Tree seedlings planted for grounds of Canada’s future House of Worship

The tree seedlings must grow and strengthen before they can be planted in the ground.

In early May, as the greenery of spring unfolded, over 50 volunteers gathered at one of the tennis courts at the Don Valley Education Centre, located in the vicinity of the Bahá’í National Centre and Temple site in Markham, Ont. These friends, mostly from neighbourhoods in Toronto surrounding the Temple Site, participated in a tree nursery project that was initiated and guided by the National Spiritual Assembly.

In total, 885 tree seedlings were planted by the volunteer children, junior youth, youth and adults present in an act that will help guarantee the serenity and beauty of the site for generations to come. The tree seedlings, all native species, are well-suited to the local climate, and were among those recommended by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Pots are filled with soil before the seedlings are planted.

Part of the conservation work underway requires replacing invasive, non-native species of trees present in the forested areas around the Temple site. It is envisioned that the seedlings being nurtured will mature and be planted on the grounds of the future House of Worship. Each volunteer did their personal best and contributed to the project regardless of his or her existing knowledge and skills. A horticulturist on site supported the volunteers.

Parents guided their children and junior youth to cooperate to fill the pots, cover the roots with an appropriate amount of soil, and transport them in wheelbarrows. This service was carried out with a spirit of joy and friendship, with laughter and elevated conversations filling the air, all enhanced by the sunny afternoon, bringing warmth and life.

-Mei Qu