On Saturday, Erin Tree Trust celebrated its first-ever Tree of the Year with a special community event at Arts by the Pond at the Hillsburgh Library. The event brought together art, environmental education, local history, and community celebration around one remarkable tree: a 160-year-old American elm fondly known as “Henry” by Town of Erin residents, in honour of Henry Koch – horticulturist, eco-activist, and founder of the Elm Recovery Project in Ontario. The exhibition featured 30+ original works by 28 artists, each offering a unique interpretation of Henry and the story this remarkable tree represents. More than 150 people came through the gallery throughout the day to experience the artwork, learn about ‘Henry,’ and connect with the broader story of elm conservation and recovery.
The response from the community was incredibly positive and heartfelt. The event demonstrated just how much meaning a single tree can hold for a community, and how art can create a powerful and accessible way for people to connect with local natural heritage. Four original works were purchased during the one-day exhibition, with buyers choosing to bring these pieces into their homes and, in doing so, helping to immortalize the stories and significance of Henry. Additional donors have also come forward since the event, demonstrating that the momentum generated by the celebration is continuing beyond the day itself.
The event also featured remarks from the Erin Tree Trust team, Mayor Mike Dehn, Councillor Bridget Ryan, and Alison Morrison of the Elm Recovery Project at the University of Guelph Arboretum, who joined us to speak about the importance of Henry and the ongoing work to protect and recover the American elm species. Their participation helped connect the local story of Henry to the broader efforts underway to support elm recovery. The exhibition was so warmly received by the Town of Erin that the municipality invited the collection to move from the Hillsburgh Library to Town Hall for an additional month. Stay tuned for more details!
