A focus of the Foundation over the years has been its memorial forest program with over 10,000 memorial trees planted. Annual donations are received for trees, dedicated to loved ones, at six Foundation memorial forests:
- Big Bend Memorial Forest near Wardsville (annual dedication service in September at Big Bend Conservation Area near Wardsville)
- Sharon Creek Memorial Forest near Delaware (annual dedication service in September at Big Bend Conservation Area near Wardsville)
- McKinlay Woodlands Memorial Forest near Thamesville (annual dedication service in September at C.M. Wilson Conservation Area near Blenheim)
- Rowsom’s Tilbury West Memorial Forest near Tilbury (annual dedication service in September at Big Bend Conservation Area near Wardville)
- Tilbury Northside Memorial Forest in Tilbury (annual dedication service in September at Tilbury Northside Park in Tilbury)
- McKinlay Woodlands Memorial Forest in Merlin (annual dedication service in June at Merlin Conservation Area in Merlin)
The value of this memorial forest program has been reinforced, with less than two percent tree cover coupled with the demise of ash trees from the Emerald Ash Borer, in the lower Thames watershed. This program also helps support conservation lands and education programs of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. Recognized for their ongoing support of the memorial forest program are the McKinlay Funeral Homes of Chatham and Blenheim, and the Tilbury and District Horticultural Society.
Friends and families dedicate trees to loved ones who have passed away by contacting the Foundation, requesting a tree donation card and making a $40 donation for each tree. Next of kin receive a certificate and an invitation to an annual memorial forest dedication service.
Please mail completed donor card and donations to:
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation
R.R.#1, 8449 Irish Drive,
Mount Brydges, ON – N0L 1W0
Email: [email protected]