Organic Advocates - Feast of Fields is a non-profit organization of organic producers, environmentally concerned chefs and other food professionals, and enlightened consumers. Each year a significant donation is made to an ecological group or organization to promote sustainable, organic agriculture. Past recipients have included: The Ecological Farmers Association, The University of Guelph Organic Agriculture Program, York University and Seeds of Diversity.

In 2010 proceeds from the Feast of Fields were used to design and build the "Children's Organic Garden", at Cold Creek Conservation Area. The two year project, is now complete.

Last year we installed a wooden garden arbour, which was destroyed after a wind storm, so we decided to build something bigger and stronger this year. We selected a pergola, to add another dimension to the garden.

The beautiful pergola was hand-crafted by one of King Township's Parks and Recreation staff, Shay McGoldrick and crew. He was given the idea and told we wanted a peaceful, quiet space to sit and enjoy the garden and the view, and he created just that. For someone so young, Shay has an incredible eye for beauty and detail. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.

The vegetable garden was planted, and supplies a constant harvest of organic food for the summer children camps that use the site, and maintain the garden, which has put them more in touch with nature and the food they eat.

The perennial beds attract an abundance of insects, frogs, toads, butterflies and birds for the children to study. We continue to add perennials and native plants to the garden, and the grapes will be ready soon. Next year the pergola should be covered by the two grape plants.

The garden has given the children the opportunity to taste and eat different vegetables and herbs right off the plant. There are oregano, chives, thyme, peppermint bush, pineapple sage, and many interesting flavours from which to choose.

A new sign was created and installed by Signs-in-Wood, a company from Muskoka, to reflect the garden's peacefulness. Local companies were used as much as possible to create the site: Allstone Quarry for the stones, Valente Organic Farm for the vegetables and herbs; Sprouts for Life for herbs sunflowers and perennials; composted soil from the Township; other plants from Brookdale Treeland Nurseries; and donated plants from private gardens

Please take a moment while you are here and visit the garden.

The new Pavilion is now complete!

In 2011 Feast of Fields, in partnership, with the Township of King, has built the new Pavilion, at Cold Creek Conservation Area. The structure was erected as a permanent site, to replace the enormous tent that had been previously used, and constantly blowing down, with the howling winds that blew up from the valley.

It will provide the shelter needed for the children in the school and summer camp environmental outdoor studies programs, along with other events that take place in the park.

The building was also built by Township Parks and Recreation staff member Shay McGoldrick and crew.