A new forest haven is taking root in Lacombe, as the Woodland Sanctuary officially broke ground earlier today with help from Mayor Grant Creasey, who joined to plant the site’s symbolic elder tree.
Located west of Woodland Drive, the 1.7-acre municipal reserve will become home to 100 trees, along with native shrubs and greenery. The project aims to create a peaceful, natural space for the community.
Mayor Creasey posed for photos with members of St. Andrew’s United Church, the church’s Green Team, and City of Lacombe employees, using ceremonial golden shovels to mark the occasion.
The sanctuary is a partnership between the City of Lacombe and St. Andrew’s United Church, celebrating 100 years of the United Church in Canada.
In an interview, Mayor Creasey described Lacombe as a verdant community.
“People value that connection with the great outdoors and having these spaces promotes many benefits for people being in touch with nature has positive benefits for mental health,” said Mayor Creasey.
More than 50 volunteers joined the planting effort on the first day, led by Cynthia Pohl of Living Lands Landscape and Design, who also designed the sanctuary.
The Lacombe and District Garden Club contributed a $1,000 donation toward the project.
The city will provide watering and tree maintenance for the first three years and will continue mowing the grass paths. After that, it’s expected to be largely self-sustaining.
Additional planting days are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the St. Andrew’s United Church website or email greenteam@lacombeunitedchurch.ca.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.