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CVC's 50th anniversary celebrations continue with a special Caring for the Credit Stewardship Forum and Awards Dinner
Come out and see the Credit River as you've never seen it before. The 2004 Stewardship Forum will involve riding the rails as they crisscross the Credit River from Orangeville to Brampton....more
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Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas: the annual Christmas Craft and Bake Sale is coming!
Now that the kids are back in school and the trees are beginning to show signs of fall, its time to start thinking about Christmas of course!....more
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CVC Chair Awards the Water Management Strategy Update's Coloring Contest Winner
On July 9, 2004, Pat Mullin (CVC Chair and Mississauga Councillor), along with George Carlson (CVC Board Member and Mississauga Councillor) and Hazel Breton (CVC's Water Resources Manager) presented the CVC Water Management Strategy Update's coloring contest winner, 11-year old Alyssa, a one year pass to CVC's conservation areas for herself and her family....more
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Inglewood Waste Water Treatment Plant
When you walk down the Caledon Rail Trail through the Village of Inglewood, you may not even be aware that a highly advanced wastewater treatment plant is located within a stone's throw of the trail....more
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Hurricanes: Past and the Present
Destruction and devastation hit southern Ontario in October of 1954 with the arrival of Hurricane Hazel....more
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Dods and McNair Second Annual Memorial Forest Service
The Dods and McNair Funeral Home and Chapel of Orangeville and the CVC Foundation held the second annual Memorial Forest Service at Island Lake Conservation Area on September 12th....more
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A Naturalist's Eye: The Science of Fall Colours
In the fall, many people look forward to the display that trees put on as their leaves change colour.....more
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West Credit River Project Seeks Conservation Enthusiasts for Steering Committee
WeCARE is the West Credit River Appreciation, Rehabilitation, and Enhancement Project, a multi-partner community initiative with the goal of working in and with the communities of Erin, Hillsburgh and Belfountain to improve the health of the West Credit River....more
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SGI Workday
On a sunny September 19th, 93 volunteers from SGI planted trees at Scotsdale Farm, which helped to connect two large forest blocks along Snow's Creek in the Silver Creek subwatershed....more
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Peel Rural Water Quality Program
The Region of Peel is a great place to farm. New legislation, changing technologies and improved land management practices have left farmers in need of extra support for their efforts to create sustainable and viable agriculture while protecting the environment....more
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CVC's Conservation Planning Service
This summer, Alison Bodurtha, CVC's Conservation Planning Assistant worked with 5 landowners to help them learn more about their land and its management....more
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Tree Planting Assistance through various Forestry Programs
While we all have an impact on the environment we live in, CVC has had to set priorities for the work it does with watershed landowners and with different communities within our watershed.....more
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CVC's 50th anniversary celebrations continue with a special Caring for the Credit Stewardship Forum and Awards Dinner
To paraphrase Edward Abbey, “It is not enough to fight for the Credit; it is even more important to enjoy it”.
Representatives of stewardship groups are invited to come out and see the Credit River as they've never seen it before. The 2004 Stewardship Forum will involve riding the rails as they crisscross the Credit River from Orangeville to Brampton. Following the excursion trip we will host our Annual Caring for the Credit Awards Dinner at Monora Park.
Our awards dinner will honour some outstanding achievements by individuals and groups within the watershed. Thanks to everyone that submitted nominations.
 The Stewardship Forum is an excellent opportunity to network with the different organized groups working on environmental issues and stewardship projects within the watershed. It is an excellent opportunity to discuss your groups activities, exchange ideas, share resources, and learn about the Credit watershed.
For more information, please contact CVC's Community Stewardship Specialist, Dave Beaton. |
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Its beginning to Look a lot like Christmas: the annual CVC Christmas Craft and Bake Sale is coming!
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November 25, 2004 |
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11:00 am – 2:00 pm |
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Credit Valley Conservation Boardroom,
1255 Old Derry Road
Mississauga, ON
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 Now that the kids are back in school and the trees are beginning to show signs of fall, its time to start thinking about Christmas of course! Once again CVC will be holding its annual Christmas Bake and Craft Sale. For those of you not aware, in the past CVC staff have joined together to raise money and collect new or gently used items for two families through the Children's Aid Society. Bake sale items are made by staff then sold by the piece or plate and all monies collected are donated toward Christmas gifts for the families. In addition to the bake sale, a number of craft items are also sold and include: knitted or sewn items, Christmas crafts, handmade soaps, stained glass, copper decorations and jewellery. (10% of all craft sales will be donated to the families.) So come one, come all and help us to spread the spirit of Christmas in our community!
