NatureCK and its community partners are launching tree planting and pollinator habitat projects in Chatham and Wallaceburg this fall, offering students and volunteers the chance to help shape natural spaces in their communities.
Partners include NatureCK, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the Lambton Kent District School Board, Greenfield Global, Enbridge Gas and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. NatureCK is also partnering with the Wallaceburg District Secondary School Green Program for the Wallaceburg planting project. The projects are being coordinated by project chair Mark Gagner.
On Oct. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., all 36 classrooms at McNaughton Avenue Public School in Chatham will take part in planting 60 trees, using a student-to-student learning approach in which older students help guide younger students. Teacher Alana McLauchlin, lead of the school’s Environmental Club, will help coordinate student involvement. The project also includes preparation of a 20-by-30-foot pollinator garden, to be planted in spring 2027, along with two benches and permanent signage. Eight to 10 volunteers are needed to assist with the school planting day.
On Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon, volunteers and community partners will plant a minimum of 275 trees across four Wallaceburg locations: Thompson Park, MacDonald Park, Optimist Park and Dauw Park. Thompson Park will receive 200 new trees, with an area for a pollinator garden prepared this fall for planting in spring 2027. At MacDonald Park, 40 native trees will be planted near the boat launch area to help restore native tree cover and natural habitat, with permanent signage also installed. Optimist Park will see 20 to 30 trees planted along with permanent signage, while Dauw Park will receive five native trees, a pollinator garden preparation, a pathway, benches and permanent signage.
Between 20 and 40 volunteers will be needed for the Wallaceburg planting, depending on the final number of trees, and a barbecue lunch will be provided for participants.
