On a fine May morning in 2018, a group of 45 volunteers picked up spades and began creating a forest on the wind-swept grounds of the Owen Sound Hospital. Since then, more than 3,000 young trees have been planted on the 11-hectare (27-acre) property, and the grassroots organization that started it all is now taking this effort to the next level.

NeighbourWoods North, a project of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists, recently mapped out an ambitious plan to build a series of footpaths through the burgeoning woodland they created. Called The Healing Path, the trail will comprise nearly two kilometres of wheelchair-accessible crushed stone pathway, complete with seating areas and interpretive signage highlighting the flora and fauna that surround path users.

According to project leader Lloyd Lewis, the path is ideally situated to act as a hub for education, reflection, and recreation. Adjacent to both the hospital and the hospice, across the street from East Ridge Community School, and at the heart of planned residential and commercial development, it will serve as the largest managed greenspace in the fastest-growing part of Owen Sound.

“Our goal is to create usable, accessible urban woodland where there was none before,” explains Lewis. “The Healing Path will get us there by integrating woodland together with schools, care facilities, workplaces, and residential neighbourhoods. It will help foster our shared goals as a community by contributing positively to our collective wellbeing.”

To help meet these goals, NeighbourWoods North is holding FEAST in the FIELD, a special fundraiser dinner on August 10 at the beautiful Gleason Brook Winery near Lake Charles. Guests will be treated to a four-course meal prepared by renowned local Chef Zach Keeshig. A culinary innovator, Keeshig draws inspiration from indigenous traditions, while gathering natural ingredients foraged from Grey County woodlands and supplied by local producers. All proceeds from the event will go towards The Healing Path.

Members of the public are invited to support the work of NeighbourWoods North by purchasing tickets for the FEAST in the FIELD fundraiser. For tickets and more information visit https://www.neighbourwoodsnorth.com/feast-in-the-field, or drop by The Ginger Press in Downtown Owen Sound.

source: media release, NeighbourWoods North