Atlas reader and godsend, Norman, has been scouting locations in Canada for an appropriate memorial to Aqsa Parvez near where she lived. I was leaning towards planting trees in Israel until Norman suggested this, "an arboretum
on the grounds of the University of Guelph. Guelph is not far from Mississauga
where a lot of kids from Mississauga go."
Yes, yes, a place in Canada, near where Aqsa lived where lots of young people go. Perfect.
It's gorgeous.
Our Mission:
"The Arboretum, an integral part of the University of Guelph, has
a mandate to promote education, research and outreach."
-- (Arboretum Master
Plan, December 2004)
The Arboretum at the University of Guelph is somewhat modeled after the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University which is 100 years older.
Plantings started in 1971 and are now maturing to produce a beautiful landscape, within which The Arboretum continues to develop specialized gardens, botanical collections, and gene conservation programs. Labels are maintained at the base of all woody plants in the collections that are listed on The Arboretum map.
The Arboretum spans 165 hectares (408 acres) with 8.2 km of signed trails. Observed at The Arboretum are 38 species of mammals, 188 species of birds, 39 species of butterflies, 18 herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) and 1,700 types of trees and shrubs. Almost every tree and shrub indigenous to southern Ontario is growing at The Arboretum.
The Arboretum has benches, trees and gardens dedicated to various individuals. They all have plaques attached to them in various styles. We know a brilliant woodcarver who could be commissioned to carve a plaque.
Wonderful right? I asked Kathy Shaidle what she thought (she's in Canada and totally gets it) and she said she thought "the Guelph plan
may be a blessing in disguise. Surely more people will see it there than
in an obscure cemetery where the stone could easily be removed or
vandalized, which is a great thing! The ideal solution."
I will be picking a flowering tree this week with a bench. I will show you pics of everything as it develops. Just so you know, I am moving forward on this ........much thanks to Norman.
PREVIOUSLY AT ATLAS: HONORING AQSA
A Love Letter to (and from) Aqsa
CANADA: NO HEADSTONE MARKING HONOR KILLING VICTIM HELP ATLAS BUY AQSA PARVEZ A HEADSTONE
UPDATE: Jane writes me:
UPDATE: Spencer digs it too :)
