In Memory of Trees
Story appeared in the 2019 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY HAYLEY PICARD, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Our campus is home to many beautiful trees such as fir, cedar, birch and other evergreen and deciduous species. What may not be apparent to the casual observer is the large number of ornamental trees placed throughout our green spaces.
“The love Bruce McPherson has for our QMS trees is evident. If ever you have the chance to walk the grounds with him, simply point to a tree and ask for its story. From the flowering cherry, weeping spruce, and pink dogwood, to the magnolia, Liquidambar, Raywood ash, flowering plum and the monkey puzzle tree—each is part of our legacy.”
Legacy Tree Planting 2018
Each tree has a special place in the heart of Facilities Manager, Bruce McPherson, as he planted every single one, and each has its own story. Why? His eyes glitter mischievously as he says with a grin, “I made a promise.”
Clearly uncomfortable being in the spotlight, Bruce shifts a little in his seat before continuing, “For every tree we have to take down at QMS, I promised that I would plant two in its place.” A strong oath made at a time when environmental awareness was still in its infancy on Vancouver Island.
In 1995, two faculty members were thrilled to welcome the arrival of baby boys. When Todd Lefebure and Holly Olsen both named their children Thomas, Bruce decided to plant a small Japanese Maple in front of Glide Hall, naming it the “Two Thomas’ Tree.” The tradition took, and 24 years later, our campus boasts over 55 trees planted to celebrate births, School milestones, in memory of alumni and faculty who have left us, and in appreciation of community members’ service to QMS. “I’m really lucky,” he beams. “The School has supported me in my promise; paying for all of the trees, the labour and humouring me in my selection of trees.”
Bruce laughs as he points out a few of his favourites such as the Japanese snowbell planted to celebrate the birth of Dean Schneider’s (Faculty) son Phillip, the memorial nica maple for Larry Peltier, each tree he planted for the birth of his grandchildren, and the beautiful katsura tree in front of Founders’ Hall. This particular tree was planted to honour the School’s 90th birthday and has the love of every QMS student nourishing its roots. “We asked each student from Kindergarten through Grade 12 to write a note about QMS, which were then buried under the tree,” explains Bruce. “I love this tree. Did you know it smells like burnt sugar or cotton candy in the fall?”
As new construction projects scheduled this year will require the removal or transplant of various trees, Bruce and the School Leadership Team have been diligent in noting the affected trees and are creating plans. “For our birth trees near the TLC, we will transplant them so they can continue their legacy at QMS,” he states. “We will want to plant replacements for the walnut and mulberry trees and a few of our Windsor oaks near the Primary Centre that are impacting site plans for the ECE Centre extension.” A knotty challenge indeed for this tree lover, but Bruce has amazing foresight.
In anticipation of our Centenary, and knowing we would need to replace our famous Windsor oaks as they aged out or needed to be replaced due to storms or construction, Bruce and the Maintenance Team began harvesting acorns from these special trees two years ago.“ We planted 200 Windsor oak acorns to germinate,” he smiles. “Hopefully, over 100 of them will sprout so they will become take-away gifts for our Centenary celebrations in 2021.”