The idea of the Arboretum and Learning Trail project started in 2020 with a conversation the Horticultural Society had with Mr. Grant Bowman. After walking the property and realizing how big the area was, Donna Matier approached the board members of the Wheatley Horticultural Society to develop this into a learning center. They were more than enthusiastic about the opportunities and since then we have put our resources into developing this area. 

The Wheatley Arboretum & Learning Trail was one of the 2021 Canada Community Building fund recipients, with  $120,000.00 allocated to the creation of the trail.  In late August 2022, Phase 1 of the Trail was completed.  That fall, the first trees, the white spruce that line the ball diamonds were also installed.  The purchase and installation of those trees was made possible by a Together CK Grant and an EDF Romney Wind Grant. Another 120 trees were purchased and planted that fall  in our themed walkways with proceeds from our Garden Tour, Fish Tote Flower boxes, membership sales, Raffles, plant sales, golf tournament sponsors, and many cash donations.

The next installations were the work out equipment pads, with funding provided by the Wheatley BIA, CK Together Grants, Ward 1 fundraising, a donation from the Randy Robinson Family as well as additional fundraising by the Wheatley Horticultural Society.  Ahead of the Grand Opening in Spring 2024, benches were donated by Chris Dundas, the Wheatley Swans, the Randy Robinson Family and the Wheatley Area Public School Class of 2022- it was these students who were originally involved in the trail design.

It did take a village to develop this space.  Next steps include installation of the remainder of the trees in the planting plan, an additional pollinator garden sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and the Lower Thames Conservation Authority, and potentially the installation of a pavilion with additional learning opportunities.