Returning to our Roots: Trees for Life Partners with the RCAF to Commemorate Centennial
Trees for Life is proud to continue the tradition of building living tributes, started by the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, through our Trees for Heroes program. Now, we are planting trees for heroes of all kinds, and 2024 we’ll see a very special collaboration come to life that marks our return to honouring the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.
The 1st of April 2024 marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force as a distinct military element. The Centennial milestone places the RCAF in a unique position to honour its distinct heritage; recognize its tremendous people today; and generate excitement for its bright future. This is an opportunity to fuel internal and external support in the organization that instills pride in our Air Force, while creating an enduring legacy that propels the institution forward into its next century of service. Canada’s Air Force will be showcased in a past, present and future context, with a focus on highlighting contributions to national safety and security, international peace, and global stability.
One of many initiatives of the RCAF centennial will include the construction of several “RCAF Centennial Groves,” or commemorative public planting projects that will see a combination of trees, shrubs, tulips, other plants, and hardscaping elements incorporated into beautifully landscaped memorials in several cities across Canada.
Six different communities spread across Canada, from Alberta to the Martimes, have committed to hosting a centennial grove, with 6 separate grove designs created. The “RCAF Centennial Groves” will serve as a tribute to the past and a reminder for the future about the service and sacrifices of those that have served our country in an RCAF uniform. In many locations, RCAF cadets will participate in planting activities and we expect a series of unveiling events in 2024 as these projects reach completion.
You can donate today to support Trees for Life’s Trees for Heroes program so that this and other projects can be made possible as we continue to honour the many heroes that make our communities and our country a great place to call home.
Malcolm J Darrach Community Centre, Charlottetown, PEI
Upgrades will be made to this existing public green space in downtown Charlottetown to see a new commemorative installation incorporated into an existing walking path on site. A maple leaf inspired paver stone design will lie at the centre of the grove, surrounded by red maples and bayberry shrubs to recreate the RCAF “roundel” from an aerial view.
Expected Completion/Unveiling: November, 2024
Design created by: Brydges Landscape Architecture
Pennfield Ridge, NB
An RCAF “Roundel” has been partially recreated by trees that will now surround the existing Pennfield Ridge monument. Details include a center disc of red granite, and inner ring of crushed white stone and an outer ring of 100 trees in three rows. A tree one has also been added to help define the property. The crushed stone inner ring will provide ample space for crowds to gather around the monument for ceremonies and celebrations.
Expected Completion/Unveiling Date: June, 2024
Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, ON
A living forest and plaque will be added to Canada’s national cemetery for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan or Empire Air Training Scheme while celebrating the history and legacy of the RCAF Centennial. Each country that participated in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan or Empire Air Training Scheme will be represented by a specific tree.
1. Canada - Sugar Maple (considered by many to be the symbol of Canada)
2. United States - Oak, (designated the National Tree of the United States in 2004)
3. United Kingdom - English Oak
4. Australia- Magnolia ‘Merrill’
5. New Zealand- Baby Blue Colorado spruce
Expected Completion/Unveiling Date: May, 2024
Military Heritage Park, Barrie, ON
The RCAF and Trees for Life are collaborating with the City of Barrie to create a landscape feature featuring the RCAF Roundel in Barrie’s Military Heritage Park. One RCAF Floral Roundel Feature will be recreated in blue and red annual flowers separated by a white decorative landscape rock. The 34-foot diameter floral roundel would be located on the north face of the existing turf mound to permit visitor viewing from the air, from the adjacent walkway and from Kempenfelt Bay. The bed of annual flowers may be reinstalled as a continuing feature. A second interlock roundel feature will be located on the far eastern border of the Military Heritage Park, directly on the existing stone dust pathway. This permanently installed roundel will be constructed of interlock pavers and feature a paver maple leaf in the centre and a shrub border. Seating will be provided through several benches and both roundels visible from the air and the pathway. Over 100 trees and shrubs will surround the interlock roundel.
A.D. Ross Park, Calgary, AB
This city park already dedicated to a RCAF veteran, A.D Ross, has seen 100 new trees added to help create a living version of the RCAF “Roundel.” Calgary’s urban Forestry department sourced 75 Autumn Blaze maples for the “Maple Leaf” centre, surrounded by 25 wire basket conifers. The roundel will have some breaks in the circle to allow walking paths/access into the maple leaf inner area. 2 planting beds have also been created for the disbursement of tulips to compliment the roundel created from trees. Trees were planted with the help of local Air Cadet squadrons.
Downsview Park, Toronto, ON
With the help of local cadet squadrons, 100 trees will be added to the grounds of Downsview Park in Toronto, home of course to CFB Downsview. The tree not only commemorate the RCAF centennial, but add much needed tree canopy coverage to one of the largest green spaces in Toronto.
Expected Completion/Unveiling Date: November, 2024