Hello FCF Supporters!
As we approach the end of summer, we are excited to share the recent changes and activities that have happened with FCF! As always, we would like to thank our volunteers for their ongoing support and dedication to our projects.
Making Progress on Our Walking Path
Over the summer, FCF has been hard at work constructing an interactive and educational walking path at our Base of Operations. In August, we were able to plant various species of fruiting shrubs along the path thanks to the help of our volunteers! Some species planted include red and black raspberry, black currant, haskap, and elderberry. We can’t wait for these shrubs to grow as we will begin to host harvesting events so our volunteers can return to enjoy the “fruits” of their labour!
The trees and shrubs already planted on our walking path are having a successful season. We have been able to harvest aronia berries, elderberries, nannyberries, blueberries and a large variety of apples!
In the coming weeks we hope to begin installing educational signage that is funded by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation outlining the various sections of the walking path. The signs will be in two languages (english and french) and each sign will have a dedicated theme provided in Anishinaabemowin.
Big Changes at FCF: A New Greenhouse
We have been very busy this month working on building a new greenhouse at our Base of Operations to increase our seed-starting capacity, thanks to funding support from the Ottawa Sustainability Fund, EnviroCentre and Ottawa Community Foundation. Within one week, we were able to contract an excavation company to dig trenches for new irrigation lines, bring in and flatten gravel to provide a level foundation, build a wooden base to support the greenhouse, and build the frame of the greenhouse itself! Big thanks to our team of volunteers (Raymond, Nicolas, Brendon, and a team from the Women Warriors Healing Garden) for dedicating their time to help us with the grunt of the work!
Receiving Charitable Status
Do you know someone who loves trees? They can now support us in many ways!
We are excited to announce that FCF is now a registered Canadian charity! This means that by making a donation towards afforestation efforts through FCF, you (or your company/business) will receive a charitable tax receipt. Funds would go towards developing the various projects at our Base of Operations and support our efforts to grow capacity for ambitious 2024 planting goals in the National Capital Region.
A Busy Fall Ahead: Upcoming Events
Interested in participating in our events? Check out our FCF Public Event Calendar to see events as they are scheduled.
Tiny Forest Volunteer Event at our Base of Operations – September 5th
If you are interested in helping us continue with the progress at our Tiny Forest
Demonstration Plots, please join our volunteer event at our Base of Operations on Tuesday, September 5th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. If you’re planning to attend, email us at comms@foretcapitaleforest.ca to let us know! Please bring lots of water, gardening gloves (if you have them), and sun protection.
National Tree Day – September 20th
We will be hosting a tree planting event at our Base of Operations for National Tree Day on Wednesday, September 20th. The event will be running from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. We will be sending out more event details soon, so please keep an eye on your inbox!
More events to come!
If you are interested in joining the FCF volunteer email list, Click Here or email us at comms@foretcapitaleforest.ca.