The 2024 annual Tatagwa Tree Day is happening August 10th. The City of Weyburn is looking for fifty volunteers to help plant one hundred and forty trees along the Signal Hill Trail System.
The species of trees being planted include Colorado blue spruce, poplar prairie sky, buffalo berry shrub, and Manitoba maple tree.
The parks manager for the City of Weyburn, Curtis Block, says all ages are welcome to participate.
“I find the kids really get excited about it, to plant their own tree and, of course, the prizes. And the takeaway, too, is the kids can learn the benefits of the trees within our community, right? So, it's kind of a learning experience for them.”
“There will be hot dogs, treats, refreshments, lots of prizes such as camping gear and outdoor games.”
The event is funded by Sask Lotteries through the Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks and Conservation Agency (ASUPCA). It will kick off at 9 a.m. and end around 1 p.m.
“The entrance and parking will be located at 1510 New Garden Road. So, if you go east on Highway 39, exit onto the New City Garden Road, which is a service road, there will be signage to guide people in.”
Block says anyone interested can visit the City of Weyburn Facebook page, you can register to volunteer HERE.
Participants will be given a quick rundown of how to plant trees. The holes will be pre-dug, volunteers will place the trees in the holes, fill the holes with soil, place tree chippings around it and give it an initial watering.
Block says the event is a fun experience for the participants while also benefiting the community.
“We've been doing this for the past three or four years now. So, it seems the event seems to work well. And, of course, we get the benefit of the trees afterwards.”