Strathmore's birth forest just got some new additions.
The forest, located near the intersection of Thomas Drive and Centennial Drive, was put together by Communities in Bloom and represents all of the children who are born in town. Several volunteers were out at the intersection on Saturday (Sept. 20) to add several new trees and plants to the forest.
"We've been planting trees in Strathmore for the last 15 or 20 years," said Jen Neufeld, chair of Communities in Bloom. "Every year we have a new plot and we plant around 45 trees. Several years ago, we started planting fruit trees and shrubs to provide some food security and allow fruit for people to pick when it's ripe."
This year's forest is dedicated to Tony Heuver, the late owner of Eagle Lake Nurseries, who provided the plants for the project.
"Tony passed away this year, so in honour of his legacy, we wanted to have a sign made that we'll be installing to honour his memory and all of the work they have done with us and for us," added Neufeld, who also received help from Servus Credit Union and the Town of Strathmore.
"Without the parks department, we would not be able to do this, so we're very grateful for them."
Several different trees are planted to provide diversity, with the choice of plants changing every year.
Staff were also replacing old trees that had died after being planted previously.
"Diversity is good because if you end up with a disease or pest and they're all the same species, it's a hay-day for the pest."
Communities in Bloom used to name each tree after a specific child, but now uses the trees to represent all children, rather than any child in particular.
"We don't want to have a tree day and have it belong to one child. That wouldn't be great."
Several volunteers and residents made it out to help plant the forest.
You can find a gallery from the event below: