Slave Lake officials and residents in northern Alberta have welcomed an RES anniversary tribute of 100 trees to the town’s rebuilding efforts, after wildfires devastated the area in 2011.

“Thank you again for the generous donation of trees to our community to assist with the ‘re-green’ of the once lush landscape decimated by last May’s wildfires,” said Karl Hill, Director of Community Services. .

“We have had several calls from residents and look forward to sharing your wonderful gift with them in the coming days.”

RES CEO, Trent Marx, presented the trees to Slave Lake 12 months after fires destroyed hundreds of houses and businesses, forcing an evacuation of the town.

“I once watched my house burn down in front of me, so I can really identify with the people of Slave Lake and their terrible loss,” he said.

“So, for the first anniversary of the 2011 wildfire I offered the town some of my trees as a symbol of rebirth, growth and faith in the future.”

In support of the goodwill gesture, the RES office team exchanged their cubicles and computers for a tree spade and bobcat to transplant spruce and larch trees from Marx’s tree farm at Bearberry, west of Sundre.

Marx himself drove and delivered the trees on a flat-bed trailer to Slave Lake mayor, Karina Pillay-Kinnee.

“I believe it’s necessary for an office executive to get down and dirty every now and again to remain aware of what life is like in the real world,” said Marx. “It’s one of the reasons I started planting trees eight years ago.”

“It’s also important for me to remain connected to my family roots and the region. I still head back at harvest time each year to help out with the heavy labour on my parents’ grain farm in High Prairie, northern Alberta.”

“I often pass through Slave Lake and am greatly impressed by the way it’s recovering. I’m proud that RES could play a small part.”

For further information visit: www.resourceenergysolutions.com