Heritage Tree Foundation Circa 2006 - 2008
In 2006 the Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada embarked on the Alberta Heritage Tree Project, accepting nominations and then identifying examples of heritage trees of significance around the province.
The was the official website for the Heritage Tree Foundation.
Content is from the site's 2006 - 2008 archived pages.
These are living links to our history
They have witnessed our past and continue to hold meaning for people today
Our project facilitates extensive community involvement in a collaborative approach to decision making. It unites the public with a wide variety of disciplines under a common theme. Local governments, Provincial Departments and various NGOs (environmental, conservation, historical, arborist and horticultural) contribute significantly to the project in terms of; identifying trees for Heritage recognition; advertising the Project; distribution of brochures and nomination forms; and payment of plaques.
Upon receiving nominations, Regional Selection Committees (RSC) consisting of local individuals will select trees of importance to their community. The Foundation facilitates the process of establishing these trees with Heritage recognition.
A plaque (ecologically safe) either attached to the trunk or directly in front of the tree on a stake will identify each tree. Identifying Heritage Trees with plaques are a consistent feature of the project, making it easier for community members to locate the tree.
Our book; Heritage Trees of Alberta (Publication date June 2007) provides botanical, ecological, historical and cultural information on specific trees. It will feature Heritage Tree locations on maps arranged according to the Tourist Destination Regions.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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The objects of the Corporation are:
“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 |
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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.
A big thank you to those who have helped spread the word about our cause and the importance of honoring our arboreal legacy. Working on a pro bono basis, the staff at TNG/Earthling have made a huge difference in our visibility online through their search engine optimization efforts which enabled us to reach a much larger audience and raise both awareness and funds. Success in Google's search results is now credited with extending our visibility and stature in ways that are more authentic than press releases.
Trees are a distinct part of habitat biodiversity. They sustain vibrant ecosystems that support wildlife populations and contribute significantly to bird, animal, plant, and insect diversity.
Trees also:
- stabilize the soil and filter polluted water.
- reduce cooling & heating requirements, resulting in conserved energy demands.
- preserve and foster air quality by removing carbon dioxide (C02) and airborne pollutants.
- abate visual and noise pollution.
- provide welcome shade and protection from UV rays.
- add color and interest to the landscape.
- Studies show:
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- Trees provide a psychological boost to communities; people are generally more satisfied with their neighborhoods if there are trees.
- Workers are more productive when trees are around their place of employment.
- Hospital patients recover faster if they can see trees outside their windows.
How Heritage Trees support vibrant ecosystems:
Individual trees, groves, shelterbelts, avenues, and hedgerows;
- Help the soil to retain valuable moisture, not just around the base but for a considerable area surrounding it.
- Bare soil directly exposed to rain has the potential for serious erosion. Rainfall is a primary contributor to soil erosion. Leaves help prevent erosion by intercepting and softening the impact of the rain droplets. Leaf litter or organic mulches further reduce the potential for erosion.
- The mixed age of stands and forests is an important criterion in ensuring long term stable ecosystems.
- Trees affect the water cycle by reducing erosion and protecting watersheds.
- Conifers planted on a slope can slow down the movement of cold air that normally moves to low points, which prevents frost pockets.
Arboretums
- Often contain introduced species that have adapted to our climate and survived, thus providing a valuable gene pool for seedlings.
Shelterbelts
- Protection from soil erosion due to wind & water
- They act as a trap for winter snow to provide a valuable source of spring moisture for crops, pastures, gardens and dugouts.
- Preserving wetland and riparian buffers on farms provides valuable wildlife habitat, and helps to protect groundwater resources while providing a measure of protection against drought.
- Farm shelterbelts and woodland habitats attract beneficial insects or predators that feed on agricultural pests.
Age
- Old trees provide long term ecosystem stability.
- Old trees contain genetic pools that have proven resilience and health, providing established offspring that will continue to support diversity for the habitats they reside in.
- Old growth forest serves as a reservoir for species which cannot thrive or easily regenerate in younger forest, and as such can be used as a baseline for research.
- Older trees provide more extensive root systems aiding in the reduction of soil erosion.
- Old growth forests store large amounts of carbon, both above and below ground. These forests collectively represent a significant pool of climate gases.
- Some species of plants and wildlife can only occur where there are old trees.
Height
- Tall trees provide a layered canopy which supports diversity.
Circumference
- One large tree provides climatic, energy and environmental benefits equal to hundreds of new saplings.
Canopy Spread
- Trees with large canopies are able to process more CO2 and release (transpiration) more moisture into the air. Thus helping to reduce energy requirements for cooling.
- Larger canopies provide more soil retention, cooling and shade.
- Trees and plants control solar radiation. Leaves are responsible for intercepting, reflecting, absorbing and transmitting solar radiation.
Survivor of Adverse Conditions
- Trees that have survived where others have not, contain genetic pools with proven resilience and health. They can provide established offspring that will continue to support diversity for the habitats they reside in.
