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Earle and Marie Bable were married in California in 1948. After adopting two children, Eddie and Patti, they decided to move to Idaho to enjoy the solitude of the mountains and country life. Marie became an avid gardener and nature lover. As Earle states, "She loved to make things grow." During their 47 years together, Earle and Marie planted countless trees on their property, dedicating them in the names of their 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
When Marie passed away in September 1995, Earle, then 79 years old, wanted to do something special to memorialize his wife--something that reflected her interests and love of the environment. He also wanted to honor his wife's memory in such a way that his future generations would be able to appreciate and know her. Since he realized that his property would probably be sold in the future, planting a tree on his own land was not feasible. It was through his granddaughter that he came to learn of the special service that Celebration Forest has to offer.
Located in the beautiful and serene mountains of North Idaho, Celebration Forest is a permanent forest preserve where individuals from across the United States can purchase trees in memory of their loved ones. By purchasing ecologically damaged sites, riparian areas, and land bordering wetlands, Celebration Forest helps to preserve the environment for future generations, while honoring the memories of the past. Because it is a designated sanctuary, the forest will never be open to harvest or development.
All of the trees in Celebration Forest are raised and cared for in a controlled nursery environment. When they are old enough and strong enough, the trees are planted by forestry management professionals on individual sanctuaries within the forest preserve. Each tree is given a Grove Number for families to easily locate it when they visit the forest.
The trees are planted during the spring months when the soil conditions and precipitation levels are perfect to introduce the trees to the forest. To ensure quality control, the trees are supervised and carefully monitored by a professional forester year-round.
On February 17, 2000, Earle decided to order a tree for his beloved wife. He learned that he could choose between a Spruce, Pine, Oak or Maple, all trees native to the mountains of the Northwest.
Though his income is limited, he decided his investment of $49.00 was well worth it. This small amount pays for the raising and caring of his young Spruce seedling, the life-time upkeep of the tree, the replacement of the tree if it dies within the first two years, the year-round upkeep of the forest, and the land payment for the private forest preserve. His Certificate of Dedication hangs on his living room wall, close to his favorite chair, so he can glance at the memorial often.
Earle plans to visit Celebration Forest often--for walks, for picnics and for daydreaming. Most importantly, he knows that his wife would approve of the everlasting memorial. He is even thinking of purchasing the trees surrounding hers for himself, his children and grandchildren so they will be "together" forever. "The beautiful North Idaho landscape of blue sky, crisp air, lush trees and rugged mountains is the perfect memorial site for my family," says Earle.
Earle has become somewhat of an advocate of Celebration Forest…he tells everyone he knows of his lovely wife's memorial!
If you would like more information or would like to plant a tree in Celebration Forest, whether it is for a birth, wedding, graduation, passing of a loved one or family pet, please feel free to call Heidi Stockton toll-free at 1-877-245-7378 or visit their web-site at www.celebrationforest.com.
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.