CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Motorists are now enjoying a scenic stretch along Capital Drive heading into and out of Charlottetown – one that will grow to impressive heights – thanks to a donation of 100 trees.
A legacy forest was planted on Upton Farmlands to commemorate CN’s 100th anniversary, in partnership with Tree Canada, Charlottetown and Upton Farm Trust.
The trees include red maple, red oak (the provincial tree of P.E.I.) and American elms that are resistant to Dutch elm disease.
They are a decent size, ranging between 3.5 metres and 5.5 metres tall, when they were planted in mid-September.
“So, they make an impact already,’’ says arborist Beth Hoar, who recently retired as the municipality’s forest and environmental officer.
Some of the elms, she adds, may grow up to 70 metres high.
Heidi Hyndman, president of Upton Farm Trust, thanked Hoar for her determined efforts to help Upton Farmlands be selected as the site for the trees.
Hyndman called the trees an “incredible gift’’ that will be “enjoyed daily’’ by commuters.
An event was held at City Hall Thursday to celebrate Charlottetown being among the communities chosen as part of a nationwide initiative to plant 100 trees in several major cities. The trees were donated in conjunction with CN100 – A Moving Celebration, in honour of CN’s 100th anniversary.
“In our anniversary year, we will be rediscovering our North American routes, inviting Canadians to hop aboard our ‘Moving Celebration’ to experience how CN has been closely connected to communities and the positive impact we have had – and continue to have along our network,” said Sean Finn of CN.
“In our anniversary year, we will be rediscovering our North American routes, inviting Canadians to hop aboard our ‘Moving Celebration’ to experience how CN has been closely connected to communities and the positive impact we have had – and continue to have along our network."
-Sean Finn
Michael Rosen, president of Tree Canada, lauds CN for creating a living legacy of sustainability for present and future generations, providing funding and much-needed awareness about the value of trees and green spaces.”
The trees were planted on both sides of the Trans-Canada Highway at the entrance to the Charlottetown along the North River causeway. The site is part of the Upton Farmlands property, owned and managed by the Upton Farm Trust. The land falls under the Natural Areas Protection Act and is within the boundaries of the municipality, adding to the hundreds or trees the city plants annually.
Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown said the city plants trees along streets and in parks and woodlands as part of its tree planting program, reforestation efforts and forest restoration projects.
The city has planted about 950 trees this year, including 182 larger trees.
“Since 2012, we’ve planted more than 26,000 trees, recognizing the importance they play in our environment and in our efforts to address climate change,’’ said Brown.
“We are so grateful to CN and Tree Canada for including the City of Charlottetown – the Birthplace of Confederation – in this national initiative that aligns so well with our own goals.”
