Alberta's Great Tree Hunt Receives Over 600 Nominations

“From Ft. Vermilion to the Peace Country – from Ft. Mackay and Ft. McMurray through central and southern Alberta and into the mountain and foothills regions, we’ve had trees nominated from the length and breadth of the province,” says Libby Fairweather, executive director, Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada, Alberta Heritage Tree Project. “We are thrilled with the number of trees and their stories that are being submitted for Heritage recognition on a daily basis!”

October 31, 2006, is the deadline for submissions for trees to be eligible to be considered for inclusion in the first Heritage Trees of Alberta book (publication date June 2007). The book will provide botanical, ecological, historical and cultural information on specific trees. It will feature Heritage Tree locations on maps arranged according to the Tourist Destination Regions.

Trees nominated after that date are still eligible for heritage recognition, but will miss the publication deadline.

Some of the trees that have been nominated include:

• Clearwater County and the Crowsnest Pass – two Limber Pines reported to be the oldest trees in the province – estimated to be between 1200 to 1400 years old.
• Peace Country – the Dunvegan Maple is the mother tree for many of the Manitoba Maples planted throughout the Peace Country. Planted in 1883 by James McDougall behind the Dunvegan Catholic Church, cuttings from this mother tree were taken and planted as far away as Sturgeon Lake near Valleyview. Even if the original maple at Dunvegan should die, it will live on for many years through its progeny that have put down roots as surely as the hardy pioneers who settled the Peace Country.
• Lethbridge – is an oasis in the Prairie grassland. Built by its passionate pioneers, trees and the preservation thereof have been a way of life dating back to the early 1900s. One tree in particular, the Fairfield Poplar has special significance. The grandfather of all, this Plains Cottonwood is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in southern Alberta. This tree is recognized as a living legacy to the optimism and forethought of our pioneer ancestors, particularly William Harmon Fairfield, first Superintendent of the Dominion Experimental Station, circa 1900. Harmon traveled six miles to the river valley to harvest trees using horse and wagon, in an effort applauded and appreciated by many generations.
• Ponoka – another Manitoba Maple of unusual size and shape rests quietly by the Battle River in Ponoka. Known locally as the Thinking Tree, it has survived floods and drought, and brings a welcomed retreat space under its massive canopy for community members and visitors.
• Red Deer – The Lord’s Willow in Red Deer celebrated its 100 birthday this year! A prominent and valued member of the city’s business community planted this magnificent tree in 1906. The tree is a symbol of the strength and beauty associated with nature. It has witnessed Red Deer’s growth and prosperity while providing a sense of peace and comfort for those resting or passing beneath its canopy. It is a well-loved community landmark.
• Ft. McMurray – the MacIsland Spruce in Ft McMurray is a survivor of two developments, one as recent as this spring. It is one of the largest trees in the city and has been saved by the Municipality as a centerpiece for a proposed park within a new development close to the downtown core.
• Consort – “Claude’s Forest” is fondly known in the community of Consort. Claude made a decision (in the early 70s) not to cut these saplings down in the ditch he was contracted to mow, instead he nurtured them and watched over them as they grew and still stand today. Although not a forest by any means, nonetheless they are treasured in this part of the province where trees are very scarce.
• Crowsnest Pass – although the famous Burmis Pine that stands at the entrance to Crowsnest Pass, along Highway 3, has died, its trunk and branches offer a stunning visual combined with the backdrop of Alberta’s southern Rocky Mountains. This beloved tree is cherished by residents and serves as an example of a community’s commitment to its trees.

Other Articles From the Oct 9, 2006 Issue of Agri-News