HTFC - Who we are

WHO WE ARE

History

In the mid 1980’s the Alberta Forestry Association adopted the Alberta Trees of Renown as a project. It was designed to gather and record information about unique trees; to help identify and locate them and to protect them as much as possible. Led by Peter Murphy and Bruce Dancik, they published two editions of the wonderfully unique book; Alberta Trees of Renown; An Honour Roll of Alberta Trees in 1984 and 1986.

In 1990, the St Thomas Field Naturalist Club formed the Heritage Tree Committee. They initiated a project to promote an appreciation and awareness of the great range of interesting trees in Elgin County, Ontario. 400 Heritage Trees were labeled with plaques and their locations were detailed on three beautiful pamphlets with colourful maps. To date 30,000 copies of these maps have been published. Lorne Spicer continues to be the driving force behind this project as the committee maintains the plaques and discovers new trees to represent their natural heritage.

Combining the success of Trees of Renown and the Heritage Tree Committee, the Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada was formed in September 2002 to develop the Alberta Heritage Tree Project.

Vision

The Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada's vision:
To preserve and celebrate Heritage Trees.

As a registered not for profit Foundation, our first project, The Alberta Heritage Tree Project will identify and catalogue Heritage Trees throughout the Province. These trees offer a representative sample of species that grow within various regions and individual communities. They contain within their stories a unique part Alberta’s history: one very much tied to the land.

"Heritage means trees of particular interest by virtue of such qualities as age, size, shape, special interest, location and/or history. Trees may include individual trees, avenues, groves, shelterbelts, tree gardens, arboretum and sites of botanical or ecological interest."

With familiarity and increased understanding of the value trees play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, it is hoped a sense of stewardship for our natural history will be inspired. The Foundation will build on the successes of our Alberta Heritage Tree Project, expanding it to include other provinces.

The objects of the Corporation are:

	To facilitate and promote stewardship and conservation of trees as an integral
	part of nature’s ecosystem.
	To foster knowledge and awareness of the role trees play in Canada’s natural history.
	To foster knowledge and awareness about the cultural aspects of tree heritage.
	To provide programs and information, that supports stewardship, conservation,
	knowledge and awareness of trees.

“The value of trees is, they touch our souls and heal our hearts. It is ever so subtle, yet powerful. When we are touched by something, we develop a rapport based in gratitude. We begin to care what happens to that which touches us, it is the beginning of stewardship. Yes we read about what we are doing to our Earth but what we hear can easily be forgotten. What we see will be remembered and when we do something – like visit these wonderful treasures of our Natural Heritage – we begin to awaken an understanding of our deep connection to the Earth. It is the understanding and remembering that strengthens this connection and touches our very souls. It is that which the Foundation hopes to be a part of inspiring.” - Libby Fairweather

Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada
Corporation # 412195-3-R
Revenue Canada # 85559 5047 RC0001
Alberta Registration # 5312004772

The Foundation Sponsors:

The Foundation Sponsors: