Assiniboine marks 65 years with 65 legacy trees at North Hill campus

Evergreen Valley Nursery partners with the college, donating 40 trees to the initiative

As part of the ongoing celebration of Assiniboine College’s 65th anniversary, staff and students came together for a meaningful environmental initiative earlier this month, planting 65 trees at the North Hill campus. A key partner in the project, Evergreen Valley Nursery, donated 40 trees.

“As we take the opportunity to celebrate our 65^th anniversary throughout this year, this initiative reflects both our history and our future,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine College. “These trees are a living symbol representing growth, our students, our people, and our impact in the communities we serve. And they will be a great addition to the North Hill campus, a cornerstone of our future.”

The trees, a mix of species, were planted across the north and south ends of campus. As they mature, they will become a valuable and much-enjoyed addition to the already impressive landscape.

“We’d like to think of the campus as welcoming the community the same way a park might,” added Frison. “It’s wonderful to see people walking, biking, and enjoying the space. Adding new trees enhances that experience for years to come.”

Evergreen’s generous contribution included 23 Amur maple trees (3 ft.) and 17 Japanese tree lilacs (3 ft.). The college purchased the remaining 25 trees. Evergreen Valley Nursery owner, Fred Driedger, was closely involved throughout the process, helping select the three varieties best suited for the site.

“Good planning includes trees for all four seasons of the year. Amur maple trees provide shades of red to yellow just after students return for fall classes. Japanese tree lilacs put on a show of white plumes from mid-June until early July while the existing evergreens bring year-round color. Thank you to Assiniboine College for letting us play a part,” said Driedger.

“Community support is central to everything we do, and we’re grateful for partnerships like this one,” said Connor Ketchen, Director of the Assiniboine College Foundation & Alumni Relations. “This project brought our staff together to create something lasting that connects our past, present, and future.”

The tree planting also reflects a broader commitment at Assiniboine. The college is a signatory to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, a global framework addressing challenges such as climate change and sustainable, inclusive communities. Initiatives like this one demonstrate Assiniboine’s role in advancing those goals locally.

As Frison noted, “We are proud to see our college community come together in this way. This initiative underscores Assiniboine’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and celebrating milestones with purpose.”