Welcome from the Fergusons
Dave is the 5th generation of his family to live on the farm and Gabrielle is a first generation Canadian whose father came from Luxembourg and mother came from Ireland. We are creating a space that contributes to a healthier planet and sustainable living. We both love the farm, the woodlot, local food/beverage venues and our community. We are surrounded by great food, craft beverages, unique venues, theatre, beaches and peaceful quiet. Our favourite place is here, home on the farm beside the woods.
In 2019 we decided to move into the Edwardian Century home Dave's great grandfather built. In 2021 we restored the original woodwork and design elements from 1915 while renovating to modernize large bedrooms and bright spaces creating a comfortable guest getaway for those looking for a unique Ontario, Canada country experience.
Meanwhile, the decades of managing 110 acres (45 hectares) of Carolinian woodlot on the home farm has created towering trees of Walnut, Oak, Maple, Beech, Cherry, Hickory, and the rare Paw Paws. A multitude of native flowers and other plants, birds, amphibians and mammals call this diverse sanctuary of woods, tall grass prairie, duck ponds and wetlands home.
Our passion is embracing, protecting and sharing nature's wonder and the historical beauty of our home.
Immerse yourself in peaceful surroundings and celebrate the joy of abundant nature and space.
This is our life's story so far, we welcome you to be a part of our continued journey.
Dave and Gabrielle
Who We Are
We are a family farm growing grain and oilseeds, and producing quality wood products from 60 hectares (148 acres) of woodlot. Ralph, David's father, started with cattle, pasture, chickens and crops. He planted the hillsides into trees and built bluebird boxes for the field edges. Dave and his wife Gabrielle have continued the evolution by using their agricultural and environmental degrees to expand on-farm projects and partnerships. In 2020 they moved into the home great-grandfather William McDonald built 1915-1917. It’s an exciting time to see the vision of a biodiverse farm that started over 100 years ago grow strong. The woodlot is managed for biodiversity and preservation of species at risk, the farmland for soil health. The 200 hectare (500 acre) farm operation is a showcase for agri-environmental stewardship projects.
Over five generations we have implemented projects on our farm that have created a profitable grain and oilseeds farm that enhances soil health and nurtures biodiversity. We work with partners at universities, agriculture and environmental organizations, governments and other farmers. Projects include no-tillage cropping, cover crops, reforestation of sensitive landscapes, woodlot restoration, wetland creation, pollinator plantations and species at risk habitat. We adapt our approach as new information becomes available. As we learn more we share with others through tours, presentations, research results and articles. It’s time for us to invite more visitors that want to relax in our space, and, if they feel like it, learn about farming and the surrounding environment.