 |
 |
| July 2004 | Volume 8, #2 |
Projects in the Marsh
Walk down to the Marsh today. The vegetation is thick and colourful, the air is cool and full of sounds of birds and frogs. Both Tree Frogs and Green Frogs are still calling in the evenings. The new pond along Cooper Drive is maturing nicely and will soon look like it has always been there. The Marsh is a hub of nature in our back yards and the community of Schomberg seems to be out there enjoying it. Pam has been working hard on several projects this summer. A trail has been surveyed on the south side that will be installed by Township staff sometime this summer or fall. This trail is designed to provide a controlled access to the large horseshoe shaped pond that is central to the south side, and for teaching school/community groups. We have received funding to construct a small observation deck over the water and are waiting on quotes for construction. We are hoping this will also be completed for the fall. A kiosk is planned for a site along the sidewalk on the south side of Dr. Kay Drive. This kiosk will act as a community bulletin board and also house a permanent (or seasonal) display(s) about the Marsh.
Volunteer Activities
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the volunteers who have contributed so much time this spring to our many activities. Pam, our coordinator for the Township, said she has never worked with such a willing group of volunteers before, and is very pleased and impressed. The clean up day at the end of April went very well. After a few years of experience, we knew where to concentrate our efforts and what supplies to bring. Many cans, bottles and beer bottles were recycled or returned, and the Township picked up bags and bags of trash. Councillor Cober joined in the fun and it was great to have his support. When some of our group finished at the Marsh, they went to help the clean up on the Main Street. A week later we were at it again installing the plants at the newly constructed pond. Pam and Ecological Outlook Consulting did an excellent job preparing the site and organising the day. Despite the rain, many people showed up, including Mayor Black, and spent the day digging in the mud and hauling plants around. The results are fabulous. Go take a look. For the ninth year we had a booth at the fair. There was lots of interest in the tanks of frogs and aquatic critters and many inquired about the activities in the Marsh. Thanks to Donna for organising the booth this year and to all those who helped. I want to make a special mention of the many young people who volunteered their time for these activities. Their interest in the Marsh is very encouraging and brings lots of youthful energy to our projects. If you know a young person who is looking for volunteers hours refer them to our website or they can call Mary at (905) 939-7544.
Frog Monitoring
This spring, Mrs. Hawke's grade 6 class from Schomberg Public School undertook a frog monitoring program. The kids who participated had a great time and despite the on-going adjustments to the program the results were excellent. Mrs. Hawke was thrilled about the opportunity for her class to collect real data that they could compare and analyse. Pam presented the results to the class and helped them interpret the meaning. This program is a great opportunity for these young people to develop an intimate understanding of the wetland. The data will be added to the information on the wetland health, which will be used to make long term management decisions. Mrs. Hawke is keen to try this program again next year. Of course this activity could not be done without the help of many volunteers. These people received training in frog call identification, research protocol, and safety and security for children. As well they required police clearance checks. I understand that a lot of them still listen to their frog call cd in their car when nobody else is around.
Other Monitoring Activities
Monitoring programs are on-going this summer to study water quality and quantity, document vegetation communities, establish bird, reptile, salamander and mammal populations, identify invasive plant species, identify wildlife habitats and document the impact of people on the health of the wetland. There are lots of opportunities to be involved in these programs, either on a short term or long term basis. Talk to Pam at (905) 833-5321.
Ontario Heritage Foundation Award
I am pleased to advise that the Dufferin Marsh Committee has received a “2003 Heritage Community Recognition Program Certificate of Achievement” from the Ontario Heritage Foundation. It was presented to us this spring by King Township Council. We were nominated for this award by LACAC who recognised the efforts of the Dufferin Marsh Committee in protecting the Marsh as a natural heritage feature in our community. I am very proud of our achievements, and thank everyone for their continued support and hard work.
Wine Tasting Night
Every year, our wine tasting reception at Sheena's Kitchen gets better and better, and this year was no exception. The evening was hosted by the knowledgeable and amiable Glenn Barley of Churchill Cellars Ltd. He focussed on new world wines from Australia and New Zealand and gave us a magical geographic and historic tour through the wine making regions of these countries. Many of the selected wines were from Banrock Station. This exciting Australian Company works hard to limit its impact on the fragile environment along the River Murray (their home base), and has restored historic wetlands that where once lost through previous inadequate agricultural management practices. In addition it donates a percentage of its profits to wetland restoration around the world. All that, and the wines are great too. Thanks go to Sheena who works so hard to make the food a treat for this evening (We almost ate everything she had.). I would also like to thank Leah and Eric who pulled it off one more time.
If you would like more information on the wines from Banrock Station or to enquire about the services of Churchill Cellars you can contact Glenn Barely at 416-368-5108 or consult their website: www.churchillcellars.com
The Wetland and Community Development
You may have noticed that there has been some unusual activity on the lands to the north of the Marsh (the farm on the hill at Highway # 9 and #27). It is expected that within the next two years, these lands will be developed into another residential subdivision. With the development of these lands there will be the opportunity for the Township to acquire the north side of the wetland, bringing it into public ownership and under the protection of the management plan. It is critical, however that these lands develop in a way that is sensitive to the protection of the features and functions of the Marsh. Over the next several months, we will have the opportunity through the planning process, to have input into the design considerations for this development. Watch for more information.
Other Activities
Watch for notices on Summer/Fall activities:
Trail Building
Nature/Bird Walks
Membership Meeting
Dufferin Marsh Website
Please check out our website. It contains our newsletters, information on upcoming events and background information on the Marsh. Please take a look at www.rockley.com/marsh.
DMC Executive
| Chair | Mary Asseltine | 905-939-7544 |
| Vice Chair | Eric Leon | 905-939-7809 |
| Membership Secretary/Treasurer | Jill Kelly | 905-939-2315 |
| Recording Secretary | Sheila Kelly | 905-939-2315 |
| Parks Committee Liaison | Linda Cholmondeley | 905-939-7079 |
| Youth Committee Chair | Vacant | |
| Social/Activity Committee | Leah Werry | 905-939-2238 |