The Stratton recreation grounds will become home to 35 special young trees after the inaugural “memorial tree” dedication ceremony takes place there Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m.
“This has turned into something a lot bigger than I expected,” said Moe Henry, who, along with his wife, Joyce, has been selling trees for people to remember their loved ones by since March.
“The ceremony is to make people aware of the service,” he noted. “And since it’s ‘memorial’ trees, a ceremony to remember those they’re dedicated to seemed like a good idea.”
The four-foot-tall trees, which have been brought to the district through Hammond’s Nursery in Fort Frances, are adorned with plaques commemorating who they’re dedicated to.
They range from four varieties of flowering crab to Canadian red cherry. Other types include silver maple, American basswood, green ash, and mountain ash.
While next Saturday’s ceremony marks the initial planting of the first 35 trees purchased, Henry noted any trees purchased after May 27 will be planted at the recreation complex as soon as the buyer wishes (season permitting).
“This is just an initial dedication. I want this to go on for years to come,” he stressed. “If people want to wait to buy a tree, they’re free do so.”
Most of the first 35 trees have been purchased by Stratton residents but a few have been bought by people in Fort Frances, Devlin, and Thunder Bay.
The trees are available through the Henrys or the Stratton rec council for $75 each. This not-for-profit venture benefits the municipality via tax receipts.
For more information, contact Moe or Joyce Henry at 483-1220.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
