Mary Greyeyes Reid: The First Indigenous Woman to Join Canada’s Armed Forces
Mary Greyeyes Reid, from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation reserve north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, enlisted in the military after being inspired by her brother David who joined as well. She enlisted in June 1942 at 22 years old. Her enlistment made her the first Indigenous woman to join the forces as a member of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps.
Commemorative Statue honouring Sir William Stephenson, A Man Called Intrepid
Inspired by our plantings and the story behind Camp X, campaign supporters Sue and Bryan Green decided that they wanted to continue to tell the story of this monumental location in Whitby, Ontario by erecting a statue of Sir William Stephenson.
Garden Club of Toronto Spotlight on the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign
Thank you so much to our founding partner, the Garden Club of Toronto, for putting together this incredible video highlighting our project.
Cindy McElrea Plants a Tribute to Her Son and His Brothers in Arms from Afghanistan
“Planting the trees first and foremost signifies a very valuable and memorable tribute. In addition, it offers a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, lots of greenery, and a buffer from the 401.”
Trees and More Trees
There is a light, but no tunnel. Rather, there is a field of experience and expertise that stands before us: a gorgeous, newly planted field of dream trees.
The Greenhouse Academy - Educating the Next Generation to Create a Greener Tomorrow
This year, the Greenhouse Academy provided over 1,500 trees to the Highway Of Heroes Tree Campaign. The Greenhouse Academy has supported the campaign for a couple of years now, allowing the GHA to connect youth to even greater learning experiences and establish an even greater purpose behind the work that happens inside their facility.
Youth or Cash?
When you give to plant trees on the Highway of Heroes, you not only support our Canadian troops and honour the memory of our war dead, you plant a better tomorrow.
Master Warrant Officer Bill Chisholm is in his 37th year in the RCAF
“It makes you grow a little taller when people say ‘Thank you for your service!’”, says Bill, but he tells us it makes him proud to know he has trees growing on his property that serve to honour those that have gone before him and those serving now.
Gratitude
Here at the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, 2020 was our best year ever.
- We planted over 600,000 trees, bringing us to within more than 45% of our goal of 2 million trees
- Ontario government supported us with $1 million
- Our Remembrance Week/Christmas fund raising drive produced more than double the amount of our mini-campaign last year: over $100,000 matched by a private Canadian donor.
- We are now within our last $400,000 to meet our goal of $10 million
You could say that this past year set us up for an outstanding 2021. And you would be right.
A Simple Act
When I look at this image of Nick Kerr planting a tree, dressed in his army fatigues, I am reminded of just how real our campaign is. Nick came to us, after searching us out online, to help him heal from his PTSD. “A tree for you buddy” he repeats to himself as he digs.
Rembrandt and Remembrance
I would like to suggest that we can overcome the shortcomings of Memorial Day during a pandemic by stretching it out. How about Memorial Week? Or Memorial Month? We would take time each day to be mindful of the meaning behind Nov. 11. Think about a relative or friend who served or is currently serving in the military. Reach out to them and ask them how they are doing through COVID 19.
Drip Irrigation Systems Installed to Keep Our Trees Hydrated During this Hot Summer
This year, the heat of the summer forced us to install drip irrigation systems to ensure that our newly planted sites get the hydration that they need.
Canada History: Aug 24. 2007 – Honouring Afghanistan War Dead
On August 24, 2007, after citizens had already started referring to this 170km stretch of the highway as such, it was officially accepted as and renamed the Highway of Heroes. Two weeks later, on September 7th, the official signage was unveiled.
Silver Cross Families
Here at the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, we have had the honour of working with some Silver Cross families at our events. Families who lost a child at war, during a military exercise and other means. Each one serving Canada and its citizens at the time of their death.
We have met and become acquainted with many Silver Cross families since our campaign began almost five years ago. Each has a story that will make you glad you are sitting down, because the shock and sense of loss that they experience is staggering.
True Patriot Love Launches a Podcast to Highlight the Courage of Women in the Canadian Military
True Patriot Love has launched a 10-part series speaking to the female leadership within the Canadian military. For Her Country was created to honour Captain Nichola Goddard, who became the first female Canadian soldier to die in battle. She was only 26 years old when she was killed during her 2006 tour in Afghanistan.
Mark Cullen at the John McCrae Museum in Guelph, Ontario
COVID might be preventing people from going inside, but the grounds are very well maintained and offer a place of remembrance to the author of In Flanders Fields.
Decline in Backyard Bird Species Linked to Non-Native Plants
The Smithsonian released a study recently that connects the decline in backyard birds to gardens with non-native plant species. Fortunately for communities along the 401 in Ontario, the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is made of 100% native tree species. We’re making sure that not only our local bird populations have enough ‘pests’ to feed on and space to nest; but that our migratory guests are also provided with the same comfort.
Bill Bachellier - 5,000 Trees for 5,000 Heroes
Bill reflects on the 5,000 trees now planted on his property, “It’s really not for me, it’s in honour of some other people who I don’t know, and the benefit will be reaped by somebody else who I may not know.”
Canadian Environmental Week
The first week of June is Canadian Environmental Week. With the weather getting nicer, it’s the perfect time to get out into the garden, go on a hike, take a boat ride, or just generally get outdoors. As of June 1st, some trails, green spaces, and recreational boating at certain parks, historical sites and marine conservation areas will be re-opening.
Tree Canada & CN EcoConnexions Partnership
In 2017 and 2018, The Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign held special ceremonies in Toronto and Trenton to thank Tree Canada and CN for their two contributions of $25,000 ($50,000 total) provided through the EcoConnexions program.