 |
 |
| December 2005 | Volume 9, Number 2 |
On Achieving a Sustainable Community
We are approaching the end of the third year of our Trillium Foundation grant. Pam is continuing to work on the implementation of the Management Plan. A trail, shelter, bulletin board and lookout have been installed; a new pond has been excavated to improve habitat diversity; trees and shrubs have been planted along Dr. Kay Drive, Cooper Drive and at the new Stormwater Management Pond to provide buffers and habitat enhancements; education plans are being developed and delivered to local schools; research of chimney crayfish is being conducted; and water quality and habitat monitoring are being undertaken to protect the Marsh in the long term and establish management goals. Currently, the Township is working to secure the Marsh on the north side of Dr. Kay Drive, and a new trail link from Main Street through the is being considered.
The role of the Marsh Committee has changed from advocating protection of the Marsh to taking care of the Marsh. With the active involvement and support of the Township, the Marsh will be there for the community to enjoy as a natural space, and to provide habitat, well into the future.
Or will it?
The Dufferin Marsh is a jewel of natural open space in the centre of our little village. It is not isolated from the activities of the community but functions within them. The long term health of the Marsh depends very much on how the residents of Schomberg choose to live. It is because of this that the executive committee is investigating a new program to help make Schomberg a more sustainable community. How can this village thrive socially and economically while reducing the impact on the environment? How can we maintain an acceptable standard of living without negatively impacting the lives of future generations?
We are just starting to ask these questions, and invite your input. There will be an opportunity to discuss this in more detail at the Annual Members Meeting on February 11. Please join us then or e-mail Mary at mfasselstine@aol.com.
Community Skate on the Marsh and Annual General Meeting
On Saturday February 11 between 4 and 7 pm we will be holding our 2nd Annual Community Skate and Bonfire at the Marsh. Hotdogs and marsh mallows will be available for roasting over the fire and drinks will be served. Dress warmly and bring your skates. The whole community is invited. We hope to see you there. (** skating subject to safe ice conditions**)
Prior to the skate, the Annual Members Meeting will be held from 2 to 3 pm at the Schomberg Public Library. We encourage all members to attend to discuss our new program on sustainability.
Nomination for Conservation Award of Merit
Earlier this winter we were notified by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority that the Dufferin Marsh Committee had been nominated for the Conservation Award of Merit by the Township of King.
The awards night was held November 24, and although the Committee did not win the award, we were honoured to receive the recognition from both the Township and the Conservation Authority. Thank you everyone for all your hard work and dedication. Small things do not go unnoticed.
The award was won by John McCallum who has reduced phosphorus loading to Lake Simcoe by 25.2 kg/year by upgrading his Milkhouse Wastewater Management System. Our congratulations to John in his efforts to improve the environment.
Bursary
At the last Executive Committee Meeting, it was decided to establish a bursary fund to provide money to post-secondary students working on environmental research projects.
The bursary will be called the Gary Miller Memorial Fund for Environmental Research and will provide a grant of $200. The first recipient is Douglas Vincent who is travelling to Ecuador to do research on an endangered animal called the Vicuna. Douglas will be trying to determine their habitat range and identify what plants they prefer to eat in order to establish a management plan for their protection. He is working with Lakehead University and Ecuador Park Staff.
Future Activities
Watch for notices on Spring/Summer activities:
- Schomberg Fair
- Wine Tasting
- Trail Building
- Nature/Bird Walks