- Cameron Moore, a John McGregor student, helps Kelly Johnson, the community trees initiative co-ordinator with the Greening Partnership, spread mulch around a newly planted tree along Mud Creek. The tree planting June 4 was part of the “Your Roots Are Always in C-K” initiative that encourages students to remember where their roots lie – Chatham-Kent.
The municipality held a series of events this week as a green reminder to local students where their roots are planted.
The “Your Roots Are Always in C-K” initiative saw municipal staff, elected officials and Greening Partnership personnel connect with a graduating class from various local high schools to plant a tree in a park setting close to their respective schools. On June 4, trees were planted in Ross Babcock Park, Percy Park, and along Mud Creek. Students from Chatham-Kent Secondary School, Ursuline College Chatham, and John McGregor respectively took part.
At Mud Creek, Audrey Ansell, manager of resident attraction and retention for the municipality, addressed the JMSS students.
“As time goes on, the trees grow and the roots get stronger,” she said. “Remember, your roots are in Chatham-Kent.”
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Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew also addressed the students, and encouraged them to leave the municipality – but remember where they came from.
“You should get away and explore the world, but we want you to come back,” she said. “Spread your wings. Get an education. Hopefully you’ll realize how beautiful it is here, and come back.”
At first, some of the students appeared somewhat disinterested, but by the end of it, many were quick to take a photo of the tree, or a selfie with them and the tree.
Ansell said this is the second year for the “Your Roots” program, adding Chatham-Kent’s youth want to stay connected with where they grew up.
“When we conducted our youth survey, 84% said they always want to remain tied to Chatham-Kent regardless of where they go,” she said.
