News release

Tree From Lunenburg County Chosen for Boston

Natural Resources
Two people looking up at a 13.7-metre white spruce tree
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Ronald and Claire Feener admire this year's Tree for Boston, a 13.7-metre white spruce from Martins Brook, Lunenburg County. (Province of Nova Scotia)

A majestic white spruce from Lunenburg County has been selected as Nova Scotia’s 2025 Tree for Boston.

The Province 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 Halifax Explosion in 1917.

“Nova Scotia and Boston maintain strong ties through family, business and shared history,” said Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland. “This annual gift celebrates our enduring friendship, shows our gratitude and connects our communities across generations and borders.”

Aerial looking down at a white spruce tree and two people on the ground looking up at it
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(Province of Nova Scotia)

The 13.7-metre (45-foot) tree was nominated by the former property owners, Ronald and Claire Feener. The current residents support the initiative.

It will be cut on 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.

Quotes:

Two people holding Province of Nova Scotia toques in front of a white spruce tree
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Claire and Ronald Feener (Province of Nova Scotia)

“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

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

Additional Resources:

Tree for Boston:

Department of Natural Resources on X: https://x.com/NS_DNR

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.

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