A call to crafters! If you are interested in having a table or selling even a few items, please contact Karen Thompson for more details. |
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CVC Chair Awards the Water Management Strategy Update's Coloring Contest Winner
On July 9, 2004, Pat Mullin (CVC Chair and Mississauga Councillor), along with George Carlson (CVC Board Member and Mississauga Councillor) and Hazel Breton (CVC's Water Resources Manager) were on hand at the Terra Cotta Conservation Area to present the CVC Water Management Strategy Update's coloring contest winner, 11-year old Alyssa, a one year pass to CVC's conservation areas for herself and her family. The young artist was thrilled to be the winner and receive the prize, stating that she had never won anything before. With entrants ranging from 3 to 12 years old, Alyssa's artwork was selected from a number of entries at two different events.
CVC's Water Management Strategy Update is an update of the Credit River Management Strategy originally developed in 1992. The aim of the strategy is to ensure that there is “abundant, safe and clean water” now and into the future for both the people and wildlife that live in the Credit River watershed.
If you would like to find out more about the Credit River Water Management Strategy Update, please contact CVC.
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| Left to right: Pat Mullin (CVC Chair and Mississauga Councillor), Alyssa, George Carlson (CVC Board Member and Mississauga Councillor) and Hazel Breton (CVC's Water Resources Manager) |
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Inglewood Waste Water Treatment Plant
When you walk down the Caledon Rail Trail through the Village of Inglewood, you may not even be aware that a highly advanced wastewater treatment plant is located within a stone’s throw of the trail. Completed in 2004, the small building is no bigger than a cottage, yet it is a part of a sophisticated treatment system for the Village’s wastewater and is the end result of work completed in 1999 for the Inglewood Village Study. This study looked at environmental, planning and servicing issues in the Village of Inglewood in an integrated, holistic manner.
Due to the sensitive nature of the river in Inglewood, CVC required the plant to use the best available technology to meet stringent requirements for wastewater treatment. The long-term plan is to hook up the septic systems existing in the downtown core of Inglewood to the plant, which will stop contaminants currently coming from old, undersized septic systems from entering the groundwater system and discharging into the Credit River.
CVC and the Region of Peel are monitoring the Credit River upstream and downstream of the plant to demonstrate that the water quality and the health of the creatures living in the water are protected. This plant is the first of its kind in the Credit River watershed and represents another step towards the protection and enhancement of the water resources within the watershed.
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| Alison Humphries, CVC's Water Quality Engineer, in front of the Inglewood Waste Water Treatment Plant |
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Hurricanes: Past and Present
Looking Back...
 Destruction and devastation hit southern Ontario in October of 1954 with the arrival of Hurricane Hazel. Its unexpected and rapid re-intensification resulted in 81 deaths and over $100 million in damage. With 200 mm of rain in less than 24 hours, destruction from massive flooding was inevitable.
Hurricane Hazel's path of destruction began in the Caribbean on October 5, 1954. It passed near the island of Grenada in the Windward Islands and into the Caribbean Sea and continued on a west to northwest course until the night of October 9, when it curved northward and struck the Carolina coast continuing along a north-northwest track. At this point, Hazel had reached its highest wind speed of 213 km per hour (115 knots). After passing through the western suburbs of Washington, D. C. , Pennsylvania and New York, Hurricane Hazel arrived to a very shocked southern Ontario. Since the Toronto weather office had only issued a weather advisory about the storm, Toronto residents continued to carry on their daily lives not preparing themselves for what was about to happen. By October 15, the city of Toronto had been pelted with rain, bridges and streets were washed out, thousands were left homeless and people had perished. On one street alone, Raymore Drive, 35 neighbours drowned.
Seeing the Present...
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) updated outlook for the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season indicates a 45% probability of an above-normal season. The outlook calls for 12-15 tropical storms, with 6-8 becoming hurricanes, and of these, 2-4 becoming major hurricanes. This prediction reflects a likely continuation of increased hurricane activity that began in 1995.
