Kenny Chaplin is determined to reclaim his Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours. Initially achieving the title in 2001 by planting 15,170 trees near Prince Albert, Sask., Chaplin held onto the record for two decades until it was surpassed by a competitor. Now, he is set on regaining the title.
To achieve this, 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 concluding at 8 a.m. CST on July 1. Expressing his excitement, Chaplin shared with CBC Saskatchewan his anticipation for this endeavor, aiming to plant 24,000 trees within the timeframe to meet his goal.
Reflecting on his past accomplishment, Chaplin takes pride in seeing the trees from his initial record flourish over the years. He envisions the new jack pine seedlings he will plant this year maturing into a lush forest that will benefit future generations in Buena Vista. He envisions the communal forest being a valuable asset for the local community, providing walking paths, hiking trails, and serene spots for relaxation within the next five years.
Chaplin acknowledges the competitive nature of tree planting, noting that the current record holder, Antoine Moses, planted 23,060 trees in La Crete, Alberta, in July 2021 with the aid of a dedicated team and artificial lighting throughout the day and night. Determined to set a new benchmark, Chaplin will have his twin brother and volunteers assisting him during the record attempt, with independent professionals serving as witnesses to ensure adherence to Guinness World Records guidelines.
David Tonken, president of Let’s Plant Trees Ltd., lauded Chaplin’s endeavor as a significant undertaking that highlights the importance of tree planting and the dedication of those involved in forest rehabilitation efforts annually.
