Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, I have always cherished the natural beauty that adorns our city streets and parks. Two 15-year-old spruce trees near the area of 18811 - 96 Ave, NW, La Perle, towering majestically, have been a part of my neighborhood for as long as I can remember. They symbolize continuity, a green legacy amidst urban sprawl, and serve as vital caretakers of our environment. 

However, these beautiful markers of our community's green spirit are under threat. The City of Edmonton has unveiled plans to "relocate" them to make way for a neighbourhood renewal project. While the city plans to move these trees, the truth remains that transplanting mature spruce trees poses significant risks to their survival. The disruption to their root systems could prove fatal, robbing our neighborhood of its green heart.

Beyond their aesthetic value, the spruce trees play an essential ecological role. According to National Geographic, a mature tree can absorb approximately 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually and release oxygen in return. Furthermore, trees act as natural air filters, reducing urban air pollution, as reported by the USDA Forest Service. By purifying the air, they ensure that we have a healthier environment to pass down to future generations.

Preserving these two trees means committing to our environmental responsibilities and sustaining ecological balance. As citizens who value nature, we urge the city to consider alternative solutions that won't harm these trees – such as redesigning the proposal to avoid their removal instead of transplanting them.

Help us preserve our community's essence and maintain Edmonton's green spaces by standing against the unnecessary removal of these trees. Every signature matters. Please, join us in urging the City of Edmonton to protect these spruce trees by signing this petition.

And yes, I have a form to tell the City I want to save the trees.