Rare
- Native Species that have established themselves in a region not common to their natural range may be an indication of the natural progression of forest succession. They are anomalies worthy for their ability to grow outside their natural range.
Update March 2007
The Foundation has received 800 nominations since its launch in May 2006!
The Alberta Heritage Tree Project is designed to raise awareness and educate people about the environmental and historical value of trees. The Foundation has done this through a fun and informative process whereby the people of Alberta were asked to submit nominations for their special trees.
The response to our request has been wonderful and we are continuing to accept Nominations. Volunteers are in the field verifying and assessing these trees.
The stories received thus far are rich and colourful, reflecting each Community’s unique cultural profile. Local newspapers, radio and television stations have featured some of these stories; raising awareness of trees as a central part of healthy ecosystems and their impact on the historical growth of a Community.
Many valuable partnerships have been formed between the Foundation and Provincial & Municipal Government Departments. Combined with the support of a wide variety of special interest groups, we have achieved the goal of making the Project a collaborative effort and approach to recognizing these special trees.
The success thus far could not have been possible without the generous financial support of the Alberta Lottery Fund who awarded the Foundation, grants, in 2005 & 2007. Financial support also came from the City of: Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Strathcona County Recreation Parks & Culture, The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Alberta Naturalization Network Society.
The hard work of our 100 amazing Volunteers has made this Project a reality.
A plaque, either attached to the trunk or directly in front of the tree on a stake will identify each tree. These plaques are being placed throughout the Spring and Summer of 2007 and are paid for by the Municipality or Provincial/Federal Departments. Identifying Heritage Trees with plaques are a consistent feature of the project, making it easier for community members to locate the trees.
The Foundation will share the results of this multidisciplinary approach and everyone’s amazing efforts in the Spring of 2008 when our Book; Heritage Trees of Alberta and web based Tree Registry are published
Update 2008
Heritage Trees of Alberta
Now Available to Order!
300 Tree locations on Maps
80 Tree Stories with colour photos featured
Order Form
Publication Date - September 2008
We received over 900 nominations!
600 trees were verified.
450 trees qualified for Heritage Tree recognition!
Plaques are being placed on or beside each tree this summer, 2008!
Celebrate the success of the Alberta Heritage Tree Project
Order your copy Now!
Tree Stewardship Program 2008
As a follow up commitment to the Alberta Heritage Tree Project, the Foundation is designing a program for volunteers interested in becoming Tree Stewards for Alberta’s Heritage Trees.
This program will train individuals in:
- Tree evaluation
- Plaque care
- Interpretive programming; relating tree stories to the impact on local history
- Importance of trees to local ecosystem
- Providing tree tours
More Background On HeritageTreeFoundation.com
Introduction
Across the vast and varied landscapes of Canada, trees do more than populate forests and line city streets. They serve as living witnesses to history, ecology, and community. Recognizing this profound connection between people and trees, the Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada launched an ambitious and heartfelt project in the mid-2000s — the Alberta Heritage Tree Project.
This initiative was designed to catalog and preserve significant trees across Alberta that hold ecological, cultural, historical, or sentimental value. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a model of collaborative environmental stewardship, educational outreach, and heritage preservation.
This article offers an in-depth look into the Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada, its signature Alberta Heritage Tree Project, and the broader cultural and ecological implications of honoring and preserving trees as part of Canada's national story.
Founding and Vision of the Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada
Origins and Mission
The Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada was officially formed in September 2002. It was inspired by two earlier programs:
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Alberta Trees of Renown: Initiated in the mid-1980s by the Alberta Forestry Association, this effort aimed to locate and document unique and historically significant trees across the province. Spearheaded by Peter Murphy and Bruce Dancik, the team published Alberta Trees of Renown: An Honour Roll of Alberta Trees in 1984 and 1986.
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St. Thomas Heritage Tree Committee (Ontario): Beginning in 1990, this local effort identified over 400 notable trees in Elgin County and used plaques and detailed maps to raise public awareness. With over 30,000 maps distributed, the initiative had a tangible impact on local engagement.
Combining these successful models, the Heritage Tree Foundation was established with a national vision: to preserve and celebrate Canada’s heritage trees and foster environmental stewardship.
Organizational Goals
The stated objectives of the Foundation include:
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Promoting stewardship and conservation of trees within Canada’s diverse ecosystems.
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Raising awareness of trees as cultural, historical, and ecological touchstones.
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Creating programs and educational materials that inspire appreciation and responsibility.
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Facilitating community involvement in identifying and protecting notable trees.
As a not-for-profit organization, the Foundation is registered under Corporation #412195-3-R and Revenue Canada #85559 5047 RC0001.
The Alberta Heritage Tree Project
Launch and Public Participation
In May 2006, the Foundation launched its inaugural project — the Alberta Heritage Tree Project. The initiative called upon Alberta residents to nominate trees they believed held significance, whether for reasons of age, size, shape, cultural meaning, historical association, or ecological value.
