This week, students at St. Daniel Catholic Elementary School rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty—literally—for a greener tomorrow. With the generous support of volunteers from the Grand Valley Construction Association and Sustainable Waterloo Region, the schoolyard is now home to a newly planted microforest.
Microforests are small plots of land restored to a natural state through the planting of native trees and shrubs. Though they can be as compact as a city lot, their ecological and social benefits are anything but small. These tiny forests are powerful tools for urban greening, biodiversity, and environmental education.
Thanks to Sustainable Waterloo Region’s contributions, including the trees themselves, students from every classroom had the opportunity to participate in this hands-on learning experience. Throughout the morning, they took turns planting seedlings, spreading mulch, watering, and tidying the area. Along the way, they learned about the role trees play in protecting the planet and the care required to help them thrive.
In total, 100 native trees and shrubs were planted as part of the project. This included 15 red maples, 20 sugar maples, 20 trembling aspens, 15 white birches, and 30 redbud shrubs—each chosen for their ability to thrive in our local environment and contribute to a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
Volunteers reminded students that, just like them, young trees need daily care and attention to grow strong. Inspired by this message, students have committed to watering the microforest on sunny days, playing a key role in helping it take root and grow strong.
We are deeply grateful to Sustainable Waterloo Region and the Grand Valley Construction Association for making this meaningful project possible.
Thanks to their partnership, St. Daniel’s students have planted more than trees—they’ve planted hope for a brighter, greener future.
