After wildfires swept through their community in 2017, a project led by Ashcroft Indian Band (AIB) regreened and beautified the landscape, planting trees and shrubs on the walking trails throughout their community with support from the Living Cities Canada Fund. Click through the gallery below to see photos of this important project.
The Project
2017 wildfires had devastating impacts on green space in the Ashcroft community, and it was a priority for Ashcroft Indian Band to replant what was lost. This project involved planting 42 different species of deciduous trees throughout the walking trails and Elders Complex. Also planted were 30 bushes which have cultural significance. Point of Interest signs were installed to provide information on the cultural plants with significance to Ashcroft Indian Band, as well as information on the Nlaka’pamux Nation, the history of the Church, and Pit houses were constructed in key locations throughout the trails, church, and Elders complex.
Lessons Learned
The 2017 wildfire led to the unfortunate loss of both documented history, and historical truth, which made obtaining and confirming information for the Point of Interest signs difficult. The community aims to keep regreening efforts in compliance with their Firesmart Community Status. Maintenance of the site is undertaken by Fire Mitigation Staff, who regularly water, feed, and weed the plantings.
Final Thoughts
This project is a great milestone in Ashcroft Indian Band’s mission to regreen their community. Planting trees not only replenishes the lost green space but beautifies the landscape and provides necessary shade along the walking trails. Community members can enjoy the landscape while learning about historical and cultural information.
This project was supported by Green Communities Canada’s Living Cities Canada Fund.
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