Wheatley opens learning trail and arboretum

Despite a brisk breeze and cool temperatures, dozens of people showed up for the official opening of Wheatley’s Aboretum and Learning Trail on Saturday, April 20.

The morning featured outdoor yoga, tree-planting demonstrations and native plant giveaways by the Wheatley Horticultural Society, as well as a children’s play area and refreshments.

After an address by Horticultural Society President Sophie Jefferson and Past President Donna Matier, the ribbon was cut and the public was welcomed to explore the new trails, trees and stationary exercise equipment.

Matier — the chairperson of the project — said the idea stemmed from a conversation with long-time Wheatley resident Grant Bowman, the namesake for the Grant Bowman Trail on Talbot Street East.

The Grant Bowman Trail was named by the Horticultural Society in October of 2020 as part of their beautification efforts.

“Grant suggested doing something similar with the area behind the arena, back by the berms,” said Matier. “After walking the property and realizing how big the area was, I approached the board members of the Wheatley Horticultural Society to develop this into a learning centre.”

The board was enthusiastic about the idea and enlisted the help of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and also approached Christine Hopper at Wheatley Area Public School, who immediately had her Grade 6 class get to work on ideas they’d like to see along the trail.

In January 2022, they were approved for a grant and with help from Ward 1 councillors Lauren Anderson and Melissa Harrigan, the municipality was on board.

Fast forward to this past month and the Horticultural Society has been hard at work preparing for Saturday’s opening by planting trees, applying mulch and sprucing up the area. 

Phase one of the trails was completed in August 2023 and work has continued throughout the past several months to make the dream a reality.

“Congratulations to the Horticultural Society for bringing this project to what it is today,” said Harrigan.

In her speech, Matier thanked everyone involved in making it happen, from the municipality to the BIA, to all companies and individuals who had a hand in executing the idea. In a community like Wheatley, there were many people to thank.

Chatham-Kent Leamington MP Dave Epp was on hand with Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, both there to represent the upper levels of government.

“There’s a saying, it takes a village,” said Epp. “It’s so true because it really does.”

The arboretum and learning trail is open to all and located behind Wheatley Area Arena at the back of the property. Future plans include a continuation of the trail to connect it back to the front of the arena area.