The response was overwhelming.
By March 2007, more than 800 nominations had been received. By 2008, that number had swelled to over 900. From this vast pool:
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600 trees were verified
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450 were officially designated as Heritage Trees
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Plaques were installed at each location, often funded by municipal or provincial authorities
These plaques served not only to identify the trees but to make them accessible to the public, thereby enhancing community awareness and engagement.
Book and Registry
In June 2007, the Foundation published a landmark book titled Heritage Trees of Alberta, which was officially released in September 2008. This publication includes:
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300 tree locations mapped
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80 tree stories with full-color photographs
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Historical, ecological, and botanical details
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Maps organized according to Alberta’s Tourist Destination Regions
The book became both a celebration and a guide, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore Alberta through a new lens — one rooted in natural heritage.
Alongside the book, the Foundation launched an online Tree Registry, providing a digital resource for exploring the nominated and verified Heritage Trees.
Volunteer Engagement
The Heritage Tree Project was built on the strength of its 100+ volunteers, who served in roles such as:
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Tree verification and evaluation
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Mapping and documentation
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Community outreach
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Media and educational engagement
A dedicated group of Tree Stewards was also formed to maintain the trees and their plaques while offering interpretive tours and local insights.
Methodology: How Trees Were Selected
The Alberta Heritage Tree Project used a structured and collaborative selection process:
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Nominations were received from the public via forms and community outreach.
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Regional Selection Committees (RSCs) — composed of local individuals and experts — were established to assess submissions.
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Criteria included age, species rarity, size, ecological role, historical association, survivability, and cultural relevance.
Once approved, trees were recognized with ecologically safe plaques, placed either directly on the trunk or nearby.
Heritage Tree Categories
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Old Trees – Valued for their long-standing genetic contributions, carbon sequestration capacity, and historical role in old-growth forest stability.
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Tall Trees – Their vertical structure contributes to layered canopy biodiversity.
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Large Circumference Trees – Provide ecological value comparable to hundreds of younger saplings.
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Rare or Anomalous Species – Trees growing outside their typical range that offer insight into forest succession or climate adaptation.
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Survivors of Adversity – Trees that thrive under harsh conditions, indicating genetic resilience.
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Ecological Communities – Includes groves, shelterbelts, hedgerows, and arboretums.
Ecological and Social Importance
Environmental Contributions
Heritage Trees are not merely symbols — they are living ecological engines that:
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Stabilize soil and prevent erosion
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Filter water runoff
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Absorb CO₂ and air pollutants
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Provide cooling shade, reducing energy needs
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Foster biodiversity, supporting insects, birds, and mammals
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Maintain moisture through leaf litter and root systems
Social and Psychological Benefits
The Foundation highlights how trees improve quality of life:
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People report higher neighborhood satisfaction in treed environments
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Hospital patients with tree views recover faster
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Trees provide a psychological sense of continuity, connecting generations and anchoring community identity
Education and Outreach
The Alberta Heritage Tree Project integrated storytelling, education, and media engagement:
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Local newspapers, radio, and TV stations featured the stories of nominated trees
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The Foundation hosted public tours, school programs, and interpretive events
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Volunteers were trained in tree evaluation and story sharing
This emphasis on personal narrative and local pride gave the project its heart — it wasn’t just about trees, but the communities that cherished them.
Support and Funding
The success of the Foundation and its Alberta project was made possible by:
Financial Backing
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Alberta Lottery Fund: Provided grants in 2005 and 2007
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Municipal Governments: Cities including Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and Strathcona County supported the initiative financially
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Environmental NGOs: Including the Alberta Naturalization Network Society
Technical Support
The SEO team at TNG/Earthling generously provided pro bono services that helped the Foundation rise in search engine rankings. This effort dramatically improved visibility, engagement, and funding prospects.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Heritage Trees serve as natural monuments. Some are linked to:
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Indigenous history and traditional lands
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Pioneer settlements and homesteads
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Community gathering places
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Commemorative plantings after war or disaster
Each tree is a vessel of memory, representing both personal stories and the broader narrative of Alberta’s — and Canada’s — growth and change.
The Legacy Continues
As of 2008, the Foundation was actively developing a Tree Stewardship Program to ensure long-term care for the identified Heritage Trees. This program trains individuals in:
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Tree health evaluation
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Ecological education
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Public storytelling and tour guidance
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Plaque maintenance and documentation
Though the Alberta Heritage Tree Project was its inaugural initiative, the Foundation expressed a clear intention to expand the program nationwide, using Alberta as a blueprint for other provinces.
The Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada stands as a unique and inspiring example of environmental preservation intertwined with cultural celebration. Through its Alberta Heritage Tree Project, it has demonstrated the power of community-led initiatives to foster ecological stewardship and historical memory.
Trees are more than landscape features — they are living archives of our shared past and present. The Foundation’s work reminds us that to care for these trees is to care for the very essence of place, memory, and connection.