The “Your roots are always in Chatham-Kent” initiative celebrates the achievements of students across Chatham-Kent, graduating from secondary and post-secondary education. Each graduating class is commemorated with a tree planted in their honour on campus or at a Municipal park close to their school.
In the 2012 Chatham-Kent Survey of Young People (15–39 years), conducted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Resident Attraction and Retention (RAR) Division, 84% of respondents stated that they would like to remain connected to Chatham-Kent regardless of where they live and what they do in the future. This tree planting initiative aims to highlight the connection each student has to Chatham-Kent, memorialized by a plaque at the base of each tree, reminding them that their “roots” will always be in Chatham-Kent. This is an opportunity for our community to demonstrate support and appreciation for our young people as they move on to their next ventures.
Tree planting ceremonies will take place for all participating schools, with the involvement of staff and students. All members of the public are welcome to attend. Information regarding tree locations and ceremonies is as follows:
Blenheim District High School
Memorial Park, Blenheim
Fri, June 6 – 1:00PM
Chatham Christian High School
Keil Drive Soccer Field, Chatham
Fri, May 30 – 1:00PM
Chatham-Kent Secondary School
Ross Babcock Park, Chatham
Wed, June 4 – 9:30AM
École secondaire de Pain Court
Centennial Park/PC Trail, Chatham
Mon, June 2 – 1:00PM
Lambton-Kent Composite School
Stranak Park, Dresden
Mon, May 26 – 1:00PM
John McGregor Secondary School
Mud Creek, Chatham
Wed, June 4 – 1:15PM
Ridgetown District High School
Watson Park, Ridgetown
Wed, May 28 – 10:30AM
St. Clair College – Thames Campus
On Campus
Fri, May 30 – 10:00AM
Tilbury District High School
Knights of Columbus Park, Tilbury
Mon, June 2 – 10:00AM
University of Guelph – Ridgetown College
On Campus
Fri, June 6 – 10:30AM
Ursuline College (The Pines)
Percy Park Outfield, Chatham
Wed, June 4 – 11:00AM
Wallaceburg District High School
Crothers Park, Wallaceburg
Mon, May 26 – 10:00AM
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Community Development Department, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, and TD Canada Friends of the Environment Foundation collaborated to sponsor this initiative.
