Cobourg Ecology Garden blossoms into 30th year
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By reporter Natalie Hamilton
Whether meandering along a trail on a leisurely nature walk or kneeling to prune plants, the Cobourg Ecology Garden (CEG) has established strong roots in the Town of Cobourg.
The CEG recently marked its 30-year anniversary as a place for residents of all ages and abilities to get in touch with nature – both literally and figuratively. With an accessible path, benches and picnic tables, families with children in strollers and anyone with mobility challenges can spend time enjoying the outdoor space that encompasses nearly half-an-acre of land.
The idea for an ecology garden was conceived in 1995 by Minnie Pennell, an “indomitable local citizen who had a big idea and the zeal to see it through.”
She pulled together a committee, persuaded Legion Village to allocate some land and on Earth Day 1996, Pennell and a group of “staunch supporters” launched the garden with a sunrise ceremony around a new bur oak.
Since then, the CEG has evolved and expanded to its current state and size. The garden is located between Hibernia and Durham streets and is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers.
One of those volunteers is Dora Body, who joined the CEG gardeners more than nine years ago. The past-chair, current treasurer and caretaker of the butterfly garden bed, shared some thoughts with the Independent around the significance of the 30-year milestone.
“A garden that started as a gleam in (Pennell’s) eye in 1996 has evolved into an oasis that covers almost half an acre and is part of an entire generation’s lives,” said Body. “With its profusion of trees, shrubs, vines and flowers, the ecology garden has contributed to environmental sustainability by being a safe haven, a breeding area, and a food source for birds, small animals and pollinators of all sorts.”
The CEG supports social sustainability through its accessible path and engages people of all ages in physical activity through volunteering, noted Body. Clients of Community Living and Respite Northumberland who have developmental disabilities actively maintain several garden beds at the CEG.
“This provides these individuals with opportunities for skills development and to have a sense of pride and accomplishment as they watch their gardens thrive,” she said.
The ecology garden hosts free events that provide opportunities for families in any economic bracket to engage in fun, youth-oriented activities. Groups of schoolchildren visit and participate in gardening projects, helping them develop an appreciation for the need to protect the environment.
“Working or walking in the garden contributes to physical health, while socializing with visitors improves an individual’s sense of well-being,” noted Body.
Those who enjoy sunshine, fresh air and gardening, are encouraged to consider joining the CEG and adopting a garden bed or helping in other ways. Membership is $20 per year and includes a vote on garden activities.
The CEG also welcomes partnerships. Current partners include Villa Saint Joseph Ecology and Spirituality Centre, Community Living and Respite Northumberland, United Way Northumberland, and the Town of Cobourg.
“For 30 years, the ecology garden has been so much more than a garden – it’s a place where our community learns, connects and reconnects with nature,” said Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland.
“I want to acknowledge former Mayor Joan Chalovich, who helped launch this vision back in 1996. This milestone belongs to the dedicated volunteers whose passion has brought this space to life season after season, and to a community that cares for these grounds as their own.
“Cobourg is truly fortunate to have this peaceful, picturesque space along our waterfront.”
Over the past three decades, the garden has provided a place to grow plants, to learn and to meet others.
“Visitors constantly comment on the beauty of the garden, and many see it as an oasis where they can take a break from the demands of everyday life to enjoy birdsong, watch the antics of squirrels and chipmunks, and relax while strolling through a series of themed gardens,” said Body. “As one visitor put it: ‘This garden is a little bit of heaven.’”