In Belleville, Ontario, Jackson Bonn’s day started amidst a lingering haze from nearby wildfires. Leading a team of tree planters, he ensured safety protocols were in place before assigning them their designated sections for the day. Throughout his 12-hour shift, Bonn tirelessly supervised the planting process, ensuring each planter had ample seedlings and planted them accurately in a recently cleared spruce tree area.
Despite his supervisory role, Bonn managed to find time to plant trees himself that day. With a sense of rhythm and focus akin to an Olympic swimmer, he swiftly dug holes, planted trees, and moved on to the next spot. As a seasoned tree planter, Bonn spends his summers in remote Canadian forests, replanting areas ravaged by logging and fires, alongside a workforce dedicated to restoring the natural landscape.
Tree planters like Bonn typically plant between 1,500 to 5,000 trees daily, earning a piece rate per tree planted. Reflecting on his journey from an 18-year-old seeking adventure after a trip to Southeast Asia to an experienced planter, Bonn acknowledged the job’s all-consuming nature and physical demands. Despite the challenges, the camaraderie and sense of purpose in tree planting have been deeply rewarding.
In 2025, Bonn opted for a break from his annual tree planting routine, choosing a quieter summer on the East Coast. This hiatus provided him with a chance to reflect on his identity beyond tree planting and explore other ambitions. However, the allure of the bush and the camaraderie it offers drew him back, where he now leads his own crew and mentors new planters.
For Bonn, tree planting symbolizes a quintessentially Canadian experience, uniquely tied to the country’s vast wilderness and environmental challenges. As climate change impacts become more pronounced, tree planters witness the effects firsthand, forging a deep connection to their labor and the land. The shared experiences and understanding among planters form a tight-knit community, with tree planting being more than just a job—it’s a badge of honor and a transformative journey.
Looking ahead, Bonn plans to continue his love affair with tree planting, embracing both the physical labor and the metaphorical roots he has planted in the Canadian wilderness. As he immerses himself in another season of planting, Bonn cherishes the opportunity to contribute to a vital environmental cause and be part of a unique community bonded by a shared dedication to the land.
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