On a crisp morning with a hint of smoke lingering from nearby wildfires, Jackson Bonn, a resident of Belleville, Ontario, prepared his team of tree planters with a brief safety briefing. Throughout his 12-hour shift, Bonn busily moved between planters, ensuring they had enough tree seedlings and were planting them in the designated locations.
During a fortunate moment that day, Bonn was able to plant some trees himself, likening his actions to those of an Olympic freestyle swimmer, aiming for fluid and natural movements. As a seasoned tree planter, Bonn and many others gather in remote Canadian regions each summer to replant areas affected by logging and fires.
Typically, tree planters can plant anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 trees per day, earning payment per tree planted. Bonn shared his experience of planting 2,000 trees at a rate of 17.5 cents per tree, resulting in a daily income of $350. Reflecting on his start in tree planting as a young adult seeking adventure and financial stability after a gap year, Bonn highlighted the job’s demanding nature and the camaraderie among planters.
While acknowledging the physical and mental challenges of tree planting, Bonn emphasized that it remains a job rather than a lifelong career goal for him. Despite taking a break from tree planting in 2025 to explore other opportunities on the East Coast, Bonn found himself drawn back to the bush due to his experience and expertise in the field.
As a seasoned planter overseeing his own crew, Bonn recognized the significance of tree planting in the Canadian context, citing its unique role in the country’s landscape and its connection to environmental changes like forest fires and heat waves. He viewed his return to tree planting not just as a job but as a deep-rooted part of his identity and a profound connection to the land and community.
Looking ahead, Bonn expressed his ongoing commitment to tree planting as a symbol of honor, personal growth, and a gateway to exploring the vast Canadian wilderness. Despite potential future changes, he affirmed his attachment to tree planting as a fundamental part of his life, shaping his experiences and relationships in meaningful ways.