Maple Bay Food Forest

In partnership with Transition Cowichan, we will be planting a variety of domestic fruit and nut trees as well as food tree species that are indigenous to Vancouver Island. The site of the plantings will be the old orchard at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve, owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. This site was first pioneered by the Elkington family who planted the original orchard in the late 1800's. The elegant pioneer house from the 1890's is still standing and occupied and awaits the rebirth of the orchard. (address - 1241 Maple Bay Rd., ph: 250-748-7124) Please bring a food and beverage for lunch, which we will be having in the old Elkington Heritage home by the fire.

There are many delicious and nutritious foods and medicines that have been overlooked in recent historical times and this event will hopefully provide an opportunity to relearn some of what has been temporarily forgotten. First Nations will be specially invited to participate and contribute knowledge and expertise.
We will see that: yes, we can feed ourselves and our communites, there is an abundance if we open our eyes and hearts and set to work, this is the beginning of a new way of living in community that is expanding globally.
If you are interested in being a part of this project you can help by:
-donating a fruit or nut bearing tree
-contribute knowledge about native or domestic food tree/shrub species
-helping to prepare the site the morning of Oct 10th starting at 10am
-plant, water and weed
-harvest and enjoy(in a few years time)