St. Andrew's United Church's 'Green Team' has come up with a very unique - and very green - means of celebrating the United Church of Canada's 100th anniversary this year.
"We want to see a natural forest ecosystem in Lacombe that inspires residents, celebrates (the church's anniversary), and makes a positive environmental impact," said Cecile Fausak, co-chair of the Green Team
"The unfolding of that is transforming a 1.7 acre grassy municipal reserve, which is the Woodlands Municipal Reserve, into a natural forest ecosystem that includes the planting of 100 native species of trees. Also, it will include the planting of shrubs - some of them edible and fruit-bearing - along with perennial plants, and grasses," she explained.
The reserve is located on Woodland Dr. just west of 58th St.
As mentioned, the project, which will get underway this spring, marks the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada. St Andrew's is actually 102 years old this year.
The group is working on the project with the City of Lacombe, with planting set to place during the first week of June. And the plants, shrubs, and grasses will be planted during the third week of June.
The total budget for the project is about $50,000, and so far, about $17,000 of that has been raised. Pledge cards are also available at the church for those interested in financially supporting the project. Trees can be purchased in memory of a loved one as well, and this would be be recorded in a 'book of trees', said Fausak.
The team has also hired Cynthia Pohl of Living Landscapes and Design out of Delburne to assist with the project. Pohl, who grew up In Lacombe, will be doing a a community design workshop on Feb. 1 at St. Andrew's, said Fausak.
"That is to engage primarily the neighbours, because we want to make sure they are happy with what is happening. But the whole community is invited to the workshop. We are working with the Lacombe Garden Club on this as well.
"Another aspect of this is that it becomes an educational project for the community. We have certainly been learning a lot about what are the benefits of plating native species. And so the garden club will also be doing a workshop on Jan 25 on both planting our own gardens with these native species. -
"But it's certainly applicable to our project as well. The community design workshop will include an introduction to native species as well."
Again, the community is invited to attend the workshop, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 1.
To register, call the church office at 403-782-3148 or email greenteam@lacombeunitedchurch.ca.
"We have presented (the project) to city council, and right now, we are waiting for the approval of a memorandum of understanding as to who is responsible for the various jobs with this project," said Doris Thesenvitz.
As to the week of planting, Fausak said volunteer help will be essential.
"We want to have a ceremony to begin with, because the anniversary is actually on June 10th," added Fausak.
Ultimately, she noted the help of about 50 volunteers would be needed to see the project through to fruition. Team member Donnie Tafts also noted that one of the main reasons behind the project is to help mitigate the damaging effects of climate breakdown.
She noted that while seeing the impacts of climate change can lead some to an overall sense of despair, there is at the same time helpful things that individuals can do to make a difference.
And that's where this particular project comes in. "If everyone on the planet could plant one tree each year for the next six years, we could really turn some things around."
The project is also very unique.
"It's a pilot project as there aren't very many cities that are planting natural ecosystems," said Fausak of the local site, which will also have seating for visitors to enjoy the space as well.
"There will also be a natural path that connects with the trail system."
The Green Team was officially formed in early 2023.
In October of that year, the group hosted a renovation celebration to bring the congregation up-to-date on what projects had been wrapped up thus far, including an extensive series of renovations to bolster the church's energy efficiency.
