A 1.7-acre municipal reserve on the west end of Woodland Drive will soon become a forested haven thanks to a collaborative effort between the City of Lacombe and St. Andrew’s United Church.
The initiative, originally launched as the 100 Tree Planting Project, marks the church’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada. The site has now officially been named Woodland Sanctuary, reflecting its purpose as a space for reflection, biodiversity and community connection.
The project will see the planting of 100 native trees, shrubs and flowering perennials to create a biodiverse, natural ecosystem.
“The idea came up to plant 100 trees for the 100th anniversary, which sounded fairly easy to do. It has evolved into a much bigger project,” said Dianna MacLeod, co-chair of the church’s Green Team.
Community-driven design and support
The design of Woodland Sanctuary was created by Cynthia Pohl of Living Lands Landscape and Design, following a public engagement workshop where community members contributed ideas, including calls for natural seating, a water feature and gathering spaces.
Lacombe City Council approved the final design and project name at its March 24 meeting.
“Council would like to thank St. Andrew's United Church for recognizing the importance of our community's natural environment,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “Lacombe is known for our natural spaces; this project will help ensure that trees remain part of our identity for years to come.”
Funding and timeline
The total cost of installation, design, plant materials, habitat structures and natural seating exceeds $50,000, funded through private donations and grants from the United Church. The City of Lacombe’s share — an estimated $36,000 over three years — is allocated within its current budget and covers watering, mowing and site maintenance.
"We are excited to be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of The United Church of Canada and its ministry in Lacombe by planting this living legacy for future generations to enjoy all the benefits of trees,” said Rev. Cecile Fausak, co-chair of the Green Team.
City staff will work with Living Lands and St. Andrew’s to carry out planting, install signage and layout natural paths through the sanctuary. The area will include three informal gathering spaces and provide future opportunities for outdoor education.
A spiritual and ecological space
Before any planting begins, the site will be blessed by Elder Jo-Ann Saddleback, who will lead a traditional smudging ceremony on Sunday, April 27, following a public presentation on Indigenous land teachings at St. Andrew’s.
“She’s going to come to the site and do a smudging and blessing, which we're really happy about. It will be done before we do any planting on the site. So that's exciting,” said MacLeod.
Community members are invited to participate in the tree planting, scheduled for June 6 and 7. Volunteers must register in advance through St. Andrew’s United Church to help coordinate planting times.
The project also aims to educate the public on native species and carbon capture, with a commitment to planting smaller trees that absorb more carbon and can be installed by hand.
“We want to plant these by hand with shovels,” said MacLeod. “The smaller trees will absorb more carbon as they're growing.”
When completed, Woodland Sanctuary will provide shade, habitat for wildlife and pollinators, and a quiet natural refuge for residents.
For more information or to volunteer to plant a tree, phone 403-782-3148 or email greenteam@lacombeunitedchurch.ca
Donations of $200 per tree are being accepted to help fund the project.
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