A celebration of nature that has become a Township tradition will mark a special anniversary in a very appropriate place.
The 10th annual Community Arbour Day celebration will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, at Williams Park.
Located at 68 Avenue and 238 Street, Williams Park is known for its lush greenery and beautiful scenery, and is a showcase for the many ways that trees contribute to the environment and the well-being of the community.
More than 60 varieties of trees are planted there, said Al Neufeld, the Township's manager of parks design and development.
With its forested areas, green spaces, and the Salmon River running through it, Williams Park is a jewel, and since the 44-acre natural space was opened to the public in 1967, it has been enhanced through the planting of many different types of trees. A tour of the variety of trees will be offered to the public as part of this year's Arbour Day.
Community Arbour Day is a free family and community celebration that is held in different locations each year to highlight the importance of trees and the urban forest in the community. The 10th anniversary event will feature interactive environmental displays and demonstrations, and arborists and master gardeners will offer advice on tree and plant lay-out, pruning, and soil analysis.
Visitors can make a positive contribution to Williams Park by planting tree saplings.
A number of trees will also be planted by Township council members in memory of people in the community who made a lasting impression. This year council will honour:
• Alberta Macklin, Langley pioneer;
• Art Brooks, former Township councillor;
• Norm Flowerdew, member of the Eric Flowerdew family
• Phoebe Mufford, Langley pioneer
• Robert Davis, Fort Langley resident who was involved with the Nicomekl Enhancement Society;
• Rosette McDonald, long-time member of the Langley Arts Council and a community volunteer;
• Mae Louise Barichello, dairy farmer and community volunteer;
• John Beales, former Township of Langley mayor;
• Helen Poppy, wife of former Township mayor D.W. Poppy;
• Holger Lindahl, long-time Township of Langley employee, and
• Rick Buck, former school principal and Rotarian.