The Fryfogel Arboretum

30 Jul The Fryfogel Arboretum

The Fryfogel Arboretum is situated on a five acre property adjacent to the significantly historic Fryfogel Tavern. This building is on the site of the first structure built around 1830, as a gateway to the opening of Perth and Huron counties in what was Upper Canada. The current Tavern building was constructed in 1845. At the time of the establishment of the settlement of the Fryfogel Tavern, by the Swiss Inn Keeper, Sebastian Fryfogel, no road access existed to the western counties in what is now Western Ontario. The Huron Road provided a necessary access for this development, and the Fryfogel Tavern, made the expansion possible, as early settlers moved towards the port of Goderich on the shore of Lake Huron.

The virgin primordial forests that once existed on this site were recorded in the notes of the early surveyor, John S. McDonald, as he and his crew of thirty men, commissioned by the Canada Company, hacked and cut through this uninhabited and inhospitable area. McDonald’s field notes provide valuable information about the native species that existed prior to the settlement of the area.

With the arrival of the early settlers came extensive clearing of land to make way for the strong and prosperous agricultural communities that followed. The loss of tree cover was total.

In 2013, the initiative to rehabilitate and re-establish a forest using the native species of Perth County was begun on this site and the Fryfogel Arboretum was born. The importance of identifying and educating the public about our rich heritage of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers and the fauna they support was
the inspiration for this project.

Removal of alien tree species such as Siberian Elm, Norway Spruce and an
aggressive cover of Black Walnut has been one of the challenges.

Plantings in the upland areas of the climax species of Sugar Maple and Beech were begun. Red Oak, Hackberry, Basswood, Black Cherry, Burr Oak, Tulip Tree and Sycamore are being planted. In the riparian zone, Hemlock, White Cedar, Tamarack and Red Maple and Silver Maple are planted. The southern boundary of the site is experiencing natural succession of Balsam Poplar and Trembling Aspen.

As these canopy tree species become established long term plans include the planting of associated under-story (including dogwoods, viburnums, ironwood, witch hazel, elderberry and others) and wildflower plantings (trillium, mayflower, bloodroot, columbine, jack-in-the-pulpit, dutch-mans breeches, trout
lily, jewel weed and others).

On the eastern side of the creek, a dying Norway Spruce Plantation is being
culled to allow light and moisture to penetrate to the forest floor. Gradually appropriate species will be in-planted as conditions allow. Some native White Pine are replacing the Spruce, and the light is allowing the emergence of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, as a welcome sign that this area will respond to restoration.

Control of invasive weeds such as garlic mustard, escape comfy, and non native grasses continue to be a challenge.

A wet meadow along the shore of the creek includes ideal pollinator species such as Skunk Cabbage, Joe Pye Weed, Asters, Milkweeds and Goldenrods.

On the “Tavern Green” associated with the Tavern itself, a sunny border pollinator planting has been established. This bed includes Milkweed varieties, Prairie Smoke, Wild Strawberry, Wild Geranium, Blazingstar, Bee Balm, Evening Primrose, Black eyed Susan, Tall Ironweed, Asters, Indian Grass, Little Blue Stem and others.

Also, a Four-Square Swiss-German Heritage Garden of herbs and vegetables is loving maintained, as a reference to the family who bravely faced the wilds of Upper Canada and established the Tavern over One Hundred and Eighty Five years ago.

This project is the initiative of the Stratford-Perth Heritage Foundation and is undertaken with the help of an active and enthusiastic group of volunteers.