October 6, 2025 marked the 250th birthday of Canadian war hero Laura Secord. To commemorate this milestone date and honour her courageous legacy, Trees For Life, Friends of Laura Secord, and the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP) joined together to plant a living legacy of 262 trees on the grounds of DeCew House in Thorold, Ontario.

DeCew House, named after its builder John DeCou, was a pivotal site during the War of 1812. In 1813, Secord made the arduous 30-kilometre journey to Decew House to warn British soldiers of an impending American attack. The number 262 represents the years since the Royal Proclamation of 1763 — a landmark agreement between the British Crown and Indigenous peoples which recognized Indigenous rights, laying the groundwork for future treaties. The tree planting serves not only as a tribute to Secord, but also as a symbolic recognition of the sacrifices and heroic contributions of Indigenous communities who also fought to defend this land.

Planting a legacy: As part of their annual conference, OACFP has partnered with TFL since 2021 to plant trees in the host community, creating green spaces to benefit local residents and future generations.