Stephen Vance, Staff
A dozen volunteers took advantage of sunny skies and the warm temperatures on Sunday, May 29 to get out into the field at the St. Vincent Centre for Organic Farming to plant some trees.
The volunteers planted more than 50 trees at the centre which is located on Highway 26, a few minutes west of Meaford’s downtown area. Organizer Jaden Calvert told The Independent that the trees and shrubs planted included many varieties from white spruce and elm to St. John’s wort to varieties of dogwood.
Last year, a number of edible fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, herbs, and many native deciduous and coniferous trees were planted at the centre.
“With the addition of these trees and shrubs, over 40 different species of plants are now harboured at the centre, all with nutritional and/or medicinal value for humans,” Calvert told The Independent.
Calvert said that the second annual tree planting event was made possible by generous donations by community members and organizations.
“Many thanks to Leo Belov, the Inglis Falls Arboretum and the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority for all of the trees, and many thanks to the Shepstone family for their continued generosity and support of the St. Vincent Centre for Organic Farming,” said Calvert.
Part of the mission of the St. Vincent Centre for Organic Farming is to educate the community about growing organic food, including engaging Meaford students with visits to the facility.
Volunteer Rob Mahy told The Independent that the work being done at the centre is important to the community, and can help educate people about the nutritional and medicinal benefits of a wide range of plants and trees, and of course, how to grow your own food.
“These kinds of educational and community projects benefit all willing students of today and tomorrow that wish to be wise and create well,” explained Mahy.
Foods harvested from the St. Vincent Centre for Organic Farming will be distributed through the Golden Town Outreach Food Bank, the local public schools’ nutrition programs, and will also be shared with those involved in the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of the produce.
For more info and/or if you are interested in helping with the St. Vincent Centre for Organic Farming, please contact Jaden Calvert at jaden.calvert@gmail.com.
