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2024 Kelowna Tree Planting Festival

Saturday, October 12, 2024
10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Ben Lee Park (East Side) 900 Houghton Road Kelowna, BC, V1X 2J8 Canada (map)

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2024 Kelowna Tree Planting Festival

Organizer: Kelowna Chinese United Association

Event Name: 2024 Kelowna Tree Planting Festival

Event Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 10:00 AM

Event Location: East side of the Ben Lee Park

Food: Bring bring water and a snack if needed.

Clothing: Event is outdoors, dress warm, rain jacket might be needed.

Parking: Free. Ben Lee Parking Area.

Cost: Free.

Purpose:

The Kelowna City Council recently passed the 2024 Urban Forestry Strategy, which aims to increase tree canopy coverage in city centres and core areas to 20% and in suburban and rural areas to 25% by 2050.

According to this plan, approximately 1,200 additional trees need to be planted annually beyond the current level to achieve these goals.

In response to the strategy's release, the Kelowna Chinese United Association actively engaged with the City Council and proposed hosting an annual tree planting festival. This event aims to raise public awareness of tree planting and environmental protection, inspire citizens to participate in urban greening, and contribute to community building. Mayor Tom Dyas expressed strong support for this proposal and arranged for relevant departments to further discuss the event with the association to ensure it aligns with the city's strategic goals. After discussions between the KCUA and the Urban Trees department, the following arrangements have been made for the first annual tree planting festival:

Tree Planting Location:

Tree experts from Kelowna's Urban Trees Department will mark specific tree planting sites within Ben Lee Park.

Tree Species and Quantity:

For the first tree planting festival in 2024, sugar maple trees will be planted.

In future years, the number of trees planted will be adjusted based on site conditions and public participation. Tree species may include ginkgo, oak, Greenspire linden, Hot Wings Tatarian maple, Northern acclaim honey locust, Ohio buckeye, and sugar maple. Alternative parks for planting may include Truswell Park, Monson Ponds, and City Park.

Event Schedule:

Pre-event Public Education:
We will share videos and documents within the invited communities to raise awareness of urban greening and environmental protection. The materials will cover the contributions of trees to the environment and relevant knowledge about tree planting.
Trees and Tools Arrival:
All trees and tools will be delivered to Ben Lee Park by 10:00 AM on the day of the event.
Opening Remarks:
A council member, a representative from the Urban Forestry Department, and a representative from the Kelowna Chinese United Association will deliver speeches.
On-site Tree Planting Instructions:
The Urban Trees Department will provide shovels and other tools, offer on-site guidance, and assist participants in planting the trees, ensuring professionalism and tree survival rates. The planting area in Ben Lee Park is already covered by an irrigation system.

Event Highlights:

Learning and Experience:
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about tree planting and personally plant a commemorative tree for their family or a friendship tree with their children and friends.
Custom Labels:
Each tree can have a custom label. Participants can write their name or a blessing on the label.

The Kelowna Tree Planting Festival was a resounding success, held on a beautiful autumn day at Ben Lee Park. Organized by the Kelowna Chinese United Association (KCUA), the event was supported by the City of Kelowna and several local organizations, including the Tree Protectors Association, the Kelowna South-Central Association of Neighbours (KSAN), the Rutland Residents Association, and the Chinese Freemasons Society.
The festival aimed to raise environmental awareness and encourage community involvement in urban greening, in line with the Kelowna City Council’s 2024 Urban Forestry Strategy. City representative Stuart Mackey opened the event with remarks highlighting the vital role trees play in enhancing urban health. He urged residents to participate in tree planting and outlined the city’s ongoing efforts to expand green spaces, promote private tree planting, and engage the public through community programs.
The event drew a diverse group of around 40 participants, ranging from children to seniors, reflecting a strong, cross-generational commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future for Kelowna. Participants received practical training from tree experts, who provided step-by-step guidance on planting techniques and tree care to ensure the healthy growth of the saplings. Under expert supervision, attendees eagerly planted trees in designated areas throughout the park.
The choice of Ben Lee Park as the festival site was significant. Ben Lee, a prominent Chinese-Canadian leader and longtime city councilor, made notable contributions to Kelowna’s park system. The newly planted trees, arranged in a heart shape around his monument, symbolized the community’s deep respect and admiration for his lasting legacy.