NSCC teams harvest and load tree gifted to Boston as thank-you for help after Halifax Explosion

From the Springboard Content Lab

Springboard member Nova Scotia Community College was on hand to assist with the annual harvest of the holiday tree donation to Boston, Mass to thank that city for assistance during the Halifax Explosion in 1917.

The NSCC team included students and staff from the National Resources Technology group were in Lunenburg Country to cut and load the tree and its boughs to be sent on its journey to Boston.

The Province of Nova Scotia sends a tree to Boston each holiday season as a thank you to the city for sending medical personnel and supplies to Nova Scotia following the devastating explosion 1917, which killed nearly 2,000 people and left hundreds severely injured and homeless.

Boston sent immediate medical aid and relief supplies to Nova Scotians. The province will never forget this support and kindness from the people of Boston. 

“Our Natural Resources Environmental Technology students and faculty have a longstanding tradition at these symbolic events – in fact, we often cut and load the tree and its boughs and send it on its way. Such an important opportunity for people young and old to connect to something tangible, and also much bigger than themselves, gifting a part of our Nature and then following the tree and the well wishes it symbolizes to shine with our neighbours.”

– Leif Helmer, NSCC Director, Centre of Forest Innovation

It was cut Wednesday, November 12, at 10:30 a.m. during a public event at 49 Herman’s Island Road in Martins Brook. The event will also include a smudging ceremony led by Holly Meuse from L’sitkuk First Nation in Bear River.

The 13.7-metre (45-foot) tree was donated by the former property owners, Ronald and Claire Feener. Mr. Feener is a longtime NSCC staff member.

“We planted this tree in our front yard over 40 years ago. We have fond memories of our family enjoying it decorated for Christmas, and we often spoke about how it would be a great tree for Boston. To have this tree selected this year is a dream come true and an absolute honour to help keep this important tradition alive.”

– Feener Family, who donated the tree

Our Natural Resources Environmental Technology (NRET) students from the Strait Area and Lunenburg campuses took part in the tree-cutting process, supported by NRET Faculty Waddie Long, and were proud to contribute to a tradition that brings communities together and reflects the generosity Nova Scotia is known for.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attended the event and shared her appreciation for the enduring connection between our province and her city.

Quick Facts:

• 2025 marks the 108th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion
• Boston dispatched a train with supplies and emergency personnel within 24 hours of the disaster, which killed nearly 2,000 people and left thousands more injured and homeless
• the first Tree for Boston was donated by Joseph Slaunwhite from Lunenburg County
• the City of Boston’s 84th annual tree-lighting ceremony will take place December 4 at 7 p.m. (AST) in Boston Common

Nova Scotia Community College is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 colleges and universities in Atlantic Canada. Our mission is to grow the regional economy through the commercialization of research and industry/community engagement.