Acadian Forest
The vision for the Naturalization Gallery is to have an Indigenous Acadian forest be completely self-sustaining, and a public space to showcase this native forest. This means that there should be no human intervention and areas be left natural. The trails and treed sections should not be mowed or wiper-sipped; the grass and other ground brush should be left to grow unimpeded, as they benefit ecosystem.
The Naturalization Gallery also serves to preserve the history of our indigenous Acadian forest and the ecosystem within them. It showcases the native forest-type that was once covering this Island, but has since been reduced to less than 10% on the Island due to agricultural land use and urban development.
The Indigenous Acadian forest planted in the gallery will capture carbon for hundreds of years, reducing our communities carbon footprint. Consider that one tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, and will sequester one ton of carbon dioxide by the time the tree is 40 years old. Many trees planted in the gallery have a lifetime of over 100 years.
Community Connection
Promoting the relationship between communities and forests, provides a multitude of benefits. Community members benefit therapeutically from spending time in nature, among trees and wildlife. Time spend walking on the trail, within the gallery, provides relaxation, mindfulness, grounding, exercise, education, and a refuge from the fast-paced technological world.
The signs, benches, and open spaces welcomes the user’s curiosity and imagination, which enhances the experience.
The importance of the future of the Naturalization Gallery stems from a communal and global responsibility. According to the UN Paris Agreement, as a measure to offset the atmospheric carbon levels and reduce the human carbon footprint, communities should engage in forest planting and reforestation.
It is imperative that we all support this sustainability plan today and into the future. The Naturalization Gallery addresses a national and global issue as it grows, that is the adaptation to climate change. This community will recognize the benefits of carbon capturing, naturalization, reforestation and biodiversity, while reeling from the impacts from climate change. In the future, there will be profound lifestyle changes within the community. Inevitably, we will be forced to adapt, to become more resilient, collaborative and creative. There will be a greater demand for forests and natural spaces for community to gather and discuss key issues. The gallery is recognized as a place to reconcile and reflect, to relax the mind and breathe deeply. This may evolve as global change becomes more evident. If you would like to become a ‘Friend of the Trail” and volunteer annually please subscribe
Memorial grove
The Memorial Grove is a two-acre feature of the Naturalization Gallery. It offers the opportunity to purchase a designated memorial tree, as a living tribute, to loved ones and meaningful life events. The purchase includes a commemorative plaque with QR-code. When the code is scanned with a smartphone, online memories about the person can be accessed. The space is complete with a garden and benches to reflect and enjoy.
The patio in the Memorial Grove was created in 2017 and is the central point of the grove. In addition to the memorial trees in the grove, the patio holds benches that have placed there for users and have mounted on them memorial plaques for loved ones.
The cost is $200.00 per tree and persons purchasing a Memorial Tree will have the opportunity to write a 2-page biography (maximum) about the person being memorialized. A QR code will be attached to each memorial plaque next to the tree, allowing people to scan it and read the biography of the person, including names and dates of that persons life. Persons wishing to see samples of this plaque can view them in the Circle of Peace