This year a total of eight tropical cyclones reaching storm strength is a new August record according to the NOAA, breaking the previous record of seven set in 1933 and 1995. The named storms that have formed so far in 2004 is double than normal, and include Hurricanes Alex, Bonnie, Charley, Danielle, Earl, Frances, Gaston, Hermine, Ivan and Jeanne. |
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Dods and McNair Second Annual Memorial Forest Service
The Dods and McNair Funeral Home and Chapel of Orangeville and the CVC Foundation held the second annual Memorial Forest Service at Island Lake Conservation Area on September 12th. The forest, a creation of Dods and McNair and the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, offers a unique way for people to pay tribute to their loved ones. By planting a tree individuals are not only able to commemorate the life of a loved one – a living memorial, but they are also taking part in the efforts to save and improve our air and water for future generations.
This year's ceremony was once again a tremendous success with well over 1000 visitors and 242 trees and shrubs planted with species ranging from Sugar Maple to Red Oak to Staghorn Sumac. In addition to the trees planted, the Orangeville and District Horticultural Society and the Bailey family (in memory of Norman David Ryan Bailey, 1978-1998) donated two benches to place within the forest. Bert Gauthier of Dods and McNair and Gail Campbell of the CVC Board spoke a few words about the ceremony and its involvement with CVC.
The Dods & McNair Funeral Home and Chapel generously sponsors the reforestation of 4.5 acres of land at the Island Lake Conservation Area and for the next ten years, between 150 and 200 trees will be planted each year. This memorial forest will provide habitat for the resident wildlife as well as a relaxing stroll for the recreational walker.
For more information about the Dods and McNair Memorial Forest, please contact the Dods and McNair Funeral Home and Chapel or CVC.
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| Left to right: Jennifer, Ann and Norm Bailey (in front of the bench they donated) |
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Diana Meades, Orangeville Horticultural Society President (in front of the bench the Society donated) |
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A Naturalist's Eye: The Science of Fall Colours
 In the fall, many people look forward to the display that trees put on as their leaves change colour. The mixture of red, orange, purple and yellow is the result of chemical processes that take place in the tree as it prepares for winter.
Leaves contain different pigments including chlorophylls, carotenoids and anthocyanins. Each of these pigments absorbs and reflects different kinds of light.
Chlorophylls serve the most important role of these three types of pigments. Chlorophyll “captures” some of the sun's energy and uses it to manufacture simple sugars that are the basis of the plant's nourishment. The process by which they do this is called photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll is not a very stable compound. In fact, during photosynthesis, the chlorophyll molecules themselves break down. So, in order to maintain their food supply, plants continuously have to create new chlorophyll molecules. The creation of chlorophyll requires sunlight and warm temperatures, both of which are readily available in the summer months.
When chlorophyll molecules are abundant in a leaf's cells, as they are during the growing season, the chlorophyll's green colour dominates and masks out the colours of any other pigments that may be present in the leaf. As the days shorten and the temperature drops chlorophyll production slows. As the total supply of chlorophylls is reduced, its “masking” effect slowly fades away. At this point, the other pigments that have been present in the cells during the leaf's life begin to appear.
Carotenoids are responsible for yellow, orange, and brown colours that can be seen in the fall. Some trees that display carotenoid pigments in the fall include American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) and Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata).
Anthocyanins are responsible for the red and purple colours that can be seen. Trees that display anthocyanins in the fall include Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) and Red Oak (Quercus rubra).
The range and intensity of autumn colours is greatly influenced by the weather. Dry weather increases the amount of anthocyanins produced. Low temperatures and bright sunshine destroy chlorophyll, and can “speed up” the appearance of anthocyanins and carotenoids. However, early frost will weaken the brilliant red colour. So, the best time to enjoy the autumn colours are on dry, sunny days that follow dry, cool (but not freezing) nights.
Head out to one of the conservation areas and enjoy the fall colours, they are only here for a limited time! |
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West Credit River Project Seeks Conservation Enthusiasts for Steering Committee
 WeCARE (West Credit River Appreciation, Rehabilitation, and Enhancement Project) is a multi-partner community initiative with the goal of working in and with the communities of Erin, Hillsburgh and Belfountain to improve the health of the West Credit River.
The project is looking for individuals who are interested in working with a steering committee to bring this initiative to life. A crew of biologists has compiled historical and recent information on the subwatershed to determine its strengths and its weaknesses. They have produced a report giving recommendations and prioritized projects for increasing environmental awareness, community involvement, river rehabilitation strategies, and fisheries and wildlife habitat enhancement opportunities. This report will be a guideline for the steering committee to work with.
