Heritage trees help tell the story of Medicine Hat

“Well in Medicine Hat especially, we’re a semi desert here. And we have a tremendous number of trees and it’s important to realize that the trees mean something. You take it for granted.” He said.

Baresco, who says he fell in love with nature at a young age, grew up in Riverside.

The same neighbourhood many of the heritage trees are in.

Including the Hargrave Tree, which was planted 131 years ago in 1888. It’s thought to be the first tree planted in the city.

Hargrave Tree planted in 1888 at 110 3rd St NE

James Hargrave was a pioneer in Medicine Hat, arriving just a few years before the tree was planted to start his own business.

The tree was planted in celebration of the birth of his daughter Heather.

“It was not even tended to because it’s a plains cottonwood and it doesn’t need any water or anything. And it grew and that’s how it stayed.” Baresco explained.

Just down the road at St. Joseph’s Home is another heritage tree.

Baresco said that tree is thought to have been planted by the Hargrave family as well.

This one an American Elm planted in the 1930’s.

American Elm tree planted at St.Joesph’s Home

It is the centre piece of the gardens which features James Marshall’s ‘Stations of the Cross’ brick murals.

“It’s relatively a spiritual tree. It’s hard to say that a tree is spiritual, but that one really takes your breath away.” Baresco described. “And people from Edmonton, Calgary who see trees, they say it’s the most beautiful elm tree in Alberta.”

Maybe the most important trees to Medicine Hat are the plains cottonwoods down at Police Park Park.

“Plains cottonwood is essentially the only native tree we have.” Baresco said.

While the trees have an average life of between 70 and 100 years, the ones at Police Point Park are between 200 and 300 years old according to park interpreter Marty Drut.

“We’re not certain why, but they are just really great at being able to survive. They even have like hollow spots in them. Parts of them will die off and other parts will keep growing.” Drut said. “And then the hallow spots will also provide habitat for all kinds of wildlife. Which is an important connection for the prairies.”

Both Drut and Baresco are hopeful that people will start to realize how special all of the trees are.

The city has created a brochure online that lists all 7 heritage trees and some history behind them.

by Hayley Ferguson

Heritage trees help tell the story of Medicine Hat

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