Jane Zednick
John Oyston loves the Oak Ridges Moraine and loves native plants and trees. In 2007, after he purchased 100 acres of land in nearby Bewdley, John Oyston turned 35 acres of bush into a trail system, rented about 60 acres to a local farmer for agricultural production and three of the five remaining acres he restored to tallgrass prairie where there is a high view of Rice Lake. This area was once part of the Rice Lake Plains historically covered by prairie grasses but all over North America this vegetation has become very rare. The tallgrass prairie is encircled by an arboretum with 120 different kinds and species of native trees.
Mr. Oyston received the Moraine Hero award in 2012 for his regeneration efforts.
John Oyston has kindly invited members of the public for a free tour of his Oak Hills Prairie Farm and Arboretum on Wednesday October 7th from 3 to 5:30 pm. Access to the property is from Oak Hills Road, which runs north from Highway 9 two kilometres east of Bewdley. About 100m after the sign for 4945 Oak Hills Rd, pull over to the right side of the road before the short dirt entranceway into the Prairie and Arboretum. Please do not block the entranceway, as farm access is required.
Later the same evening, Mr. Oyston who has given talks at events such as Canada Blooms will be giving a powerpoint presentation on native plants at the Millbrook & Area Garden Club meeting which will be held at the St. Thomas Church Hall , 16 Centre Street in Millbrook starting at 7:30 p.m. (parking in the rear; bring your own mug). $2.00 admission.
The public is most welcome to attend the onsite tour or the talk or both.
