Kenny Chaplin is determined to reclaim his Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual in a 24-hour period. Initially securing 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 on a mission to regain his title.
To achieve this feat, 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 window 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 specified time frame.
Reflecting on his past accomplishment, Chaplin takes pride in the towering trees he planted years ago and envisions the new jack pine seedlings he will plant this year flourishing into a mature forest for future generations to enjoy. He envisions the communal forest benefiting the village of Buena Vista, with plans for designated walking paths and recreational areas for residents.
The current record holder for most trees planted in 24 hours is Antoine Moses, a Canadian who planted 23,060 trees in La Crete, Alberta, on July 17, 2021. Chaplin acknowledged Moses’ use of artificial light and a team of helpers, which he believes altered the original spirit of the record. Embracing the competitive nature of tree planting, Chaplin is determined to surpass the current record with the assistance of his twin brother and a team of volunteers.
In preparation for the record attempt, Chaplin has enlisted independent professionals as witnesses, including a forester, arborist, and botanist. Additionally, he will have three cameras set up to document the planting process meticulously, ensuring compliance with Guinness World Records guidelines. David Tonken, president of Let’s Plant Trees Ltd., commended Chaplin’s dedication, emphasizing the importance of tree planting and the discipline it instills in individuals rehabilitating forests.
