Our Memorial Tree Program

McKinlay Woodlands. A Living Memorial (Chatham)

"McKinlay Woodlands... A Living Memorial" is a special forest growing at the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, just south of Chatham. In November of 1997, McKinlay Funeral Home in Chatham established a partnership with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. A Memorial Forest program was created and since then, several thousand trees have been planted in memory of loved ones at the McKinlay Woodlands.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation has been in operation since 1995 and is a non-profit, charitable organization, which works in partnership with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. The Foundation's volunteer Directors help raise funds towards conservation projects within the jurisdiction of the lower Thames River watershed and region, to encourage wise management of our renewable natural resources . Since 1985, well over 1 million trees have been planted in the watershed with the help of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. More trees need to be planted to 'green' our watershed once again.

Throughout the year, McKinlay Funeral Home donates a tree to the Memorial Forest for each family we have been privileged to serve. Trees can also be donated by anyone that would like to honour a friend or loved one who has died with a $40.00 donation to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation for the McKinlay Woodlands. A Living Memorial program. Donated trees can be arranged by contacting the McKinlay Funeral Home. An annual Dedication Service is held each September to acknowledge those for whom a tree has been planted during the past year.

Our local forests are in dire need of preservation and McKinlay Funeral Home is pleased to be a partner in the effort to protect and enhance our community through this program.