COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANTING OF TREES

The Arbour Trails initiative has objectives similar to an arboretum by recognizing and growing a diverse range of both native and non-native tree species that can be viewed for their natural beauty and utilized for learning, recreation, and to promote energy and storm water conservation efforts. The intent, in this case, is to use the trail system to identify the variety of trees throughout the community and enhance our education about different species, native/non-native. And by getting the community involved in the planting of trees, for example, on Arbour Day, appreciation of nature is enhanced.

A LOCATION TO PLANT A GROVE OF TREES

The recent addition of the Bedford Landing neighbourhood to Fort Langley also provided the community with approximately 40 acres of public open space in the form of the Fort to Fort linear park and the Salmon River Natural Area. About twelve acres were previously farmed for corn and hay. Some trees have been planted within what is now old field habitat. Additional plantings are possible.

The Salmon River Natural Area was dedicated to Langley Township for conservation purposes.

An aerial view of the Salmon River Natural Area with the Salmon River in the upper left.

THE SALMON RIVER NATURAL AREA

The conservation area donated to the municipality as part of the Bedford Landing development is approximately 35 acres in size. Located beside the Salmon River. the area has some old field habitat but is mostly in bush with swampy sections aided by beavers. Approximately twelve acres would be ideal for tree planting. The triangle highlighted in the map below is one half acre in size where a approximately 30 trees could be planted making a significant grove and legacy.

Map of the Salmon River Natural Area with tree planting site of one half acre show in red.

The location of the existing Horse Chestnuts along the frontage of the Fort Langley Cemetery.

PLANNING THE SPACING AND NUMBER OF TREES

The half acre triangle illustrated above at the Fort Langley Cemetery provides a comparative example to determine the appropriate spacing and number of potential trees to be planted in a similar sized area in the Salmon River Natural Area. The 350 ft length of the triangle contains 14 mature horse chestnuts in a row, spaced 25 – 30 ft apart, along the street frontage. With similar spacing, a grove of approximately 30 trees could be planted in the full triangle area (350 ft x 115 x 215 ft).

The half acre area proposed for the planting of a grove of trees in the Salmon River Natural Area.