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Page 8 West Vancouver Historical Society January 2002 West \fencouver MUSEUM & ARCHIVES CORNER SS i2Sf This month we have pleasure in presenting an article on the West Vancouver Heritage Awards which has been provided by W.V. Planning Department’s Joel Lawson. As the deadline for nominations is approaching time is short for your participation, but your input into this important part of our heritage, is most welcome. Recognition of West Vancouverites who care, and take action to protect, our heritage does matter. As you will see below, Joel has also written an article on a very special tree. As always, many thanks, Joel. Your Museum&Arcnives j j > contributions are always welcome. West Vancouver Heritage Awards. 2002 Nominations are now being accepted for the 2002 West Vancouver Heritage Awards. These awards are presented annu- ally to recognize the many groups, individuals, and businesses that have made a significant contribution to heritage conserva- tion, restoration, or awareness in West Vancouver. Awards can be given in the following categories: RESTORATION/CONSERVATION - Recognizing the rehabilitation or continued maintenance of a heritage building or feature. NEW DESIGN - Recognizing new design which responds particularly well to the heritage character of an area: and compat- ible additions to heritage buildings TECHNIQUE - Recognizing the use of innovative techniques or methods in preserving a heritage resource. LANDSCAPE - Recognizing heritage-sensitive landscape design; the maintenance of heritage landscape features; and the preservation of heritage landscape resources. ADVOCACY - Recognizing the efforts of an individual or organization in heritage advocacy or increasing public awareness or heritage issues. A broad range of heritage related efforts will be considered. 44 awards have been presented thus far to a wide range of deserving property-owners, advocates, authors, designers, and builders. 2002 will mark the 8th anniversary of the awards. For more information, or to submit a nomination, please call Joel Lawson of the West Vancouver Planning Department, 604-925-7236; email jlawson@westvancouver.net, or check the West Vancouver website - www.westvancouver.net for the nomination form and for a complete list of past recipients. Mulbery Tree (Morus alba), Marine Drive, West Vancouver This tree was planted by the Sweetman family in 1922. It is the largest known mulbery tree in the Vancouver area, and at almost 80 years in age, it may also be the oldest. The tree is native to China, and has been cultivated in other eastern and southern European countries as the food plant of the silkworm. This particular tree has survived two redevelopments of the property - the original Sweetman family home was replaced by a gas station, and then, some years later, by the current commercial development. Heinz Berger, former Parks Manager for the District, received a Heritage Achievement Award in 1998 for his efforts in its preservation. The wood of the Mulberry Tree is brittle and prone to breakage - branches are especially susceptible to breakage under heavy snow loads. Unfortunately, the tree has suffered damage by people carelessly attempting to pick the fruit. This distinctive and unique tree is listed in the West Vancouver Landscape Inventory. Although not officially protected, the inventory highlights the important of this and other landscape features to the community. The Heritage Advisory Commission is currently under- taking research for a coffee-table picture book of the history of West Vancouver landscape - for more information, or if you feel that you might have information to contribute, please contact Joel Lawson of the Planning Department at 604 925-7236, email jlawson@westvancouver.net. PHOTO: Courtesy of W.V. Planning Department West Vancouver's Mulbery Tree