With National Tree Day being September 23rd, it seemed only fitting that should be the day chosen for families that wanted to participate could gather and plant a new tree in the birthplace forest in Chestermere.
National Tree Day is meant to serve as a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide us – clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature. On March 2, 2011 a private members motion to declare the Wednesday of National Forest Week, National Tree Day, received consent from the House of Commons. The motion was presented by Royal Galipeau, M.P., at the urging of Tree Canada. It then became that the third Wednesday of every September would be National Tree Day.
In Chestermere, this day was celebrated by inviting families to plant a tree in this year’s location of the green space between house #’s 446 and 466 on Marina Drive. This was the 10th year that the parks department and Streetscape committee have held the birthplace planting event.
Did you know that one large tree can provide a days’ worth of oxygen for four people… and that it takes 98 trees to absorb one ton of carbon dioxide every year? Aside from trees just looking beautiful, they also provide shelter for many birds, animals and insects. With 17 families participating in this year’s birth forest planting, that’s 17 trees that will be not only holding a very special memory for these families, but also help in the beautification of our community and playing its role in helping the environment.
“This was our third year planting a tree for one of our children. We chose to plant trees for our girls because it’s a great way to show them that they are important in the community, it teaches to be involved in the community and it’s great for the environment. It’s a great family outing and the girls love going to visit their trees throughout the year”, said Sarah Robinson.
The City of Chestermere says, “Many thanks to the Streetscape Committee & City of Chestermere Parks Department for coordinating this awesome program that celebrates Chestermere’s children and the beauty of our community”.
