Need a healhy snack while you jog along the Chippewa Creek EcoPath?
The North Bay Area Community Garden Coalition, in partnership with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA), and Nipissing Botanical Gardens (NBG) have planted the EcoPath Berry Patch along the Chippewa Creek EcoPath.
The plants include honeyberry (Haskap), half high blueberries, and hardy bush cherries (Valentine). All plants have been selected for their hardiness in northern climates, as well as exceptional flavour.
This addition to the EcoPath bolsters its goal to restore and enhance the natural values of Chippewa Creek through stewardship and education.
“The EcoPath is truly a community initiative, a trail where people can explore and discover the balance between human and environmental needs. The EcoPath is home to two tree nurseries, a rain garden and now a berry patch thanks to the collaborative efforts of our community,” said Troy Storms, NBMCA’s Supervisor of Field Operations.
The North Bay Community Garden Coalition is excited to name the EcoPath Berry Patch as the eighth addition to the growing list of community gardens around the city.
“We are happy to introduce these kinds of plants to the people of North Bay and show how productive a backyard sized garden can be,” said Peggy Walsh Craig, Chair, Nipissing Botanical Gardens.
Lindsay McIntosh, Public Health Dietitian for the Health Unit says: “Beautiful, edible landscapes encourage communities to learn about food production and influence awareness of seasonally available fruits and vegetables. Ultimately, these kinds of plantings promote increased fruit and vegetable consumption and foster a healthy community.”
People can learn more about the Chippewa Creek EcoPath by visiting www.chippewaecopath.ca
