Grand Pré, 20 April 2010 – To celebrate their 20th anniversary, the Amis de Grand-Pré planted a tree at Grand-Pré National Historic Site on April 13.  On the recommendation of Parks Canada, they chose to plant a red spruce (picea rubens), the provincial tree and the most important tree in the Acadian Forest. In recent years, Parks Canada natural resource s specialists have decided not to plant any more ornamental trees at Grand-Pré National Historic Site. In other words, they will only allow the planting of trees that are indigenous to Nova Scotia and are thus typical of the Acadian Forest. After examining the inventory of all the existing trees at Grand Pré, the Amis de Grand-Pré discovered that there were no red spruces. Their choice of tree is especially significant since the aboiteau found at Grand Pré by Robert Palmeter and Donald Kennie in 2008 was supported by the trunks of two red spruce trees that, according to the scientific analysis, were cut down in 1682.

The Amis de Grand-Pré is an association for Francophones living in the Annapolis Valley who are interested in the history, culture and genealogy of the Acadians of Grand Pré and other 18th century settlements.

Photo by Sally Ross: left to right (in front) Susan Surette-Draper (President), Laura Thompson, Kaniq Allerton, Brigitte Cooney (Chief Guide); (standing) Derek Allerton, Colette Cormier, Yvette LeBlanc, Roger Hétu (Webmaster), Thérèse Thibodeau, Scott Crowell (Chief Gardener).