Each spring a memorial forest service is held at the Merlin Conservation Area in memory of loved ones passing. This year’s service is in memory of those passing between May 1, 2015 through to April 30, 2016. Families and next of kin will be invited to help plant one ceremonial large stock tree at the end of the service. Twenty-one memorial forest seedlings will be planted at the Merlin Memorial Forest for this period.
The McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd. also supports a memorial forest at the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area. For nearly 20 years this Funeral Home has been involved in local reforestation efforts and the memorial forest program in partnership with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation, and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. The McKinlay Funeral Home donates towards a tree for each funeral in memory of loved ones. Well over 5,000 trees have been planted through this program.
The public can also donate memorial trees with a $40 donation to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation towards the Memorial Forest Program. Information about the Program can be found at https://www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca/lower-thames-valley-conservation-foundation/memorial-forest-program/ . Tax receipts are available. There are 7 memorial forests located throughout the Lower Thames watershed. A living tree is symbolic of the ongoing memories of your loved one. By planting a tree, you preserve these precious memories and encourage the preservation of nature for our future generations.
For further information about the Merlin Memorial Forest Dedication Service or the Memorial Forest Program please contact:
Nathan McKinlay
McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.
519-351-2040
Email [email protected]
Bonnie Carey
Community Relations Coordinator
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
519-264-2420
Email [email protected]