On a cool morning with faint smoke lingering from nearby wildfires, Jackson Bonn, a resident of Belleville, Ont., led his team of tree planters, giving them a safety briefing before assigning them their designated sections for the day. Throughout his 12-hour shift, Bonn diligently ensured each planter had enough tree seedlings, overseeing their planting in the specified locations.
Amid the rush of managing the crew, Bonn seized a moment to plant some trees himself. With a swift motion, he dug holes, planted seedlings, and swiftly moved on to the next spot, likening his actions to the fluidity of an Olympic swimmer’s strokes.
Having dedicated his adult life to tree planting, Bonn, like many others, spends summers in remote Canadian wilderness areas where reforestation is vital due to logging and wildfires. Planters typically plant between 1,500 to 5,000 trees daily, earning payment based on a piece rate per tree planted.
Reflecting on his journey as a tree planter since starting as an 18-year-old seeking adventure and income, Bonn acknowledges the job’s all-consuming nature and the physical and mental demands it entails. Despite his deep connection to the work and the camaraderie it fosters, Bonn views tree planting as a temporary endeavor rather than a lifelong career.
In 2025, Bonn opted for a break from his annual tree planting routine, choosing a quieter summer on the East Coast. While enjoying his time away and exploring other aspects of his identity beyond tree planting, Bonn felt a pull back to the wilderness, recognizing the job’s financial stability and the sense of fulfillment it provides.
As a seasoned planter overseeing his crew and mentoring new planters, Bonn sees tree planting as a quintessentially Canadian experience, uniquely tied to the country’s vast landscapes and environmental challenges. Amidst climate change impacts like wildfires and heat waves, tree planters like Bonn witness firsthand the evolving natural world, fostering a profound connection to their labor and the environment.
Despite his evolving aspirations beyond tree planting, Bonn acknowledges the job’s significance in shaping his identity and fostering a sense of community and personal growth. For now, he embraces his role as a tree planter with pride and dedication, continuing to nurture both literal and metaphorical roots deep in the bush.
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