Volunteers, community leaders and residents gathered Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Cobourg Ecology Garden, recognizing three decades of dedication that transformed a section of Cobourg’s west waterfront into one of the community’s most cherished natural spaces.
The anniversary tribute began at 12:45 p.m. near the west-end shed, where organizers encouraged residents to attend in large numbers as a show of appreciation for the volunteers who have cared for the garden over the past three decades.
Organizers described the Ecology Garden as “the emerald pearl on the necklace of the boardwalk,” highlighting its unique setting along Cobourg’s West Beach. They noted that few communities can boast a natural meadow in the heart of their downtown, offering residents and visitors a place for reflection, relaxation and connecting with nature.
The celebration opened with Town Crier Mandy Robinson calling attendees together, followed by a welcome and land acknowledgement from Cheryl Kydd before Dora Body served as master of ceremonies.
Mayor Lucas Cleveland addressed the crowd, thanking the many volunteers whose vision and commitment have shaped the Ecology Garden into a destination enjoyed by thousands each year.
Sister Linda offered a blessing of the garden before Marie-Lynne Hammond led attendees in a performance of Temagami Round. Representatives from the Town’s Parks Department also spoke, recognizing the importance of the volunteer partnership in maintaining the natural space.
The program also featured a poem by Wally Keeler and a reading by Marie-Lynne Hammond titled A Canada Goose Pens a Sonnet.
The afternoon concluded with Dora Body officially wrapping up the ceremony before inviting attendees to enjoy refreshments and participate in anniversary activities throughout the garden.
For 30 years, the Cobourg Ecology Garden has served as a peaceful retreat along the waterfront, showcasing native plants while providing habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Maintained almost entirely by dedicated volunteers, the garden has become a symbol of environmental stewardship and community pride in Cobourg.
Wally Keeler’s Poem
F O R E S T S A R E T R E E S P E E C H
They speak softly
with the breath of oxygen.
Inhale deeply what they have to say.
The winds, the woods, the words.
Repeat over and over
again and again
for
all
your
L I F E
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
