Memorial Forest programs continue through pandemic (UTRCA Weekly, October 8, 2021)
The Memorial Forest program provides a natural, lasting tribute to loved ones. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is involved in five memorial forests across the watershed: London, St. Marys, Thames Centre, Thamesford/Zorra Township, and Woodstock. Last spring, UTRCA staff helped to establish a new memorial garden in Monkton in partnership with the Municipality of North Perth.
The family of the deceased receives an “In Memorium” card notifying them that a tree will be planted in memory of their loved one. The cost varies depending on each specific program.
An in-person dedication service is typically held each fall at the London, St. Marys, and Woodstock Memorial Forests. Due to the pandemic, virtual services took place for the Furtney Memorial Program in London and the Woodstock program this year.
On September 26, the UTRCA hosted an online memorial forest service which was appreciated by the families who participated in the Memorial Forests program. Hilda Gray, who purchased a tree in her mother’s honour said, “Thank you – that was beautiful! My mom would have loved it!”
Recently, a local St. Marys family planted 200 trees in memory of Dan Hoodless, who passed away just over a year ago. The large family, now all fully vaccinated, was able to get together for the first time to honour Dan’s memory and chose to do so by improving our local environment, in partnership with Tree Canada and the UTRCA.
The UTRCA is grateful to our memorial forest partners throughout the watershed for helping make the program possible for those who have lost a loved one.
