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Watershed Quarterly |  |
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Greetings, Welcome to the Fall edition of Essex Region Conservation Authority's e-newsletter. Read on to learn about our latest news and upcoming events.
Mr. Fuerth is a retired Electrical Engineer and sessional instructor at the University of Windsor. He has dedicated over 20 years to public service, and has chaired many organizations, including the Library Board, Community Health Committee, Police Service Selection Committee, Fire, Planning and Personnel Committees, and the Public Relations Committee for Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital. Tom also served as Chair of the Essex Region Conservation Authority, and is currently a Director for the Ontario Great Lakes Renewal Foundation and Chair of the Tecumseh Police Service Board. "We are very excited that Minister Broten has selected Mr. Fuerth to Chair the Essex Region Source Protection Committee," says Stan Taylor, Director of Source Protection at the Essex Region Conservation Authority. "He has a strong track record of public service and leadership as well as a demonstrated interest in and commitment to the environment. Consensus and team building skills are key assets that he brings to the Source Protection Committee." Mr. Fuerth was very pleased with his appointment. "I am excited to move forward in this process to protect drinking water at its source," he said. "After all, what better legacy can we leave to our children and grandchildren than a safe and sufficient supply of drinking water? Source protection plans won't just look at the needs of today, but will take into account the needs of the future." He also looks forward to assembling the rest of the fifteen member committee, which is expected to be appointed by the Source Protection Authority by December.
ERCA is continuing to work in partnership with the Municipality of Leamington to search for funding to undertake projects in the Southeast Leamington area. The Sustainable Management Strategy for Southeast Leamington was a comprehensive study conducted by Baird and Associates Coastal Engineers to address the major flooding and erosion issues in this area. "ERCA continues to work diligently to assist the municipality and the landowners find funding to implement projects that will help address the major flooding and erosion issues in this area," explains Ken Schmidt, ERCA General Manager. "We have had dialogue with representatives from Small Crafts and Harbours regarding sand management at Wheatley Harbour, and as a result of Baird's findings and these discussions, an engineering firm has been contracted to review sand management at the harbour." He notes that the investigations will include options for future placement of dredge materials and the potential for bypassing existing sediment that has been trapped on the east side of the harbour. "As well, ERCA has secured 50% funding for a study addressing the existing stability of the portion of the East Marsh Drainage Scheme flood protection dyke that is located along the south side of Hillman Marsh ," Schmidt goes on to say. "We have also been in negotiations regarding sand nourishment at Hillman Beach, and are attempting to secure funding to construct a protection structure in this area." The Authority has also conducted meetings with senior levels of government to identify federal and provincial responsibilities and to encourage rapid action. One of these meetings was with Federal Minister of the Environment John Baird, as well as MP Jeff Watson and MP Dave Van Kesteren. In addition, ERCA has also been in contact with the Ministry of Natural Resources to obtain confirmation of the 1% chance flood elevation for this section of the Lake Erie shoreline and adjacent flood fringe areas.
"It's important to maintain an ample stock of native seeds if we want to succeed in reaching our goal of 12% natural areas coverage," says Matthew Child, Director of Watershed Restoration. "Seed collected from local trees are genetically programmed to thrive in our local conditions. These seedlings will outperform trees from seed that is collected elsewhere in southwest Ontario and southeast Michigan." Some events are undertaken in partnership with local schools, while the public event are great ways for high school students to enjoy the outdoors while working towards their volunteer service hours, and for families to spend time together in an outdoor setting. What's more, participants will leave with the satisfaction that they have helped contribute toward a cleaner and healthier environment. See our schedule of events below for your chance to participate.
Beautify your property while improving the environment! ERCA is now finalizing orders for large stock fall trees. You must have a minimum of 2 acres of property in order to qualify for this program, and order at least 25 trees. ERCA can also provide treeplanting services. A wide variety of native tree species are still available, including Maples, Basswood, and Kentucky Coffeetrees Don't forget to inquire about our variety of grant programs available to assist with tree planting costs. By planting native species of trees across the region through spring and fall tree planting initiatives, ERCA continues to strive to protect, manage and restore woodlands and natural habitat. In a region with just 7.5% of natural area coverage, the importance of greening our region can not be understated! "As well, if you are considering planting trees this spring, give us a call now," urges Matthew Child, Director of Watershed Restoration. "Autumn is a great time to start planning and preparing for a spring plant." ERCA has extended the fall order deadline to ensure that they can meet customers' needs, but order deadline is October 12, 2007. Quantities on some species are limited, so download your Fall Tree Order Form or contact the Forester at pgiroux@erca.org .
