Every tree has a story

Managing editor Libby Fairweather, left, and Kerry Gordey place a plaque on a tree kitty corner to the High Prairie Christian Centre. The row of American Elms is recognized on Heritage Tree Ave.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

High Prairie’s beautiful assortment of trees has garnered attention in three separate articles and/or photos in the new book Heritage Trees of Alberta. Libby Fairweather, executive director and managing editor of the book Heritage Trees of Alberta, stopped in High Prairie Oct. 3 as part of a whirlwind tour which began Sept. 18 and concluded Oct. 7. Her passion for the project is only exceeded by the beautiful photos in the book depicting some of Alberta’s special trees. Town of High Prairie employee Kerry Gordey, who supervises the town’s tree program, introduced Fairweather. He recognized the efforts of the previous council, especially the one in 1967 which planted the elms we enjoy today. “If the previous council didn’t plant the trees – if they didn’t have the foresight – we wouldn’t be able to enjoy them,” says Gordey. Fairweather, of Turner Valley, Alta., says various authors submitted writeups for the book, which was nine years in the making. “There were 35 writers in all,” she says. “In all, there were 160 volunteers total, writers and photographers. There were 5,000 total hours committed to his project.” High Prairie’s award-winning photographer, Jodi Sware, took the photos of the local trees for the book. Fairweather says it took a couple years to formulate a plan for the book before they sought submissions, then decided on the stories for the book. “In 2006 we launched a request to the people of Alberta to nominate their special tree,” she says. “Trees that were significant to their community. We decided we’d put them together in a book.” Albertans came forward with 80 municipalities submitting 900 nominations, Unfortunately, not all could be published. “About 450 trees qualified, 350 tree locations are published and 92 stories were chosen,” says Fairweather. The result is a colourful book depicting the trees in all their splendour. “We’re very proud of it,” says Fairweather. “I think the stories represent each community’s spirit.” Gordey also called upon council to continue its efforts. “We have to hold the present council accountable to maintain the tree program,” he says. “It takes maintenance. High Prairie has a lot of trees. There is lots of maintenance to be done on them.” Heritage Trees of Alberta is available at Pegasus Books and Stationery and the High Prairie and District Museum. It is published by the Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada.

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