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Why do we have a greenbelt anyway?

Why do we have a greenbelt anyway? A Family-Friendly Farm Walk
Children checking out the chickens at Beetbox Farm.
Children checking out the chickens at Beetbox Farm.

We believe that everyone who eats should have the opportunity to check out a farm! Did you know there are over 100 farms in the greenbelt surrounding Ottawa?! This walk is a chance to visit a working vegetable farm and community garden, surrounded by forest and marshes in Ottawa's Greenbelt. We will discuss the beautiful landscape in which the farm is situated, the history and wider context of farming in the NCC Greenbelt, visit some farm animals and jump in some puddles. It's a walk for all ages. Rain boots recommended! 


Key Topics: 

  • Why do we have a greenbelt, is it protected, and how should we use it?
  • What's the roll of farming in the greenbelt and how did all this farmland become part of the greenbelt?
  • Does it really matter if food is grown organically?
  • Why do chickens lay different coloured-eggs?
  • Its cold at night! What vegetable plants can we grow outside in early May? 
  • And of course any burning questions you have for your local farmers!
Location
Route

We'll meet at the Beetbox Farm barns at 230 Davidson's Side Road. From there, we'll walk around the farm in between the fields to the greenhouse and chicken coop. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended or rain boots if it has rained recently.

The driveway is packed dirt and gravel with a few potholes that can generally be avoided.  There may be a large puddle that is a few inches deep that can be walked around or possibly rolled through. There are no hills. 


To reach the farm by car take Carling Ave. It is located just west of Moodie Dr. or east of March Rd. Davidson's Side Road is on the north side of Carling, across from the Smithvale Stables and down the road from The 19th tee. Drive north on Davidson's Side Rd to the farm gate (marked as 230 and with a large orange Beetbox sign), then drive down to the barns. You can park in front of the barn and Farm Store. If that is full, please park on the east side of the driveway on the grass. Please keep the round-about clear for cars to turn around. 

You can also bike 100% of the way from Beaverbrook or downtown. From Beaverbrook, take the Watt's creek pathway to the Greenbelt pathway West (crosses Carling at rifle road). When you get to Carling, cross over and continue on the path (not Rifle Road). The first path you come across to the right (through a cedar forest) will deliver you directly to the start of the BeetBox driveway. 




About the walk leader

Angela is one of the owner/members of BeetBox Co-op Farm, current tenants of an NCC agricultural property. We are excited to welcome visitors to the farm and to learn and share stories about Ottawa's greenbelt! 

Find out more about BeetBox Co-operative Farm at our website or Facebook page.  We offer CSA vegetable boxes. 

Guide:

Angela Plant

When:
Date:Sun May 4, 2025
Time:10:00 AM
Duration: 1 hour
Language: English
Where:
Start:230 Davidson's Side Rd.
End:same
Area:Shirley's Bay
Distance:2.0 kms
Accessibility:

The path is generally level, but is uneven and possibly muddy in places.  

Walker Sign-up

Signing up is not required for this walk. If you plan to attend, by signing up you will help us estimate the group size. Please submit your email and the number of walkers that will be attending with you below.

Gallery
Children checking out the chickens at Beetbox Farm. Some of the vegetables grown at Beetbox farm. Jeremy shows the farm to friends and family for the first time (summer 2017). Gathering for a potluck at Beetbox Farm Tour of the farm greenhouses. A child in a bicycle cargo basket with produce from the farm.
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk