Reclaiming Nature with Urban Forestry
The Welcoming Garden Begins
NeighbourWoods North celebrated Canada Day by starting the Welcoming Garden at the Owen Sound Hospital. Located on the traffic island near the main entrance, the perennial Welcoming Garden will feature three 20' ornamental pear trees, shrubs, tall garden grasses, rocks, and garden sculpture as well as perennials. Plantings are happening now with more plantings to come in the fall.
The garden sculpture is still being discussed and finances researched so will not be added until next year. Get in touch if you have any ideas.
How You Can Help Despite Covid-19
No large crowds but volunteer opportunities.
Two volunteer opportunities exist to help with the hospital naturalization project this spring although no dates have been set as both are weather dependent.
After Adam MacDonnell prepares the island near the entrance to the Owen Sound Hospital, planting of perennials will begin. If you would like to be a part of this, please contact Neighbourwoods North noting that you are interested in the Welcoming Garden. We will be in touch with you once the bed is finished and plants are ordered. We expect it to be late May or early June.
The Forest of Hope and Healing has been divided into six sections. Each section is led by two members of the steering committee. In this way we hope to ensure we give TLC to every seedling and sapling. As a by product it will prevent large groups of volunteers congregating. It will, however, make notification of tree care and planting days a little more difficult. If you are available regularly each week, please contact us with those days and we will notify you when tree care is happening. Alternately or if you don't have a regular schedule, check our social media sites to learn of tree care days.
The OSFN events listed are dependent upon COVID 19 gathering restrictions. As parks and conservation areas are opening, outdoor events may take place with limited numbers and proper social distancing. As soon as more information is available, it will be posted.
Sorry we've had to
CANCEL
Check out other events
The OSFN events listed are dependent upon COVID 19 gathering restrictions. As of this writing events are limited to 10 people - nine participants and a leader. Members of Owen Sound Field Naturalists have first priority. (Click here to become a member.) Register early to avoid disappointment. If you must cancel later, please let the event leader know so that others may enjoy the outing. Remember that washroom facilities may not be available on many outings even if they have been in the past. As COVID 19 restrictions change, updates will be made.
WE DIG GREY BRUCE!
In the world of construction, excavation contractors do much more than haul dirt around: site preparation, grading, trenching and many other soil-related tasks. Products include Aggregate, Top Soil, Asphalt, Landscape Rocks. MacDonnell Excavating is assisting NeighbourWoods North with the Welcoming Garden and the Healing Path, donating time, labour & equipment.
Friends of the Environment Foundation
Since 1990 TD FEF has supported environmental projects in communities across Canada. With the generous support of donors, TD FEF has granted over $90 million to more than 27,000 projects. TD Bank Group covers administrative costs so 100% of every dollar donated is used to fund local environmental projects. TD FEF is supporting the Welcoming Garden and the Healing Path.
Michael & Bryan Nurton
Volunteers of the Month
NeighbourWoods North is lucky to have the assistance of these two very busy brothers. Bryan and Michael heard about NN through Bryan's wife who had been a colleague of NN vice-president Gord Edwards. Working for HydroOne on the Forestry Team means Bryan and Michael are able to provide NN with tons of wood chips to use in planting trees. They provided leadership for the East Ridge Project in keeping with their HydroOne volunteer work. In addition to volunteering with NN, the brothers also volunteer as coaches and for trail maintenance with the Bruce Trail Club.
Somehow with all that volunteering they manage to be active fathers to their kids, involved in girl guides, hockey and music. When not volunteering, they enjoy camping, fishing, and home gardening. Thank you Bryan and Michael for all you do.
Featured Friends & Supporters
Our Mission
NeighbourWoods North organizes naturalization and tree planting projects with volunteers in the Owen Sound area to create environmental benefits, enhance the attractiveness of the community, and contribute to local quality of life.
Please select NeighbourWoods North Fund from the dropdown menu when Canada Helps Owen Sound Field Naturalists opens in a new tab.