Celebrate Waterloo Region's Tree of the Year 2026!

Join us to crown the Kitchener Persistent Planetree! Learn about the tree, enjoy activities and cake, and a guided tree walk at 10:45am. Join Reep Green Solutions and Tree Trust for a special celebration honouring our 2026 Tree of the Year winner: The Persistent Planetree (Kitchener)! We will gather at King Edward Public School, directly across the street from the winning tree, from 10 am to 12 pm on Sunday, November 8th. Drop-ins are welcome for the event, but please register for the tree walk to guarantee your spot. There is limited parking on-site, and additional street parking available nearby. Trees play crucial roles in our communities, providing shade, supporting wildlife, and offering a connection to places we call home. Our Tree of the Year celebration is an opportunity to recognize one of these remarkable trees, learn more about its importance to our urban forest, and bring everyone together to appreciate the trees that make our neighbourhoods greener and healthier. Come celebrate with us! Whether you're a tree enthusiast or just curious about the trees in our region, and regardless of which tree you voted for, we'd love to see you there. The event will include… • Celebratory remarks: Hear from Reep Green Solutions and community members about the Tree of the Year and the importance of protecting mature trees in our cities • Activities and cake: Take part in fun activities to share your appreciation for trees, and enjoy our celebratory cake • Tree walk (registration required): Join us at 10:45 am for an opportunity to learn more about the winner and trees in the surrounding area Photography Notice: This event may be photographed and recorded Please be advised that photos and videos may be taken at this event for use on Reep Green Solutions' web, print, and social properties. By attending this event, you consent to being filmed. If you would like to attend, but don’t want to have your image captured, please let our staff know. Donate to Tree Trust - Waterloo Region Tree Trust is a 100% donor-funded program dedicated to conserving legacy, mature trees for their significant environmental value. Reep Green Solutions delivers the Waterloo Region Chapter, which includes the Tree of the Year campaign, caring for mature trees and planting succession trees. If you wish to contribute to the specialist care and protection of mature trees across the Waterloo Region, you can donate when registering or on Canada Helps - please select "Waterloo Region" in the form's dropdown. Amounts of $3 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt.