Since 2007, local residents have been honouring the births of their children in a very unique way.
The Birthplace Forest is described as an environmentally-friendly way to celebrate a new addition to the family.
“It’s to celebrate the birth of the kids here in Lacombe and area,” said Tracey Verhoeven, facility booking specialist with the City of Lacombe.
“Kids like it because as they get older and can read their names up here on the plaque, and then can point to a tree and say, ‘That’s my tree!’”
A celebration is coming up in September, and the deadline to apply to have a tree planted is Aug. 31, she said
“Planting a tree in your child’s honour creates a lasting memory and contributes in a very special way to the greening and beautification of our city,” according to information provided by the City of Lacombe.
Folks are invited to enroll in the program at any point during the year.
Celebrations are typically held in June and those taking part are invited to help with the planting of their trees and enjoy refreshments as well.
“The pandemic kind of threw a wrench into everything, so this year we are doing basically three years altogether,” she said, adding the date for the celebration is yet to be decided on specifically but will be in late September.
“Usually, the cut-off is in April so we can get all of our trees in, but this year we prolonged it to catch anyone that might have missed it through COVID,” she said.
“We still want to add some names to the board this year.”
A different type of tree is selected every year.
Each child’s name is also included on the Commemorative Plaque at the entry of the forest, which is along Woodland Dr.
For more about the program, contact Tracy Verhoeven at 403-782-1284 or email tverhoeven@lacombe.ca.
Application forms are available online at www.lacombe.ca, at City Hall or at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.