Kelowna to plant 500-tree forest honouring Canadian veterans
Tree planting event - concept plan. (Image Credit: City of Kelowna)
A new 500-tree forest will be planted in Kelowna ahead of Remembrance Day as a living tribute to Canadian veterans.
The City of Kelowna, Trees for Life, the Canadian Hockey League and Kubota Canada are partnering on the project at Rotary Marsh Park on Nov. 10.
The Hero Forest will recognize the origins of the Memorial Cup, first awarded in 1919 in honour of Canadian soldiers who died during the First World War. The trophy was rededicated in 2010 to commemorate all fallen members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Organizers say the forest will honour the courage and sacrifice of military personnel, both living and deceased.
The project will also introduce native vegetation to Rotary Marsh Park, with the goal of improving wildlife habitat, supporting ecological restoration and enhancing the health of the area’s riparian ecosystem.
Members of the public can also donate to have a tree dedicated to a veteran through the Trees for Life website.
The planting will take place Tuesday, Nov. 10, near Tugboat Beach at Rotary Marsh Park.
Opening remarks are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., followed by tree planting from 9:40 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A second planting session will run from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.