(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Ready by June

St. Andrew’s United Church Tree Planting Project approved by Lacombe city council

Mar 28, 2025 | 3:18 PM

The City of Lacombe council approved the final design for the St. Andrew’s United Church Tree Planting Project on Tuesday.

Now known as the Woodland Sanctuary, the project involves both the city and the United Church to turn the 1.7-acre municipal reserve on the end of Woodland Drive into a natural forest ecosystem.

The plan is for the ecosystem to have 100 native trees and shrubs and hundreds of native flowering perennials.

The project is meant to make a positive environmental impact, promote sustainability, and beautify municipal areas, among other things.

“Council would like to thank St. Andrew’s United Church for recognizing the importance of our community’s natural environment,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “Lacombe is known for our natural spaces; this project will help ensure that trees remain part of our identity for years to come.”

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It’s expected to be ready for public use by June 2025.

The design of the sanctuary was developed after a public engagement design workshop by Cynthia Pohl from Living Lands Landscape + Design. It was contracted by the St. Andrew’s Green team.

The cost is estimated to be over $50,000 and is funded through private donations and grants through the United Church. The budget for the City of Lacombe is estimated to be $36,000 over three years, which is outlined in the budget.

“We are excited to be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of The United Church of Canada and its ministry in Lacombe by planting this living legacy for future generations to enjoy all the benefits of trees. We are called to ‘live with respect in creation’ and want to inspire others to do likewise,” said Rev. Cecile Fausak, co-chair of St. Andrew’s Green Team.

“If anyone wishes to offer financial support or volunteer planting on June 6 -7 and 20 -21, please email greenteam@lacombeunitedchurch.ca or call (587) 306-0191.”

City staff will work with Living Lands Landscape + Design and St. Andrew’s on planting of all the plant material and trees, the path layout, the installation of habitat structures, and signage on site.

The City will manage ongoing site maintenance, including watering in the first three years, mowing of the path, and ongoing weeding.

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