The Wish Trees book comes to life through an interactive outdoor StoryWalk that connects children’s hopes with hands-on environmental action.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALGARY, Alberta, October 17, 2026 — What happens when a children’s book inspires an entire elementary school to turn its wishes for a better world into action? At Prince of Wales School in Calgary, 275 students have helped plant 73 trees, creating a living outdoor classroom inspired by The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place.
The project brings the imaginative world of Canadian children’s author and award-winning children’s environmental education advocate Andrea Koehle Jones to life through an interactive outdoor StoryWalk, tree planting and hands-on learning.
Students from Kindergarten through Grade 4 explored the book’s messages about hope, courage and caring for nature while taking part in a schoolwide tree planting initiative. The experience connects literacy, STEM education and environmental stewardship, helping children discover how their own actions can make a lasting difference.
From the Pages of The Wish Trees to a Living Outdoor Classroom
Written by Koehle Jones, founder of The ChariTree Foundation, and illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Alicia Padrón, The Wish Trees invites children to plant a local tree seedling and make a personal wish for the planet.
Each page introduces a different Wish Tree inspired by a child’s heartfelt hope or dream. From Emma’s Courage Tree to Masika’s Umbrella Tree and Jose’s Life Tree, the story connects emotional resilience, imagination and environmental education.
At Prince of Wales School, those ideas have become part of the school grounds.
Students helped plant 44 trees, while professional landscapers installed another 29. Every class participated in the planting project and officially adopted its trees, gave them names, and learned how to care for them.
As the trees grow, students will have opportunities to explore science, writing, art, biodiversity and seasonal changes in their own schoolyard.
For Koehle Jones, the project demonstrates how children’s literature can inspire meaningful action beyond the pages of a book.
“Wish big, little tree planters! Just imagine all the wonderful things your trees will do for our planet as they grow. Most of all, I hope your love for trees, nature and our beautiful Earth grows right alongside them. The world is a better place because of kids like you!” — Andrea Koehle Jones, author of The Wish Trees and Don’t Let Ned Plant a Tree THERE!
Giving Every Child a Role in Environmental Action
Led by Marcia Birkigt and the Friends of Parkland Way Society on behalf of Prince of Wales School, the initiative involved all 275 students, 22 school staff members and 13 parent and community volunteers.
The project was designed to give every child an opportunity to participate directly and develop a personal connection with the new trees.
“The primary objective of this project was to give every child direct, hands-on involvement and a personal sense of ownership over their new outdoor classroom and trees. Each class officially adopted its trees, giving them names and learning about native tree species and how to care for them,” said Marcia Birkigt of the Friends of Parkland Way Society, which led the initiative on behalf of Prince of Wales School.
Since Planting Day, the trees have become part of outdoor learning, connecting science, art, writing and environmental stewardship with experiences in nature.
The children can now watch their adopted trees grow while developing environmental knowledge, practical skills and a lasting sense of responsibility for their school community.
Turning Climate Concerns into Environmental Agency and Hope
For Koehle Jones, the Calgary StoryWalk reflects a central message of her writing and environmental advocacy: children and youth need more than information about environmental challenges. They need opportunities to participate, develop practical skills and help shape a healthier future.
This is particularly important as children around the world experience increasing climate-related risks.
According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index, approximately one billion children live in countries classified as extremely high risk from climate and environmental hazards.
Projects such as the Prince of Wales School StoryWalk offer one practical way to nurture environmental agency and hope. By combining imagination with meaningful experiences outdoors, children can discover that they are capable of making a positive difference.
The 73 new trees will provide opportunities for outdoor education, shade and wildlife habitat as they mature. For the students who helped plant them, the trees also represent a personal connection to their school and the natural world.
From Children’s Books to International Climate Conversations
Koehle Jones is bringing her message of children’s environmental empowerment to international audiences.
Following her appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany with her latest children’s book, Don’t Let Ned Plant a Tree THERE!, she is preparing to travel to Türkiye for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), where she will advocate for children’s meaningful participation in climate discussions and decision-making.
Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of giving children and youth environmental knowledge, agency, practical skills and hope while ensuring their perspectives are considered in decisions affecting their future.
The Calgary StoryWalk illustrates how that vision can begin at the local level, with children discovering that their wishes, ideas and actions matter.
Every Tree Begins with a Wish
The Wish Trees encourages children to imagine how they can help make the world a better place, then take a small but meaningful step by planting a tree.
At Prince of Wales School, that simple concept has grown into a schoolwide environmental education initiative.
The newly planted trees will continue to provide learning opportunities for future students, while the children who planted and adopted them can watch their contributions grow year after year.
The project offers an inspiring example of what can happen when children’s literature, community collaboration and environmental education come together.
Every tree planted is a little wish for a better world.
Watch The Wish Trees Come to Life
Prince of Wales School has shared two videos showing students planting trees, exploring nature and enjoying their interactive outdoor StoryWalk.
Tree Planting Day:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Def24jsS3rS/
The Wish Trees StoryWalk:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Def9zvoy5Y7/
Photo credit: Prince of Wales School
With Heartfelt Thanks
With heartfelt thanks to Marcia Birkigt, the Friends of Parkland Way Society, and all 275 students, 22 school staff members and 13 parent and community volunteers at Prince of Wales School who helped bring this project to life.
Their dedication to outdoor learning, creativity and environmental stewardship is helping inspire the next generation of young tree planters.
About Andrea Koehle Jones
Andrea Koehle Jones is a Canadian children’s author, award-winning children’s environmental education advocate and founder of The ChariTree Foundation. Through storytelling, environmental education and international advocacy, she works to give children and youth the agency, skills and hope to take meaningful action for the planet.
Her children’s books include The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place and Don’t Let Ned Plant a Tree THERE!
About The Wish Trees
Written by Andrea Koehle Jones and illustrated by Alicia Padrón, The Wish Trees encourages children to connect with nature, plant local trees and make personal wishes for the planet.
Each Wish Tree introduces a child’s hope or dream, combining imagination, emotional resilience and environmental stewardship.
Discover The Wish Trees on Amazon. 100% of book profits support children’s environmental education and tree planting initiatives through The ChariTree Foundation.
Free Educational Resources: Teachers and families can explore curriculum guides and activities through The ChariTree Foundation’s Wish Trees Resources.
The original school project was reported by The ChariTree Foundation in its October 16, 2026 news release.
Media Contact
David Jones
Research & Media Relations | The ChariTree Foundation
Phone: 778-991-9874
Email: david.rm.jones@gmail.com
Website: https://www.charitree-foundation.org
For interviews, photographs, media assets or additional information, please contact David Jones.
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