Ulmus Americana

Trees are living links to our history. They have witnessed our past and continue to hold meaning for people today.

Sitting all alone in the middle of a parking lot, surrounded by asphalt, concrete and quite a few cars, grows a tree of renown. Ulmes Americana, the American Elm tree, is a beautiful high canopy type of tree that has managed to make Alberta one of it's last bastions after many North American Elm trees were eradicated by Dutch Elm Disease. By the way, this is a disease that didn't come from the Netherlands but, rather, was first identified by Dutch phytopathologists in 1921. Certain cultivars have better resistance to the fungi spread by bark beetles and this is one variety that proved to be hardy enough, though Alberta has a very aggressive program (STOPDED) to help stop the spread of the disease.
This particular specimen, which I see pretty much every day, not only lived through the worst days of the disease but has also managed to survive in the heart of the city, with an ever constant bombardment of construction and deconstruction, pollution and, most certainly, many indignities that may have killed off a lesser soul.
Of course, this tree also may not be there if it wasn't for the efforts of a group of dedicated people who helped form a not-for-profit organization called The Alberta Heritage Tree Foundation. Based on work started back in the '80's with Alberta Forestry and "The Alberta Trees of Renown",  this group set out to identify and catalogue as many of the Heritage Trees that grow throughout this vast province.
"Heritage means trees of particular interest by virtue of such qualities as age, size, shape, special interest, location and/or history. Trees may include individual trees, avenues, groves, shelterbelts, tree gardens, arboretum and sites of botanical or ecological interest."
Once identified, the tree came under the protection of the Foundation and efforts were made to ensure it's preservation. Because the tree sits on Calgary Stampede property their involvement was needed, for which concrete blocks were placed around it's perimeter, as well as grading the lot for proper drainage.
“The value of trees is, they touch our souls and heal our hearts. It is ever so subtle, yet powerful. When we are touched by something, we develop a rapport based in gratitude. We begin to care what happens to that which touches us, it is the beginning of stewardship. Yes we read about what we are doing to our Earth but what we hear can easily be forgotten. What we see will be remembered and when we do something – like visit these wonderful treasures of our Natural Heritage – we begin to awaken an understanding of our deep connection to the Earth. It is the understanding and remembering that strengthens this connection and touches our very souls. It is that which the Foundation hopes to be a part of inspiring.” - Libby Fairweather
Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada