The City of Charlottetown hosted its annual Arbor Day celebration at Victoria Park on Friday, June 6, bringing together over 100 enthusiastic Grade 5 and 6 students from West Kent, Parkdale and Prince Street Elementary Schools.
The event, a springtime highlight for both City staff and students, was organized to celebrate the importance of trees, foster environmental education and enhance the natural beauty of one of Charlottetown’s cherished green spaces.
Students engaged in a variety of nature-based activities including an educational session on P.E.I. wildlife with the provincial Department of Forests, Fish and Wildlife, a nature art activity with the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre and a captivating Mi’kmaq storytelling and dance presentation organized by Billie-Jean Borque of the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors. Of course, no Arbor Day celebration would be complete without planting trees! This year, students planted 200 trees and shrubs to help expand and enhance Victoria Park’s urban forest.
“Arbor Day is a wonderful opportunity for young people to connect with nature and take an active role in caring for our environment,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “The trees we planted today will provide shade, improve air quality, support local wildlife, and be enjoyed for generations to come. I want to thank all the students, educators and volunteers who helped make this event a success.”
Arbor Day is celebrated worldwide as a time to recognize the value of trees and encourage tree planting for a healthier planet. In Charlottetown, the event serves as a reminder to appreciate the city’s natural spaces and to continue efforts in urban forest conservation.
The City of Charlottetown is committed to protecting and expanding its urban canopy through initiatives like Arbor Day and other tree planting programs.
To learn more about Charlottetown’s urban forestry programs and how you can get involved, visit our
website.