Newly installed location identifier and wayfinding signs have made popular Ferguson Forest Centre trails more visible and accessible this summer. A series of new signs was erected recently through a joint effort of the Ferguson Forest Centre (FFC) and the Municipality of North Grenville.
“We want people to safely enjoy the trails,” stated Carl Doucette, President of the Ferguson Forest Centre. “Part of our mandate is to promote good forestry as well as supporting conservation and recreation in the Municipality of North Grenville.”
“We received a grant in 2016 to create more awareness regarding North Grenville Trails, including those in the Ferguson Forest Centre”, said Mark Guy, Director of Parks and Recreation for North Grenville. “We worked with FFC CEO Ed Patchell to identify six specific trails and parking areas within the FFC and sign them appropriately for users of the trail system. We also worked with St. Michael’s School to identify their 4-, 5- and 6-km runs within the FFC.”
“Part of our budget goes toward the creation and maintenance of trails,” explained Ed Patchell, CEO of the Forest Centre. “It’s great to partner with the Municipality. For the most part, the funds for maintenance come directly from the revenue we generate here at the Tree Nursery part of the FFC.”
The Ferguson Forest Centre is 1,100 acres of multi-use forested land located in Kemptville. The Centre is governed by the not-for-profit Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation on behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville for the 360 acres of municipal lands, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for trails on the 740 acres of Ministry lands. The 300-acre Ferguson Tree Nursery manages the Centre and provides funding for its operation and maintenance. The Centre boasts walking and hiking trails, an arboretum, dog park, snowmobile and skiing trails, community garden, a children’s walking trail with animal displays and a shaded picnic area with a canoe and kayak launch adjacent to the South Branch of the Rideau River. Visit www.NGTrails.ca for more information.