Returning to our roots

Continuing Tradition

Trees for Life is proud to continue the tradition of building living tributes, started by the Highway of Heroes
Tree Campaign, through our Trees for Heroes program. Now, we are planting trees for heroes of all kinds, and in
2024 a very special collaboration is coming to life marking our return to honouring the brave men and
women of our Armed Forces.

The 1st of April 2024 marked 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force as a distinct military element. The Centennial milestone places the RCAF in a unique position to honour its distinct heritage; recognize its tremendous people today; and generate excitement for its bright future. This is an opportunity to fuel internal and external support in the organization that instills pride in our Air Force, while creating an enduring legacy that propels the institution into its next century of service. Canada’s Air Force will be showcased in a past, present and future context, with a focus on highlighting contributions to national safety and security, international peace, and global stability.

One of many initiatives of the RCAF centennial will include the construction of several “RCAF Centennial Groves,” or commemorative public planting projects that will see a combination of trees, shrubs, tulips, other plants, and hardscaping elements incorporated into beautifully landscaped memorials in several cities across Canada.

Seven communities, from Alberta to the Maritimes, have committed to hosting a centennial grove, with 6 separate grove, each with a unique design. The “RCAF Centennial Groves” will serve as a tribute to the past and a reminder for the future about the service and sacrifices of those who have served our country in an RCAF uniform. In many locations, RCAF cadets will be planting and we will share the unveiling of events on this page as these projects are completed.

Please donate today to support Trees for Life’s Trees for Heroes program so that this and other projects honouring the many heroes that make our communities and our country a great place to call home can be possible.

These commemorative groves were made possible with the generous support of Veterans Affairs Canada.

Planting Projects

  • Upgrades will be made to this existing public green space in downtown Charlottetown to see a new commemorative installation incorporated into an existing walking path on site.

  • The RCAF and Trees for Life are collaborating with the City of Barrie to create a landscape feature featuring the RCAF Roundel in Barrie’s Military Heritage Park. One RCAF Floral Roundel Feature will be recreated in blue and red annual flowers separated by a white decorative landscape rock.

  • An RCAF “Roundel” has been partially recreated by trees that will now surround the existing Pennfield Ridge monument. Trees have also been added to define the property.

  • The park is dedicated to its namesake, A.D. Ross, an RCAF veteran. The grove, planted in the shape of the RCAF roundel, is a tribute to those who’ve served, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. The planting was completed by Air Cadet Squadrons in partnership with Calgary’s Urban Forestry Department, which sourced the 75 Autumn Blaze maples for the maple leaf in the centre of the monument that is outlined by 25 wire basket conifers.

  • A living forest and plaque will be added to Canada’s national cemetery for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan or Empire Air Training Scheme while celebrating the history and legacy of the RCAF Centennial.

  • With the help of local cadet squadrons, 100 trees will be added to the grounds of Downsview Park in Toronto, home of course to CFB Downsview. The tree not only commemorate the RCAF centennial, but add much needed tree canopy coverage to one of the largest green spaces in Toronto.