Cape Breton University and ACAP Cape Breton Surpass 68,000 Trees Planted in Anniversary Tree-Planting Initiative

Cape Breton University (CBU) and ACAP Cape Breton are thrilled to announce the success of Growing Forward Together, a tree-planting initiative launched during the University’s 50th anniversary year. Together, they exceeded their original goal of planting 50,000 trees across Unama’ki-Cape Breton, reaching a total of more than 68,000 trees by the end of 2024. 

“This initiative has been an extraordinary celebration of CBU’s 50th Anniversary, and we are excited to share the story of Growing Forward Together with the world,” says David C. Dingwall, CBU President and Vice-Chancellor. “Thanks to the expertise and dedication of ACAP Cape Breton, this project has left a legacy that will benefit our environment and community for many years to come. These trees are a gift to future generations on the Island we call home.”

“The synergy of our partnership with CBU has created something truly beautiful,” says ACAP Cape Breton Executive Director, Kathleen Aikens. “Through the Growing Forward project, we were able to expand our reforestation efforts across the Island and work with many wonderful people. The next 50 years will see these trees grow into more biodiverse and resilient forests, supporting nature-based solutions to climate change.”

The project, launched in June 2024, saw more than 68,000 trees planted at 21 sites across the Island. These locations included privately owned land, the CBU campus and properties managed by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The species are all native to Nova Scotia and carefully selected to be adaptable to Cape Breton’s changing climate. They will play a crucial role in habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement and carbon offsetting.

Throughout the summer and fall, ACAP Cape Breton prepared and assessed planting sites, planted trees and worked on seed collection efforts. Due to dry conditions, planting paused during July and August but resumed with full-scale efforts in the fall. The initiative has fostered environmental awareness and education through community and class planting events, bringing together students, alumni, staff and local volunteers to support the mission.

As the University concludes its 50th Anniversary year, the success of Growing Forward Together stands as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary achievements possible through collaboration. CBU and ACAP Cape Breton remain committed to fostering sustainability and invite the community to join future efforts to protect and nurture our environment.

For more information about the project and its long-lasting legacy, visit www.cbu.ca/growing-forward-together