Kenny Chaplin is determined to reclaim his Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual within 24 hours. Initially winning the title in 2001 by planting 15,170 trees near Prince Albert, Sask., he held onto it for two decades until it was surpassed by a competitor. Now, he is setting his sights on regaining the title.
Chaplin plans to transform a flat field near Buena Vista, Sask., located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Regina, into a budding forest within a 24-hour period starting at 8 a.m. CST on June 30 and ending at 8 a.m. CST on July 1. Excited about the project, Chaplin shared his enthusiasm with CBC Saskatchewan, expressing his goal of planting 24,000 trees within the allocated time frame.
Reflecting on his previous achievement, Chaplin takes pride in the fact that the trees he planted years ago have flourished into towering entities. He envisions the jack pine seedlings he will plant this year evolving into a thriving forest that will benefit future generations in Buena Vista.
Antoine Moses, a fellow Canadian, currently holds the record with 23,060 trees planted in La Crete, Alberta, on July 17, 2021. Chaplin noted that Moses utilized artificial lighting throughout the day and night with a team of assistants, altering the dynamics of the record. Embracing the competitive nature of tree planting, Chaplin is gearing up for his attempt, with his twin brother and volunteers ready to witness the event.
To ensure the record is authenticated, Chaplin has enlisted the support of independent professionals, including foresters, arborists, and botanists, to provide witness statements for Guinness World Records. Multiple cameras will be in place to document the planting process meticulously.
David Tonken, president of Let’s Plant Trees Ltd., described Chaplin’s endeavor as a significant undertaking that highlights the importance of tree planting and the dedication exhibited by tree planters in preserving and enhancing forests each year.