The Rural Voice, 2001-12, Page 56EnGen1u�-
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52 THE RURAL VOICE
AgriTech
Christmas trees hunting on the web
By Janice Becker
The snow is on the ground, that
music is playing in every store and
many people are overwhelmed with
the demands of their social calendar
at this time of the year. However,
there is at least one way to get away
from the hustle and bustle of the
season and enjoy a day
with the family.
December may not
be the month when
most Ontarians would
think of taking a day
trip vacation in their
home province, but the
numerous Christmas -
tree farmers across the
region offer a bevy of
activities for those wishing to make
the search for a real Christmas tree a
family affair.
While Christmas -tree growers in
your immediate area may offer a
wide selection of firs and balsams for
you to wander through on a
gloriously sunny winter day, there are
several farms within a couple hours'
drive for most residents in
Southwestern Ontario where a full
day of activities can also be enjoyed.
To begin the search for a farm
with added attractions suited to your
family, a trip to the Christmas Tree
Farms of Ontario website,
www.christmastrees.on.ca is a great
place go. (It can also be found at
www.forest.ca/browsesearch/83/0/1
498).
The site has a straight -forward and
easy to follow layout, taking visitors
quickly to the information sought.
A click on the harvest -your -own Zink
displays a map of Ontario from
Ottawa to Windsor. Major cities are
highlighted for further detail of
specific areas.
While the London Zink connected
to just one site, in Bothwell in Kent
County, the Waterloo, Orangeville,
Guelph and Collingwood connections
provided many more options.
Many of the operations offer
visitors refreshments, wagon rides,
children's activities, entertainment,
bonfires and visits with Mr. and Mrs.
Claus.
Links are furnished for several of
Websites
offer
information
and
Christmas
fun
the farms listed, taking surfers
directly to specific operations' sites.
Connecting to the virtual farm tour,
not only are visitors taken pictorially
and in writing through the tree
growing, harvesting, packaging, and
trucking process, but they are also
offered general information on
coniferous trees and given a history
of the Christmas tree.
Seven activities are geared to the
children and can be used for
classroom learning.
For those contemplating entering
the Christmas tree growing business
or are looking for a unique
fundraising opportunity, wholesale
sources are listed. Growers are even
offered education courses via
correspondence once they become
members of the association.
There are numerous individual
operations which have their own
websites. I chose to check out
Hortons Tree Farms,
w ww.hortontreefarms.com/christma
s_trees.html.
Having been in the business for
many years, Horton's now have three
separate locations in the Aurora,
Stouffville and Orangeville areas.
There is information about cutting
your own, wholesaling, fun facts and
each of the farms with their
distinctive characteristics.
School tours at Magic Hills Farm
throughout December are a great
learning opportunity for the children.
Topics covered include nature
appreciation, ecology, history,
practical farming and conservation.
There are guided tree tours, wagon
rides, a hayloft, bonfire, outside play
pit, refreshments and Santa's elves.
Hortons also has activities during the
spring maple syrup season.
While many operations offer a
wide selection of activities for a day
long outing, don't overlook
neighbour businesses with a
wonderful array of greenery for the
season. Go Christmas tree hunting
with the family this year.
Contact me at
jlbecker@wightman.ca.
Janice Becker is a computer
enthusiast and journalist living near
Walton, ON.