Why should you get involved? This is an excellent opportunity to get involved with your community and learn more about your local natural environment. It will give you a chance to share your skills and expertise in a local effort celebrating and protecting the high quality ecosystems found within the West Credit subwatershed. You will have the chance to work with others with diverse backgrounds; whatever your skills there is a niche for you in this project!
Interested? For more information about WeCARE and becoming a member of the steering committee please attend a meeting held at Erin Town Offices, Thursday October 14, 2004 from 7-9pm. If you are unable to attend or would like more information please contact Dave Beaton at CVC at 1-800-668-5557 or Mary Shields at 519-833-7400.
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SGI Workday
On a sunny September 19th, 93 volunteers from SGI planted trees at Scotsdale Farm, which helped to connect two large forest blocks along Snow's Creek in the Silver Creek subwatershed.
SGI's youth group has been heavily involved in volunteer projects in cooperation with CVC over the past several years. This particular project was funded by CVC and the Ministry of Natural Resources' Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program (CFWIP). CVC would like to extend their thanks to the eager and excited volunteers from SGI; it is truly a pleasure to work with them.
Groups interested in organizing volunteer projects for 2005 should contact Dave Beaton, CVC's Community Stewardship Specialist, during the fall/winter to schedule workdays and seek funding opportunities. |
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Peel Rural Quality Program
 The Region of Peel is a great place to farm. New legislation, changing technologies and improved land management practices have left farmers in need of extra support for their efforts to create sustainable and viable agriculture while protecting the environment. CVC in partnership with Toronto and Region Conservation have developed the Peel Rural Water Quality Program (PRWQP) to support rural landowners throughout the Region of Peel.
This program was developed with input from local farmers and residents as well as representatives from groups such as the Peel Federation of Agriculture and the Peel Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Through the creation of this program, the need for environmental protection has been balanced with the objectives of agricultural producers and sustainable farming within the changing landscape in the Region of Peel.
This program provides technical and financial resources for farmers to continue their efforts as environmental stewards. Environmental stewards are people like you who care for their land and water resources through positive management practices. These can include livestock access restriction from waterways, vegetative buffer strip planting, proper manure storage, well protection, nutrient management
For more information on the program, please contact CVC. |
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CVC's Conservation Planning Service
This summer, Alison Bodurtha, CVC's Conservation Planning Assistant worked with 5 landowners to help them learn more about their land and its management. Collectively these landowners are the stewards of 91 hectares (225 acres) of land much of which is ecologically sensitive. The properties included areas of significant wetlands and forests, headwater streams, ponds, as well as future opportunities for habitat enhancement and restoration. Many thanks to Alison for a job well done and a commendation to the landowners who are all being caring and thoughtful stewards.
We are looking to find landowners interested in having a Conservation Plan developed for the 2005 season.
Why do a Conservation Plan?
This service helps you accomplish four important objectives:
- Learn about the plants and animals that share your land.
- Understand your property and how it fits into the local environment.
- Learn about tax incentives and programs available to help you.
- Identify management options to help you achieve your goals
What advice does a plan provide?
Typical plans include helpful advice on:
- Forestry issues related to plantations or natural forest
- Ecologically friendly pond management
- Developing trails to help you access and enjoy your property
- Encouraging wildlife and managing pest species
- Streamside improvements to improve fishing
How much does a Conservation Plan cost?
In 2005, the Conservation Planning Service will cost $300.
For more information, please contact Dave Beaton, Community Stewardship Specialist at CVC at 1-800-668-5557. |
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Tree Planting Assistance through various Forestry Programs
 Landowners who wish to plant on their property have several options to help them do so.
Two options include:
- The Forest 2020 Program. Forest 2020 offers financial incentives to landowners for tree planting, site preparation, tree tending and plantation assessment and reporting, along with technical support in order to establish and maintain a valuable fast-growing plantation on their property. The new forest cover anticipated with this program hopes to achieve Canada 's greenhouse gas reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. CVC is currently a supporter of the program and has several landowners already signed up for the 2005 spring planting. There is still time and inventory for those interested.
- Financial Assistance through the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation. The Foundation's core purpose is “ To provide support and encouragement for activities that preserve, protect, and restore the environmental integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine and support a trail along it.” If your property lies on the Oak Ridges Moraine, landowners are eligible for assistance through CVC's Reforestation or Naturalization Planting Programs.
For more information, please contact CVC, or visit the Forest 2020 and Oak Ridges Morraine web sites. |
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