Two trees, two families.

Bound together by a common cause, members of the Archer and Markley families gathered Thursday afternoon as two memorial trees — one in memory, and the other in honor — were dedicated along Lehigh Drive in Lehighton.

Both trees planted were flowering crabapple trees. The Archer tree was one of the first trees Lehighton planted after becoming recognized as a Tree City USA town by the Arbor Day foundation. The tree is about 25 years old.

Carbon County Correctional Facility Warden Timothy Fritz thanked the late Douglas Archer and his wife, Venetia Archer, for their years of volunteerism at the prison. Douglas Archer served as the chaplain for the prison.

“They did what they could for the inmates,” Fritz said. “We appreciate what you and Doug did for the inmates over the years.”

Venetia noted that the day marked the birthday of her late husband, Douglas.

The tree for the Markleys was recently purchased and planted three weeks ago.

Both Nancy and George Markley acknowledged their affinity for the D&L Trail, which is why they were persistent in wanting their tree dedicated to their children and grandchildren along the trail.

“We wanted to have a tree on the D&L Trail,” Nancy said. “This is my happy place.”

Mark Hoffman, chairman of the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission, said, “It is very meaningful when you can provide those purchasing a tree with the right tree and the right location. The tree takes on a whole new meaning for the members of the family dedicating the tree.”

“It can act as a healing process for those missing a loved one,” Hoffman said. “It is very uplifting when these family members see the tree blow in the wind or a bird land on one of its branches.”

Hoffman said when a memorial tree is purchased for $175, a plaque placed beneath the tree and a bronze leaf placed on the bronze memorial tree located in borough hall.

He said the memorial tree program has been in place in Lehighton for over 25 years, however recently there seems to be added interest in the program.

There are 241 memorial trees planted throughout the borough, Hoffman said.