The City of Red Deer lost thousands of trees after this summer's windstorm but the city's Oriole Park will be getting a few hundred back.

Four hundred trees and 700 shrubs have been planted as part of an improvement project funded in part by grants from CN and the federal government, turning empty field into a future forest.

"To have this gift to re-forest our community, we're very appreciative of it," said Mayor Tara Veer, speaking after a ceremonial planting this afternoon.

The total cost of the project was $55,000, with $1,200 coming from the federal government.

Another $25,000 came from CN EcoConnexions' From the Ground Up program, in partnership with Tree Canada, a non-profit organization that facilitates tree planting events.

Since 1992, the group has helped plant more than 80 million trees across Canada.

Gerard Fournier is a community advisor for Tree Canada and also attended the ceremony.

He's passionate about trees because of their role in purifying the air but also their therapeutic effects.

"If you've ever been feeling down or depressed or upset about something, spend some time beneath a tree. Hug a tree. It sounds ridiculous but it actually works. It does improve your whole outlook on life," Fournier said.

"Trees are fantastic things. That is why we support them."

Three of the trees planted at today's ceremony have special meaning: the Lodgepole Pine, Alberta's provincial tree; the Saskatoon Bush honouring Indigenous people; and the Maple, commemorating Canada 150.