People tend to think of trees as permanent, perhaps because of our relatively short life span. Throughout the ages, people have planted trees as memorial gifts to honor and commemorate deceased family and friends. The New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association and the State of New Hampshire, Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Forests and Lands, have formalized a program - New Hampshire Tree Memorials - that continues the tradition of that tangible generosity.

New Hampshire Tree Memorials makes it possible to remember and honor deceased family and friends. At the same time, the program provides community trees to New Hampshire town and cities - along streets, in parks or cemeteries, and on village greens and commons. The program links donors with suitable community planting sites. Trees benefit the community and future generations, as well

as honor the deceased.

The New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association, a professional association of licensed funeral directors, and the Division of Forests and Lands work directly with community representatives and professionals from the New Hampshire Arborists Association and the New Hampshire Landscape Association. All trees are purchased from and planted by local professionals. The gift of a memorial tree is accepted by the recipient community, which agrees to maintain it thereafter.

For more information about New Hampshire Tree Memorials contact:

Mary Reynolds, Urban Forester

Division of Forests and Lands

PO Box 1856

Concord, NH 03302-1856

(603) 271-2214 or

email at mreynolds@dred.state.nh.us