What is an arboretum?
The word “arboretum” comes from the latin “arbor” or tree and “etum” or place - in sum meaning tree place. While there are numerous definitions for the word “arboretum”, the essence of many of those definitions include … a place where trees, shrubs and herb like plants are cultivated and kept for the enjoyment of the general population as well as for educational and scientific study.
The Ferguson Forest Centre Arboretum is a learning, activity and contemplation area for public use and enjoyment.
Covering approximately 10 hectares (25 acres), the arboretum site is located in the south-eastern side of the Ferguson Forest Centre, west of the Kemptville Creek (South Branch) and Turtle Trail , north of County Road 43 and Anniversary Park and on the east side of Honour way, opposite the off-leash dog park (i.e. Ferguson Forest Dog Park). Currently the arboretum is a quiet park like environment ideal for public use and enjoyment. Included amongst the manicured lawn areas, tree planted areas and naturalized areas are stone dust paths, linkages to the Turtle Trail and Anniversary Park, a play hill, park benches, picnic tables and a parking lot.
The Arboretum helps us fulfill some of the objectives for the Ferguson Forest Centre, promoting interest in and study of forestry and undertaking activities that promote recreational and conservation activities in the community.
Future Plans
Drawing from the arboretum concept plan and building upon the current site, additional improvements are envisioned over the next five (5) busy years. The arboretum will demonstrate (principally) the use of local native tree and planting materials in natural, decorative and specialized (e.g. slope stabilization or erosion control) applications. As well as providing a tree “showroom” for the Ferguson Forest Nursery, the trees will also provide a local seed source, promote educational awareness and conservation as well as support native wildlife and ecology. There will also be themed beds placed in a more formalized garden area or otherwise strategically located on site.
New or enhanced features to be included over the years are:
- Main and trail linkage gateways to the site
- Main gateway sign
- Site defining fencing along Honour Way
- Park furniture such as benches and picnic tables
- Waste disposal containers
- Pergola
- Gazebo
- Rock delineated teaching amphitheatre
- Defined event area
- Commemorative and contemplative area including a labyrinth
- Internal site and trail linkage directional signage
- Interpretive panels
- Site map
- Tree identify labels
- Hedgerow site line clearing
- Strategic and supplemental plantings
- Black cherry tree lined east-west accessible path
- Defined welcoming area
Interpretive panels are planned to provide educational and scientific information on features such as the:
- Pine Plantation and Kinderwood
- Pitch Pines
- Themed plantings
- Themed beds
- Wildlife areas
- Inverted water table area
Subjects of other panels will include a large site map and a history of the Ferguson Forest Centre and forestry in Eastern Ontario.
Hopefully the arboretum will, over the generations, serve as a pleasant outdoor and natural environment destination that provides the public with enjoyable recreational opportunities as well as forestry and conservation educational experiences.