Sharing some heritage stories from our Jungle Farm community
The Jungle Farm is thrilled to be part of an exciting project where we get to share some of your stories! We are working on a Jungle Farm Heritage Cookbook that combines our wonderful recipes with our rich family history, but why stop there? We also want a section that will showcase the heritage stories of some of our neighbours – we’re happy to share some community stories below. Stay tuned for info on the progress of our Heritage Cookbook!
We know these features are merely a tiny glimpse into the richness of these people's lives - thank you for sharing a tasty morsel of your story!
Kristen & Ruth
… this mom & daughter team share a love of gardening and cooking!
Ellen Walton
… played at The Jungle Farm when she was a young girl!
Francis Bechman
… grew up on the bustling Hogg farm. (This photo is not from the actual farm:)
Elder Lyle Richards
… lifelong advocate for Indigenous Peoples.
Marvin Latimer
… recalls skiing at Spruce Coulee.
Marian Breeze
… lots of cabbage growing up in Wales!
Jeanne Anderson
… cherished basic Quick Cake recipe celebrated through the generations in her family!
Carol & Larry Dahmer
… recall the mountains of snow while growing up in Saskatchewan.
Jordyn Taylor
… is a business student doing her practicum at The Jungle Farm!
Maarten & Joanne Wouters
… moved with their young family from Luxembourg years ago!
Doris Kibermanis
… her mom holds the family recipe book.
Barb Thomson
… lived in the area’s first log house.
Rita Thompson
… mentoring others.
Coralie & Albert Bond
… married for 70 years!
Kaye Rechner
… storyteller.
Karen Mengersen
… changing lives through Special Olympics!
Mary Verbunt
… Dutch heritage
Rita Kemp
… documenting history.
Vanessa Ruppert
… born in Guatemala.
Dorothy & Dave Munro
… a cornerstone in the Innisfail community.
Tracey Kachor
… recently discovered her Cree Metis heritage.
Alma Johnson
… lived in an old railway station house.
Marilyn Sinclair
… everything was homemade.
Sandy Bexon
Sandy (right), who writes our Jungle Farm newsletter, shares a story about her sisters and their Irish heritage.
Coralie & Albert Bond Mary Verbunt Rita Kemp Marilyn Sinclair
… married for 70 years … Dutch heritage … documenting history. … everything was homemade.
Click here for their story! Click here for Mary’s story! Click here for Rita’s story! Click here for Marilyn’s story!
Unbroken Landscape
A important part of the Heritage Project is an unbroken portion of forested area that has been left untouched. Leona & Blaine are fifth generation direct-descendants of settlers on this land, and Leona’s great-grandfather began a vital tradition that has created a rich resource. We know this heritage area is a source for scientific, cultural and historical information. We are working alongside Knowledge Keepers who can identify the Indigenous significance of this plot of land and share the land-based lessons it still provides.
We were thrilled to open the Forest Walk in time to offer the first Nature School program for older youth in 2025. Nature School was a hit, and the program will be offered as part of our series of educational summer programs for children and youth. Click here for details.
Heritage Project at The Jungle Farm
The Jungle Farm is cultivating a more accessible path at the protected area, where a series of interpretive plaques placed along the path will allow for self-guided walks and reflection on the early history of this land. As staunch stewards of the land, Leona & Blaine are ensuring this project will not compromise the natural beauty. Learn alongside us as we explore the connection of our land to Indigenous history in the area. Leona’s great-grandfather J.D. Quantz started a legacy of protecting this little forest, which was continued through the generations. It is a treasure, and we are undertaking this project with utmost respect for the land and for the people who have walked upon it
Leona was keen to walk through the little forest with Knowledge Keeper, Clare Butterfly, during his first visit to the farm in early spring (photos at bottom). The Jungle Farm is thrilled to have Clare’s guidance, as we navigate this journey together. Check out this video of Clare and Leona exploring the Forest Walk together!
This project is funded in part by the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
