Kenny Chaplin is determined to reclaim his Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours. He initially achieved this feat in 2001 by planting 15,170 trees near Prince Albert, Sask., holding onto the title for two decades until it was surpassed by a competitor.
Chaplin is now aiming to recapture the record by transforming a flat field near Buena Vista, Sask., located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Regina, into a burgeoning forest within a 24-hour window from 8 a.m. CST on June 30 to 8 a.m. CST on July 1. Expressing his excitement, Chaplin stated, “It’s just really cool to walk through your own forest. I’m really looking forward to this challenge. Achieving 24,000 trees in 24 hours is the target.”
The veteran tree planter takes pride in the growth of the trees from his initial record-breaking endeavor and envisions the new jack pine seedlings he will plant this year flourishing into a mature forest, benefitting future generations in Buena Vista. He envisions the communal forest becoming a local attraction, complete with walking paths, hiking trails, and recreational areas for residents to enjoy.
Antoine Moses currently holds the record with 23,060 trees planted in La Crete, Alberta, on July 17, 2021. Chaplin acknowledged the competitive nature of modern tree planting, highlighting the use of artificial light and a team effort in recent record-setting attempts.
For his upcoming attempt, Chaplin will be assisted by his twin brother and a team of volunteers who will serve as witnesses for the Guinness World Records verification process. He emphasized the importance of having independent professionals, including foresters, arborists, and botanists, to ensure each tree is planted correctly. Multiple cameras will also be set up to document the planting process continuously.
David Tonken, president of Let’s Plant Trees Ltd., commended Chaplin’s endeavor as a significant initiative to raise awareness about the vital role of tree planting and the dedication of those involved in forest rehabilitation efforts.