Trees as Living Memorials
Since 2020, the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area has been one of the sites where Calgary-based, family operated McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homeshas planted trees each year through their Memorial Forests Program. There are now two forest areas where friends and families of loved-ones past can spend time in a pristine natural haven that welcomes heartfelt reflection and remembrance. The ASCCA’s McInnis & Holloway Memorial Forest Viewpoint overlooks our 2020 Forest, where trees were planted from 2020 to [insert year].
In [insert year] a new site was chosen for planting, where trees will be planted each each into the forseeable future. In the coming months, this area will be developed to include a walking path, sheltered rest area and signage to direct visitors, all with as minimal an impact on the land and habitat as possible.
Directions
Directions to 2020 McInnis & Holloway Memorial Forest Viewpoint
viewpoint with seating, signage and available parking
accessible from 144 St W/Range Road 23 off of highway 22X
not accessible from education centre or public trails
Directions to New Memorial Forest Area
located near the our trail head at the top of 160 St West
planting site not currently accessible to the public
can be viewed from a locked gate to the left (east) of the trail a short distance from our kiosk
for your safety, we ask that you do not attempt to open or cross the gate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why was the ASCCA chosen as a planting site?
The Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is a 4800-acre day use natural preserve, dedicated to education and habitat conservation. It is dedicated not only towards habitat protection, but also enhancement. Trees when fully grown provide shelter and additional space for wildlife, and also store carbon, improving the health of our ecosystems. Before our partnership with McInnis & Holloway, we already had undertaken several tree planting initiatives; for example, our partnership with the Alberta Junior Forest Wardens.
Q. Does tree planting have a negative impact on habitat and wildlife?
We ensure that the trees planted at the ASCCA are species that are already naturally present in the area, having been grown in a similar environment. The areas that have been chosen as memorial forest sites are not especially ecologically sensitive. Planting is done during the day, when wildlife such as cougar, deer, elk, bear and moose are less active. Additionally, planting is only undertaken once per year, with a select number of trees. Any trees that end up dead or damaged are removed for safety.
Q. Are trees at the ASCCA planted in memory of specific individuals?
A. A select number of trees are planted by McInnis & Holloway each year. Due to the number of trees planted and challenges with ensuring that individual trees will survive, trees are not assigned to specific individuals, but are rather part of a forest that stands as a living memorial to those who have passed. To the best of our ability, we care for newly planted trees, but cannot guarantee that all will successfully take to new growing conditions.
Q. I would like to have a tree planted in memory at the ASCCA, who do I contact?
A. Inquiries into the McInnis & Holloway Memorial Tree Program should go through McInnis & Holloway Funeral Services. The ASCCA can provide information on how to access the memorial forest sites and provide area information such as guidelines, trail conditions and hours of access.
Q. Am I able to dedicate a bench or table at the ASCCA?
We have a memorial bench and table campaign for those interested in leaving behind a plaque to honour the memory of an individual who has passed. Please contact us or visit our Lasting Legacies Memorial Bench & Table page to learn more about this program.
Q. May I leave signage, flowers, stuffed animals or other memorial markers at the forest sites?
As the ASCCA is a protected habitat conservation area, we ask that visitors ’leave only footprints’ and ’take only pictures.’ Leaving behind items that do not originate in the area can have a negative impact on habitat. We do not have a dedicated space where loved ones can place flowers or other memorial items, and therefore they will be removed.