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(Photo supplied by NCC)
pine lake trees

NCC’s Annual Christmas tree sale at Kerry Wood Nature Centre goes Dec. 5

Dec 4, 2021 | 11:18 AM

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is inviting our valued neighbours, partners, and supporters to join us at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre in Red Deer to celebrate the holidays. Pop by on Sunday, December 5th between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to pick up your holiday tree, learn more about NCC’s work in the area and maybe even find a gift at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre store for the nature-lover in your life.

A limited number of beautiful blue spruce trees will be available by donation. These Colorado blue spruce trees come from an NCC property near Pine Lake that used to operate as a tree farm. Because these trees are non-native to Canada, they have been harvested by volunteers as part of the property’s naturalization plan.

This is the third year NCC has hosted a tree removal event, followed by a community tree give away. In the past, more than 70 neighbours, donors, partners and landowners have come out to enjoy a hot beverage, a warm fire, and a wreath making activity. After an event hiatus due to COVID-19, we are happy to be gathering, albeit socially distanced, once again.

“This event is not only a great way for us to raise awareness about the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the work we do in Alberta and across the country, but more importantly, it is an opportunity for us to meet neighbours and other community members,” said NCC Manager of Engagement, Keltie Manolakas. “This is an event that really gets me in the holiday spirit and I look forward to it each year.”

This year, you can also support conservation by picking up a limited edition Blue Spruce Community Bar from Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Last year, blue spruce needles were hand-foraged from these same non-native blue spruce trees and used to create this special soap.

NCC has been actively working in the Red Deer River area for more than a decade. To date, we have helped conserve 9,500 acres (3,800 hectares) in the area. This region was selected for conservation because it contains the highest density of intact parkland in central Alberta.

(PSA)