Kenny Chaplin is determined to reclaim his Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual within a 24-hour period. Having originally secured the title in 2001 by planting 15,170 trees near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, he held onto the record for two decades until it was surpassed by a competitor.
Chaplin is setting his sights on regaining the title by transforming a flat field near Buena Vista, Saskatchewan, located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Regina, into a budding forest. His ambitious plan is scheduled to unfold between 8 a.m. CST on June 30 and 8 a.m. CST on July 1.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Chaplin shared with CBC Saskatchewan his excitement about the prospect of planting 24,000 trees within the designated 24-hour timeframe. Reflecting on his initial record-breaking achievement, he takes pride in the growth of the trees he planted years ago and looks forward to nurturing jack pine seedlings that will eventually thrive into a mature forest, benefiting future generations in Buena Vista.
Anticipating the communal benefits of the forest he envisions, Chaplin hopes the trees he plants will one day line paths where local residents can enjoy leisurely walks with their dogs and create lasting memories with their children. Envisioning a transformation of the land into a welcoming space, he envisions the landowner shaping walking and hiking paths, as well as cozy sitting areas within the forest within the next five years.
The current record for most trees planted in 24 hours is held by Antoine Moses, a fellow Canadian who planted 23,060 trees in La Crete, Alberta, on July 17, 2021. Chaplin noted the competitive evolution of tree planting efforts over time, acknowledging Moses’ impressive feat achieved with the aid of artificial light and a dedicated team.
For his upcoming record attempt, Chaplin will be assisted by his twin brother and a group of volunteers who will serve as witnesses to the planting process. He emphasized the presence of independent professionals, including foresters, arborists, and botanists, who will provide witness statements to Guinness World Records. Additionally, a team will operate multiple cameras to ensure continuous monitoring of the planting activities to meet Guinness’ verification standards.
David Tonken, president of Let’s Plant Trees Ltd., commended Chaplin’s endeavor as a significant undertaking aimed at highlighting the importance of tree planting and the physical and mental discipline required by tree planters in the ongoing effort to rejuvenate forests.