The Simcoe Food Forest took root at Waterworks Park in Simcoe last weekend.
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“On Saturday we did get over 100 plants in the ground at the park,” said co-ordinator Brooke Martin, who said a variety of fruit and berry bushes were planted. “We have apple and pear trees that were donated by Schuyler Farms, and the rest of what we planted was donated by Eising Greenhouses.”
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The Simcoe Food Forest is a one-quarter acre plot on municipal land at the corner of Nelson and Chapel Streets.
“The project was started by Tamara Smith from RISE, an anti-poverty group based out of Simcoe,” Martin said. “She was concerned with inflation and grocery prices, and people with low income not being able to afford food. She saw the idea for a food forest and I joined to help her.”
The co-ordinator said the aim is to have perennial sources of food within walking distance of the downtown so that anyone who can’t afford food, or is hungry, can go and harvest once the foods are ready.
“We are essentially trying to mimic a forest ecosystem with edible or beneficial plants.”
The organizers are looking for more volunteers to assist with upcoming planting, along with weekly maintenance that involves weeding and watering.
To help out visit the Simcoe Food Forest page on Facebook, call 519-410-7566, or send an e-mail to [email protected]
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