Upton Farms planning for next 100 years

The public trust that owns Upton Farms in Charlottetown says it wants to create a master plan to ensure the large green space will be maintained for the next century. 

Upton Farms Trust Inc., has applied for provincial money to hire a company to come up with the master plan for the 52-hectare plot. It's expected to cost several thousand dollars.

Board member Heidi Hyndman said she likes the idea.

"Hedgerows need to be rejuvenated, we want to plant trees, see things like walking paths, some nice places to enjoy views and take lunch, places to walk your dog and play with your kids and generally just enjoy nature," she said.

"We're not looking to put anything in the form of a building or facility, that kind of thing. We have enough of that on P.E.I. already. It is literally the entrance into the City of Charlottetown. We'd like it to look beautiful."

If the trust gets funding, it said it hopes to have the master plan in place by fall and start landscaping soon after.

Upton Farm is set to be declared a naturally protected area under the Natural Areas Protection Act.

The act defines a natural area as an area that contains rare, endangered or uncommon wildlife, has exceptional scenery, or provides opportunities for scientific and educational programs.