Our Winter 2018 issue of the Friends of the Farm newsletter is now available on the
Friends' website. Hard copies will soon be delivered to those who indicated on their
membership form they wish to receive them by mail (another great reason to become a member).

In the Friends' winter newsletter, Roman Popadiouk directs our attention to the remarkable world of buds and bark and how they power the future of a tree. Julianne Labreche shares her story of going grassless. Inspired by others' successes, she describes the steps she took to dispense with her lawnmower.

Also in this issue, Dan Brunton tells us why James Fletcher, the Farm's first botanist and entomologist, was recently honoured as a significant Canadian. The heritage buildings at the Dominion Observatory campus are highlighted, and we meet Neville Ward, life member of the Friends of the Farm, who is a champion of good causes.

Farm Fun - Winter 1977 by Sharon Bernard

The photo to the left was taken at the Central Experimental Farm in the winter of 1977 by Sharon Bernard.

Do you have photos or memorable experiences that have taken place on the Farm that you'd like to share? 

Send your images and stories to us. 

Interested in being profiled, or know of another member of the Friends who might be?

Let us know !  Contact us at [email protected]

	Blooming Magnolias in the Arboretum

Join  the Friends of the Farm to influence decision-makers to preserve the integrity of this cherished National Historic Site and its exceptional setting in the heart of Ottawa.

The future of the Farm as we know it is more important than ever. Over the past number of years, there has been continued pressure on research projects and jobs from budgetary constraints. While the core research areas remain, the Farm lands, Dominion Arboretum, Ornamental Gardens and historical buildings still need constant care and protection. If lost, this jewel can never be replaced.

Become a member today and support the Friends' mission  to bring the Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens to their full potential. Membership benefits include  free admission to the  Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, a quarterly newsletter, discounted events, and more

	Photo by Julianne Labreche

Every year the Friends partner with the Master Gardeners of Ottawa Carleton to offer timely and informative presentations. This year's Tuesday night lectures include:

April 12  Gardening With Wildlife

 with Rebecca Last

April 24  Flowers and Vegetables: Beauty and the Eats  

with Judith Cox

May 8  Unusual Edibles: Growing the Uncommon  

with Esther Bryan

May 22  Gardening for the Bees  

with Julianne Labreche

All presentations are from 7pm to 9pm in Building 72 just east of the Prince of Wales roundabout with free parking. Lectures can be purchased individually $12 members and $15 non-members or as a series: $40 Member or $50 Non-Member. 

For more information email  [email protected] or  call 613-230-3276

Shelterbelt and supporters' pavillion

Thousands of trees once marked the northern and western boundaries of the Central Experimental Farm. The Friends of the Farm have been working diligently on the Merivale Shelterbelt to recreate a boundary forest at the western edge of this National Historic Site. It beautifies the surroundings, provides a recreational path, protects the fields from salt and soil erosion, and helps clean the air at the Farm and neighbourhoods nearby.

The project is almost finished, so this year will be the last opportunity to help complete this important project.

Until July 31, 2018 you can donate to this beautification project in the name of someone or something you care about. An inscription on a plaque will acknowledge your contribution. Plaques are on a commemorative wall in the plaza or rest area on the pathway. The wall acknowledges the official opening of the Shelterbelt and pavilion by the Governor-General of Canada in 2005.

Thanks to many generous donors, the Friends' volunteers have planted new trees and shrubs each year.  We have room for one more year's donations. Help us build this beautiful green space and place a personalized inscription to a loved one or a special cause. Donations must be made by July 31, 2018, to be included in the final annual celebration in September 2018. For more information please visit the Shelterbelt page.