A vibrant ceremony on September 21st celebrated the Mount Forest Chapter of Tree Trust’s first Tree of the Year. The event featured bagpipes by Jim Stewart, a land acknowledgment by Kate Rowley, and inspiring speeches from Mayor Andy Lennox, Councillor Sherry Burke, Tree Trust representative Braedon Witt, Green Team member Daphne Rappard, and arborist Manuela Demedeiros, along with a solo of “What a Wonderful World” by Neil Aitken. MC Erin Kiers ensured a festive atmosphere.
Pruning removed encroaching Manitoba maples, and to support the cork tree, two native tulip trees were planted. This year’s event was sponsored by the Echo Foundation and Sutherland Insurance.
The honored tree was the Amur cork tree behind the Post Office, identified by the Green Team during their town inventory. This tree emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, as many town trees are maples, which could be devastated by diseases like Dutch elm disease. While the Amur cork is non-native and potentially invasive, it was chosen to spark conversation.
To get involved or sponsor next year’s event, visit treetrust.ca. The next Green Team meeting is Wednesday, October 2nd at 7 pm in the Mount Forest United Church basement. Join us! Your input is welcome!
