Guided Tree Walks in Queen Elizabeth and Stanley Parks - Part of Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

March 25, 2008 (No. 12) - The public is invited to join Park Board staff for free guided tree tours in two of Vancouver's favourite parks.

Alex Downie, Supervisor of Queen Elizabeth Park and Bloedel Conservatory, will lead a walk highlighting the exotic trees in Queen Elizabeth Park's extensive arboretum. Each tree has a story and Alex Downie's knowledge of and enthusiasm for trees brings these amazing stories to life. The arboretum, founded in 1949, contains tree species from around the world. Learn about the ornamental qualities and garden-worthiness of the wide palette of trees we can grow in Vancouver.

Queen Elizabeth Park
Saturday, March 29, 2008
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meet at the Cambie and 33rd Ave. Parking Lot

Bill Stephen, the Park Board's urban forester, is well-known for his engaging guided walks and his passion for trees. Bill will lead a tree tour in Stanley Park that uses a lovely grove of Yoshino Cherries as a focal point to explore and discover the extraordinary trees in the Shakespeare Garden. The Garden, opened in 1936, includes trees mentioned in Shakespeare's works, many of which are labelled with the corresponding quote.

Stanley Park
Sunday, March 30, 2008
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meet at the Rose Arbor in the Lower Rose Garden, Pipeline Road

These are just two of many events planned for this spring's third annual, city-wide cherry blossom celebration. Visit the website (link no longer available) for the events calendar and locations.

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For more information contact Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8440.
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.