Food Forest

We are a small group of committed volunteers who are excited to introduce the concept of food forests to CW. Any and all are welcome to join us!

What is a food forest?

A food forest is an alternative way of gardening/producing food, modelled on the natural structure of a forest. Food forests can include food-producing trees, shrubs, vegetation, root vegetables, ground cover, and vines, which all work together, each playing a role to create a sustainable ecosystem.

We also aim to include native plants that support as many insect species and other wildlife as possible.

Why grow a food forest?

Our food forest will benefit the CW community by:

being a publicly accessible source of food (fruit, nuts, berries, vegetables, herbs, etc)
educating about this alternative, eco-friendly method of gardening, and about native plants
replacing grass with trees and other vegetation to capture carbon and help restore a native ecosystem
providing a beautiful space for people to gather, volunteer, and work together.

What’s special about a food forest?

Consists mainly of perennials, does not require growing from seed each year
Over time becomes more self-sustaining than a conventional garden, not requiring as much maintenance, weeding, and watering
Incorporates native plants that have evolved to do well in our area and that benefit the ecosystem, supporting not just humans but birds, insects, and other wildlife
Adds to and improves the soil over time, rather than depleting it
Greens the community, adds diversity, captures carbon, and helps to mitigate climate change

A Food Forest can help address the issue of food insecurity. A food forest is a multi-year project, but once it matures and starts producing, it becomes a source of fresh fruit and veggies that is open and available to anyone in the community who wants to come in and harvest.

Where is it?

The Food Forest CW is located at the Sportsplex on Belsyde Ave in Fergus, next to the tennis courts and community gardens.

Please harvest only from the Food Forest area (Plot 23). The other, rectangular plots are private gardens.

Sharing the bounty is encouraged! Please harvest for your own needs while leaving some for others.

How can you get involved?

Follow us on Facebook
Come out and volunteer — we will be announcing harvest days and other activities on our FB page and this website
Contact us any time with questions or to let us know that you’d like to help, at foodforestcw@gmail.com