In the summer of 2017, Rotary International President, Ian H.S. Riseley, challenged all Rotary Clubs throughout the world to plant a tree for each member by Earth Day 2018, April 22. If that were done, more than 1.2 million trees would be planted. Trees, he said, have many benefits including production of oxygen and absorption of carbon dioxide thereby resulting in a healthier environment.
On March 22, members of the Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise, under the guidance of Tyler Johns from the City of Courtenay Parks Department, planted more than 50 trees in Capes Park.
The tree varieties were chosen to succeed in this park where many of the existing large trees are showing signs of stress due to the effects of changing climate and on-going development which reduces summer soil moisture. The species planted included western yew, Douglas maple, vine maple, Pacific crab apple, shore pine, and black hawthorn. Over time, these more tolerant trees are expected to eventually replace some of the existing ones.
The Rotary club will also be planting trees in an area in Comox.