Restoring the Pawpaw, one tree at a time.

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The pawpaw tree is making a comeback, one planting at a time.

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“It’s a large native fruit, part of the custard apple family, that was once widespread in the Carolinian forest zone,” Brooke Martin, coordinator of the Simcoe Community Food Forest, shared at the event. “Now, only a few populations remain, and they lack genetic diversity.

“The Carolinian Canada Pawpaw Parade distributes trees each year to increase this genetic diversity.”

On Saturday, Martin planted two pawpaw trees at Waterworks Park on Chapel Street, with assistance from the community.

“We aim to plant trees in this area because many aren’t familiar with them and to raise awareness about this Indigenous fruit,” Martin explained. “This is also a step toward reconciliation, as historically, the pawpaw was a staple food for Indigenous peoples, and its population dwindled due to colonization and deforestation.

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Pawpaw trees attract pollination primarily from flies and beetles. They can reach heights of over 18 feet (5.5 meters) and begin producing fruit after six to seven years of growth.

“People describe the flavor as a mix of mango, pineapple, and citrus,” Martin noted. “Their popularity is rising, prompting foragers to seek out their natural clusters.”

The fruit is considered rare and thus tends to be expensive; however, there’s a growing trend to cultivate other varieties of pawpaws. Despite this, they spoil easily and aren’t yet seen as a commercial crop.

“But the demand is increasing,” Martin added.

Alongside the pawpaw planting, the event at the park included the creation of a pollinator garden, spearheaded by Sherry Shrubb from The Pollinator Project, initiated a year ago.

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A local farmer brought in bees from abroad due to insufficient local pollinators for his crops, which led to hives being given to Sarah Judd of Meadow Lynn Farms on Decou Road, ultimately resulting in The Pollinator Project.

Shrubb became involved in 2019 upon learning about the global decline in pollinators.

“I discovered that the easiest way to help is by planting native plants,” said Shrubb. “Just one plant a month on your balcony or in a community garden can make a difference.”

“What I’ve learned is simple: plant native species, and the wildlife will follow,” Shrubb added. “If you plant milkweed, the monarchs will show up.”

“It’s truly magical to plant native flora and then wait to see what comes,” she expressed. “It’s something everyone can do—it’s enjoyable and easy.”

The pollinator garden represents Shrubb’s fourth such initiative in the Simcoe area, with hopes for many more to come.

“My goal is to expand the native plant population throughout Norfolk County, fostering support for bees, butterflies, and wildlife,” Shrubb stated.

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