Explore, hike and get your tree at the Ferguson Forest Centre

Ferguson Forest Centre is a non-profit, community-supported treasure, a half-hour’s drive from the Glebe, in

Kemptville. A place to explore trees, hike, walk the dog and select a special tree for your own garden at the Ferguson Tree Nursery. I’ve been intrigued by this place since reading an article in Ottawa Magazine in 2021 (full disclosure, I have yet to visit, but it’s on my agenda for this spring).

The Tree Nursery primarily sells wholesale but will be hosting nine days of sales for the general public this spring: May 18 to 20, 25 to 27 and June 1 to 3.

Check out the Arboretum where signs tell you about each tree species and then, if you like, head to the outlet store to purchase one or more of their native saplings, shrubs and perennials. A range of tree species are available including spruce, maple, willow and oak. Andrew Boyd points out that Ferguson cultivates uniquely native stock, so you can be sure that the genetics of your sapling will be suited to our local conditions. All profits are used to maintain and manage the Forest Centre and its activities.

Details on the eight hiking trails, open to the public year-round, are at www.fergusonforestcentre.ca/visit/ trails. Note that they are maintained but, unlike the Arboretum, are not groomed. The Kinderwood Trail, a short hike designed to acquaint children with forest animals and their habitat, is flat and good for all skill levels.

See: www.fergusonforestcentre.ca/ and www.fergusontreenursery.ca/