The Arboretum Trail, also known asTrees of Grey-Bruce Trail, features native tree and shrub species of Grey and Bruce counties. More than 100 different species are identified in pods along the 1.3 kilometer path. The trail winds around a 1-acre Wildflower Meadow that was extensively seeded in 2017. Benches are available at key viewing sites where interpretive signs explain interrelationships between the plants and wildlife.
The Inglis Falls Arboretum began in the mid-1960s. The original concept was to plant only the indigenous species that were growing in Grey-Bruce at the time of European settlement. However, exotic plants were finally included because it was thought that the public might find them more appealing. When additional land was purchased, the arboretum was expanded, the older section became known as Trees of the World.
In 2000, several enthusiasts formed a volunteer organization, the Inglis Falls Arboretum Alliance (IFAA), to oversee the expansion of the arboretum. A design was prepared by a landscape architecture firm and included a new plant propagation area. A decision was again made to feature only the native woody plants of Grey and Bruce Counties.
Now, what had been once a horse pasture has gradually been reforested with woody species with many that are labeled and planted in pods along the trail. A small but dedicated group of volunteers propagates the native trees and shrubs at the nursery adjacent to the trail. A primary goal of IFAA is to increase public knowledge and appreciation of indigenous trees, shrubs and vines and the vital ecological role of native species. To this end, we offer guided tours by appointment. We also collaborate with the Saugeen Conservation to host an annual outdoor education program for Grade 3 students. We promote the use of native plants in home landscapes by making woody species available to the public by donation. Recently, IFAA has made enhancements to the Arboretum including:
Wildflower Meadow – located along the Trees of Grey-Bruce Trail
WILDFLOWER MEADOW SPECIES LIST:
https://www.greysauble.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ARB_WILDFLOWER_LIST.jpg
Pollinator Garden – located at the front of the GSCA Administrative offices
Woodland Naturalization Garden – located in the Trees of the World section near the memorial bench designed by artist Stephen Hogbin
IFAA is entirely self-supported through the generous donations of friends and visitors.
Native Tree & Shrub Sales
To encourage the use of native plants in the landscape, we offer trees and shrubs to the public by donation. They are free to non-profit groups.
We welcome you to visit us on Saturday mornings 9 a.m. until noon, May through October. We are also available at other times by appointment. Contact us at nurseryIFAA@gmail.com.
Link to Trail Map: https://gdangerfield.carto.com/viz/466df36a-3a60-46be-b965-3fd3b390c9d4/embed_map
The Arboretum Trail just one of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com
Region(s): Grey CountyNearby towns and cities: Owen Sound
Trail feature tags: Interpretive signage | nature trail | wildflower meadow
Arboretum Trail characteristics
Length: 1.3 kmDifficulty: Easy (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural and Stone Dust
Trail use: Hiking and Snowshoeing
Wheelchair accessible
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: washrooms, picnic shelter
Attractions: Interpretive signage
Contact:
nurseryIFAA@gmail.com
Find it: Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, 237897 Inglis Falls Road, RR 4, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.5346370
Longitude: -80.9374590
Arboretum Trail Image Gallery
Photo credits:
Don Knight