The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority will be planting 750 native species trees and bushes on the tiny River Bell Market Garden in Dresden on Saturday, May 31.
Joseph Grootenboer, owner of River Bell Market Garden, is excited to add to the natural habitat abutting Dresden.
Many bushes will be fruit bearing, to provide food for wildlife and the farm, and as the trees grow some valuable wind protection will be provided.
“Although our 20 acre farm is very small, we want to provide ourselves and Dresden with some lovely diversity in flora and fauna,” Grootenboer said. “We believe strategically placed wild areas are important for atmosphere, pollinators, wildlife, wind protection and in general our quality of life.”
The organic vegetable farm and flower nursery hope to get help from supporters, customers and maybe local high-schoolers.
The main need for work is mulching the 750 transplants with cardboard.
“Keeping grass from choking out the young trees in the first year or two is important, and on this organic farm we need to resort to something other than sprays,” Grootenboer said.
Contact River Bell at email@riverbell.ca or 226-881-1053 to learn more about the farm and about how part of your Saturday might be spent helping with the big tree plant.
