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Development in Taylor Farm is now underway in Phase 4 of the community. As the neighbourhood expands east and servicing for underground utilities are being put in place, Qualico Communities can begin planning farther south, near the beautiful basswood forest. "It's an old growth forest that has never been cleared," says Katie Doerksen, marketing and community relations manager at Qualico Communities. "It is a protected forest that will be a great feature for residents in a future phase of Taylor Farm." The preserved basswood forest is located along the perimeter of the community. These particular trees can be seen across the province. However, a natural basswood grove is certainly a rarity. "The preserved space will be incorporated into Taylor Farm through the use of neighbourhood paths and trails leading down to its location," explains Doerksen. Basswoods are part of the linden family of trees. Their name comes from the term 'bast,' which represents the strong fibers of the interior bark. Found primarily in Central and Eastern Canada, these trees are best known for their incredible floral scents and vigorous nature to grow whole separate trees from their existing trunks. Their beautifully scented flowers turn to berries mid-summer with a 'bract' (helicopter-like leaf). With most adult trees showing a shape similar to that of the club from a deck of cards, these trees typically have a lifespan of roughly 200 years and grow at twice the rate of the average tree in North America. Their interior bark is quite fibrous — allowing generations of people to create natural cordage (similar to rope), something very useful many years ago. "In Taylor Farm, the forest will be the perfect place to go for a jog, ride a bike, or get your steps in after dinner," say Doerksen. All Qualico Communities' neighbourhoods strive for a perfect balance of natural and manmade elements, such as wetlands, native grasses, and in the case of Taylor Farm, an all-natural basswood forest. Doerksen adds, "There are not many places in Manitoba where you can live within walking distance of a beautiful forest, let alone a basswood forest. It's part of what gives Taylor Farm its slogan — Upstream Living." Taylor Farm is currently servicing 56 lots in Phase 4, which began in late 2021 and is scheduled to be complete by summer 2022. This phase will include additional stormwater retention basins which will offer a selection of both park and wetland walkout lots. Phase 4 will also provide a second entrance into the community, off Portage Avenue. Sign up for the Taylor Farm newsletter through taylorfarm.com to stay up to date with the community's latest news and events. QUALICO COMMUNITIES — TAYLOR FARM "IN TAYLOR FARM, THE FOREST WILL BE THE PERFECT PLACE TO GO FOR A JOG, RIDE A BIKE, OR GET YOUR STEPS IN AFTER DINNER." POH RARE OPPORTUNITY IN TAYLOR FARM By Samara Funk 130 Parade of Homes SPRING 2022