If you’re looking for a way to honour the memory of a loved one, a new program in Niverville may just be for you.

The Memorial Forest Program, in partnership with the Town of Niverville and Niverville Communities in Bloom, is an opportunity for people to commemorate the life of a loved one in a special way by planting a tree.

“A living tree symbolizes a new beginning and a living tribute,” reads a description on the town’s website. “By planting a tree, you not only pay a significant tribute to a loved one or family pet who has passed, but you also benefit the community and the environment.”

Each tree will have a memorial plaque on a stand placed next to it.

Terry Martin, a member of Niverville Communities in Bloom, came up with the idea of launching the program in Niverville.

“We had seen this kind of a project in other communities,” Martin says, “and we thought this would be a great way to increase the canopy in the town—especially the park.”

Martin adds that the Town of Niverville has been helpful right from the beginning, taking payments, supplying topsoil and mulch, and have generally being on board with the whole concept.

Niverville will actually be home to two Memorial Forests. One will be located in the southwest corner of Hespeler Park.

“This forest should eventually create a kind of transition between the ball fields and the more naturalized area of the park,” Martin explains.

The other one will be planted in the Niverville Dog Park, which is currently undergoing a significant renovation.

Those who wish to purchase a tree for their loved one can choose either location. They can also choose to purchase more than one tree.

This program isn’t just for residents of Niverville. Anyone from the surrounding communities can donate a tree as well. Also, family or friends living elsewhere may donate a tree in memory of their loved one who lived in this area.

There are four different species of tree to choose from: Discovery Elm, Prairie Horizon Alder, Delta Hackberry, and Greenspire Linden. Each tree costs $300 and will be placed when it is approximately seven to nine feet tall.

The program is administered by the Town of Niverville’s Recreation Department and they have chosen these specific varieties and locations to minimize potential disease issues.

Each tree donor is invited to help plant their tree on an annual planting day in mid-May. The first planting day was held on May 27 and seven memorial trees were planted. Around 40 people attended a short ceremony and planted the inaugural trees.

If you wish to order a Memorial Tree and plaque, you need to have the order placed by September 30 in order to qualify for the spring0planting ceremony.

Once you have placed your order, you will receive a confirmation letter, tax receipt, and an invitation to help plant your tree and watch the plaque be installed.