Published in the fall of 2024, this new book showcases the Farm’s remarkable collection of trees in the Arboretum, on the Farm’s main campus, and in the Merivale Shelterbelt.
It celebrates 125 rare and familiar tree species and features over 800 stunning colour and archival photographs. The text and accompanying maps guide visitors along eight different exploratory walks. Selected trees are profiled through a close-up view of their shape, leaves, flowers, bark, and fruit, accompanied by a discussion of their growing conditions and native habitats.
The authors of Pathways to the Trees at the Central Experimental Farm are forestry specialists Eric Jones and Roman Popadiouk and photographer and writer Richard Hinchcliff. The Farm has been called “the lungs of the city,” and research has revealed its importance in mitigating air pollution and moderating temperatures. The climate crisis and the pressures of urban development make appreciation of the Farm’s trees all the more vital.
The acquisition of trees from across Canada and around the world, along with research into their viability in the central Canadian climate, began soon after the Farm was founded in the late 1880s.
Reviews
“Pathways to the Trees … provides laymen like myself with a blueprint for understanding and appreciating the trees of Ottawa’s spectacular Arboretum … The wonderful photography in this book, as well as the clear, concise description of each tree variety, is enough to satisfy most nature lovers. But many will find the crowning touch to be in the featured eight walks – six in the Arboretum, one on the Main Campus, and one along the shelterbelt at Merivale.
“The Arboretum is a national showpiece. One we take for granted. Pathways to the Trees is more than a beautiful book, it’s an opportunity to get out, touch, feel and learn about our trees; a chance to reacquaint with our national gem, the Dominion Arboretum.”
- The Mainstreeter, October 2024
“Pathways to the Trees at the Central Experimental Farm is part of an explosion of interest in urban forests and the individual trees within them. (It) is an enjoyable love letter to the trees of the Experimental Farm at a time when they are increasingly at risk from urban stressors like road salt, air pollution and development.
“I ended my literary tour of the book’s eight walks with renewed appreciation for the Farm’s collection of urban trees and the Friends of the Farm’s efforts to keep them in our hearts and minds as they and our city continue to grow and change.”
- Emma Bider, Glebe Report, November 15, 2024, p.23
“This book is a treasure trove of information, not only about the trees, but also Ottawa history and natural history. Historical photos and information about The Farm also dot the book. Use it to find out about a specific tree species or open it at random and be surprised by a stunning photo or a new fact … If you’re looking for a gift for a tree lover or Farm fan, this is it!”
- Sandy Garland, The OSCAR November 2024, p 16
“Pathways to the Trees at the Central Experimental Farm is an extraordinary new book that showcases the Farm’s history and remarkable collection of trees … This wonderful book will enthrall tree lovers and history buffs alike and will also serve as a valuable guide for anyone who is interested in learning about the characteristics of specific types of trees.
“I think, too, that once you are able to put this book down, you will want to plan a visit to the Central Experimental Farm.”
- Colleen Zacharias, Winnipeg Free Press, December 14, 2024
“Pathways to the Trees at the Central Experimental Farm is a gem. This book is both a guide and a tribute to the majestic collection of trees at the Arboretum, as well as on the Central Experimental Farm’s main campus and along the Merivale Shelterbelt … I hope that visitors will use this new book to deepen their appreciation for the wonder and beauty of these trees.”
- Darlene Pearson, The Centretown Buzz, December 13, 2024, p.9
Price: $23.81 (plus shipping if not picked up at our office)
When you buy a copy of this book, you can obtain a 20% discount on two other books: “Blooms: An Illustrated History of the Ornamental Gardens at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm” and “Building Canada’s Farm: An Illustrated Guide to Buildings at the Central Experimental Farm”. The discount will be applied at checkout.
Purchase options:
Shipping – Buy it online with a credit card and have it shipped to a location of your choice for a cost.
In-person pickup – Buy it here online with a credit card or call the office during these Office Hours to arrange payment by credit card, cheque or cash. Then arrange a time to pick it up at the Friends’ office in Building 75 weekdays during our Office Hours. (We are closed on statutory holidays and during the holiday season.) Please note that we have moved and are now in Building 75, next to the Ornamental Gardens.
Questions? Email info@friendsofthefarm.ca