A donation that protects the significant natural features of our local environment also makes a great corporate gift with a social conscience. The Essex Region offers excellent recreational opportunities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and birding. It is also home to a considerable diversity of wildlife including a number of endangered species; but is under severe pressure as only 7.5% of our land base consists of natural areas. Contributions to Essex Region Conservation Foundation are essential to protecting the few natural areas that remain, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. "This is an excellent opportunity to support your local environment with a tax deductible contribution and to surprise someone this holiday season with a really unique gift," says Jim Evans, President of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation. For a donation of $40 or more, the Gift of the Environment will help protect the significant habitat of our region for the Great Horned Owl, the Midland Painted Turtle, the Bullfrog, and the Monarch Butterfly. Contributors will be provided with an attractive 8" x 11" certificate featuring the photo and details of the species that you have protected. Gifts of the Environment can be purchased from Essex Region Conservation Foundation online, or print and fax back order form to 519 776 8688 or call 519 776 5209.
Enjoy some old-fashioned fall festivities and visit the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area on Sunday, October 21st from 11am - 4pm for the 'Harvest at the Homestead' special event. Listen to the rustle of crisp leaves under your feet as you enjoy a fall day on the farm. The apple harvest is in at the Homestead, and many hands are needed to make light work. Help press some fresh apple cider and lend a hand at the apple drying bee in the 1850s kitchen. Children are invited to play a rousing game of 'snap-apple' in the barn. Old fashioned fall delights will abound at the Homestead! The brave of heart can attend the 'scary story' sessions in the house attic. Not-so-scary stories will be told in the master bedroom for those of lesser fortitude. Divinations and pioneer toys and games add more fun to this fall festival. Visitors can enjoy another true pioneer pleasure as horse drawn hayrides around the farm will be offered throughout the day. As you stroll the grounds, stop by the shop for a visit with the blacksmith and watch him turn the hot metal into much needed tools for the farm. Looking to take a touch of harvest home? Everyone can make their own corn husk doll and tallow jack o' lantern candle the old-fashioned way. Make a day of it - stay for lunch and enjoy fresh sausage on a bun and some delicious apple pie at the food booth! The Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, east of Colchester, on the shore of Lake Erie. For more information, call 519-738-2029.
Prepare your home for winter - check to ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed and your home is properly insulated to cut down on heating costs and reduce the impacts of climate change. If you're thinking of replacing your furnace, consider the highest efficiency model that's available. For more tips on how to be more environmentally friendly (and save money at the same time!), download Environmental Tips.
Saturday October 13 - 10am - 1pm
Saturday, October 13, 4pm - 6pm
Saturday, October 20 - 10am - 1pm
Sunday, October 21 - 12pm - 4pm
Sunday, October 21, noon - 4pm
Sunday, October 21 - 11am - 4pm
Thursday, October 25 - 7:30pm
Saturday, October 27, 8:30 am to noon
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007
Sunday, December 2 - 11am - 4pm
Sunday, December 16 - 7pm
For more information about these events call 519 776 5209. |
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Tom Fuerth, a retired Councillor
from the Town of
Tecumseh and former Deputy Mayor for Sandwich
South, has been named Chair of the Essex Region
Source Protection Committee by Ontario Minister of
the Environment Laurel Broten.
In
furthering its goal of creating a sustainable future
for the Essex Region, ERCA and its Emerald Ash
Borer Response Program partners have planned
several tree seed collection events in the coming
weeks. The collected seeds will be propagated into
seedling trees that will be planted back into our
region's landscape within the next few years. ERCA
and its EABR Program partners currently organize the
largest community based seed collection program in
Canada.
As the holidays
approach, it's that time again to try to
identify a unique gift for those important people in our
lives. At a time when material goods are at a
maximum and special gift ideas are hard to come by,
a Gift of the Environment is an opportunity to purchase
a holiday gift for a loved one while at the same time,
helping to protect our region's most significant natural
areas.
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