Kenny Chaplin is determined to regain his Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours. Achieving the title back in 2001 with 15,170 trees near Prince Albert, Sask., he held onto it for two decades until a competitor surpassed the record. Eager to reclaim his 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 concluding at 8 a.m. CST on July 1.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Chaplin shared with CBC Saskatchewan his anticipation of the challenge, aiming to plant 24,000 trees within the allotted time frame. Reflecting on the growth of the trees from his initial record-setting endeavor, Chaplin envisions the new jack pine seedlings he will plant this year flourishing into a mature forest, serving as a communal green space for the town or village of Buena Vista and its residents.
Antoine Moses currently holds the record, having planted 23,060 trees in La Crete, Alberta, on July 17, 2021. Noting the increased competitiveness in tree planting, Chaplin acknowledged the evolving nature of the challenge and the support he will receive from his twin brother and volunteers during the attempt. To ensure the legitimacy of his record bid, Chaplin plans to have independent professionals as witnesses and multiple cameras capturing the planting process.
David Tonken, president of Let’s Plant Trees Ltd., commended Chaplin’s record attempt as a significant undertaking that highlights the importance of tree planting and the dedication of individuals in forest rehabilitation efforts.