing woodlots

Our 2026 Roadside Tree Planting Project

In 2026, we are taking a major step toward a healthier landscape.

• 191 roadside trees will be planted
• Location: Road 112 between Stratford and Harmony
• Planting Day: Saturday, April 18, 2026. Assembly 8:30am, planting 9am - 1pm.
• Project Cost: $10,000

Our Partners & Support

We are proud to collaborate with:

• Perth County Stewardship Program
• UTRCA, providing trees, expert guidance, and a planting plan
• Additional local tree experts supporting planning and education

Community Involvement

To ensure long-term success, we are offering:

• Education and training sessions on proper planting techniques and stewardship
• Opportunities for volunteers, families, and community groups to participate

Together, We Can Grow a Healthier Future

By planting trees today, we strengthen biodiversity, protect farmland, and build a more resilient Perth County for generations to come.

We Need You!

• Help us spread the word about this event.
• Join our planning team! Contact Doug Thompson at  douglas.john186681@gmail.com
• Volunteer on Saturday April 18 (Sign up on RCS ClubRunner)
  • Rotarians, family, friends, other service clubs & community groups, high school students needing volunteer hours - all are welcome!  Be sure to sign up to receive important communications.
• Donate via etransfer with message “Tree Project” to foundation@rotarystratford.com 

Visit our webpage Growing a Greener Perth County

VOLUNTEER ROLE DETAILS

– VOLUNTEERS MUST SIGN UP ON CLUBRUNNER - SEE REGISTRATION LINK ON LEFT MENU

Tree Planting Teams
Tree planting involves physical labour including walking up and down in a roadside ditch.
•    Mobility requirement for this role includes walking in and out of ditch, along the road, possibility of muddy/uneven/wet surfaces 
•    Mulch dispersal (shovel, hands)
•    Walking to a truck and carrying a small tree (5-10lbs weight)
•    Manual hole digging (with shovel)
•    Lower tree into hole, fill in with mixture (compost, mulch)
•    Stake the tree, dispersing mulch
•    May aid in watering the tree

Team Leaders: We would like the team leaders to attend the workshop / training session in March.

Volunteers to bring:

•    Work gloves
•    Hiking or water-resistant boots (ditch may be muddy/water) 
•    Wear layers of clothing appropriate to the weather that can get wet/dirty (hat, sunglasses, jacket, weather proof gear depending on forecast)

•    Water bottle
•    Shovel (if you have one)
•    Hi-vis vest (if you have one)
Volunteers will be asked to sign a waiver prior to participating in this event.

Other Roles:

•    Health & Safety Leader (1) – *MUST HAVE FIRST AID TRAINING* - be in control of the first aid kit, be on point to provide first aid help to volunteers; be mindful of traffic and remind people about roadside hazards. Walking required.

•    Shuttle Service (2) – In this special role, you will use your own vehicle to shuttle volunteers at the work site (your vehicle may get muddy). Shuttle volunteers to rally point, washroom, move them along the road, etc.  Have volunteer snacks & water in car – hand out to volunteers. Personal vehicle required.

•    Photos & Promotion (1) – take photos and either upload to social media channels or coordinate with social media team to post. This role will be on the road, wearing a safety vest. Walking required.

If you have any questions about volunteer role requirements, please contact Doug Thompson at  douglas.john186681@gmail.com