Update: “Due to persistent smoke causing poor air quality combined with extremely high temperatures forecasted, we are following the Environment and Climate Change Canada recommendation to limit time outdoors and cancelling the Arbor Day event [scheduled for June 1, 2025]. We apologize for the cancellation. To all of those who were planning to attend and volunteer for this year’s event we hope to see you at Arbor Day 2026!”
- Sean Dias, Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, City of Morden
It’s not every day that grade one students get to leave a lasting mark on their school grounds—but thanks to an Arbor Day art contest hosted by the City of Morden, one lucky class at École Discovery Trails did just that.
In the lead-up to Arbor Day, which is officially celebrated on Sunday, June 1, the City’s Parks and Urban Forestry Department organized a fun, creative initiative to get students thinking about the importance of trees. The winning classroom didn’t just earn prizes—they got to help plant a tree right outside their school, alongside Morden’s own Parks and Urban Forestry Director, Shawn Dias.
‘I’m planting these trees for our future generations’
The contest was about more than just art. It was about planting a seed of awareness—literally and figuratively.
“We’re just trying to get the kids involved and excited about trees in our community,” said Shawn Dias. “We support that with some education, fun games, prizes, and it all culminates with a commemorative tree planting for the winning class.”
For Dias, who has been part of many Arbor Day celebrations, the highlight is always the chance to share a long-term vision with the next generation.
“I’m not planting those trees for myself,” he said. “I’m planting those trees for the benefits of our future generations. The cool thing is that the tree we planted here today will hopefully be here for 30-plus years, and the kids will watch it grow as they attend school—and even come back as adults to tell their own kids, ‘I planted that tree.’”
Arbor Day at Morden Park
This schoolyard celebration is just a preview of the main Arbor Day event happening at Morden Park on Sunday, June 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. The family-friendly, free event will include hot dogs, tree giveaways, educational booths, pruning demonstrations, tree climbing demos, and even aerial lift rides—perfect for those who want a bird’s-eye view of Morden’s urban canopy.
“Trees are valued in Morden,” said Dias. “It’s an opportunity to gather together, celebrate trees, maybe learn a few things, and just enjoy yourself in the park.”
Little voices, big wisdom
The winning artwork came from Madame Kroeker’s grade one class, where students like Mariane used crayons and creativity to bring trees to life on paper. When asked why she thought Arbor Day was important, she gave the kind of answer only a six-year-old can deliver with perfect sincerity.
“Because like… outside, so it could be pretty,” she said. “And trees give us shade and they help us... and they block the wind!”
Her tree drawing may have only taken her “five minutes or something,” but the memory of helping plant a real one will last a lifetime.
A growing legacy
For the students of École Discovery Trails, Arbor Day 2025 is more than just a fun day at school—it’s a milestone. The tree they helped plant will become part of the landscape they see every day, a living symbol of growth, community, and environmental care.
“It’s the best part of my job,” said Dias, “seeing someone take a break in the shade of a tree that you planted. It’s definitely worth it.”
Whether it’s through artwork, laughter, or shovels in the dirt, Morden’s Arbor Day celebrations are cultivating something special—roots of appreciation for nature that will grow with every child who takes part.