1st WeCARE Symposium

1st WeCARE Symposium

On Saturday, March 4th, WeCARE presented an educational event for those that live, work and play in the West Credit Watershed. The first WeCARE Community Conservation Symposium attracted an audience of 80 people. This event, the first of three planned, offered an introduction to the West Credit Watershed. The day was made up of sessions on a wide variety of topics relating to both the natural and cultural history of the area. Speakers were interesting, knowledgeable and passionate.

Credit Valley Conservation’s Hazel Breton gave an overview of the study of the West Credit Watershed with TUC’s National Biologist, Jack Imhof. Local actor and historian James Douglas recounted the connections the Canadian Group of Seven artists have with the area. Bob Morris, Senior Aquatic Biologist at Credit Valley Conservation, led a team of experts in a session all about the plants and animals found in the watershed.

A keynote address was delivered by Elbert vanDonkersgoed, Policy Advisor for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. He gave the audience insight into some of the challenges facing farmers and rural landowners. He presented a thought-provoking and solution oriented response to the question “Who Will Pay for Stewardship when There is Always a Farm Crisis.”

The organizing committee has already started to incorporate ideas for the next symposium which will be held in the fall. Stay tuned!

Check the WeCARE website.

Participate in Region-Wide Tree Planting

Peel students and teachers are invited to join PEYA and our community partners in a Region-wide tree planting event on Thursday, May 4, 2006. There are six planting sites across Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon where students have an opportunity to plant, do creek clean ups and go on nature hikes! Credit Valley Conservation will be hosting a planting site at the new Upper Credit Conservation Area in Alton. To register or for more information, please contact: Stephanie Crocker at 905-274-9974 or info@peyalliance.com.

Rural Water Quality Available for Farmers throughout Peel and Wellington County

Farmers from Wellington and Peel will now be able to take advantage of the Rural Water Quality program and the financial assistance to implement environmental projects on their farm. The Rural Water Quality Program is a partnership between the County and Region, conservation authorities and farmers. Financial sponsorship is provided by the County of Wellington and Region of Peel. CVC is responsible for administering and providing on-farm technical assistance for the Region of Peel.

Projects eligible for cost-share opportunities include improvements to manure storages, nutrient management plans, clean water diversions, fencing livestock from watercourses, tree planting, and wellhead protection.

To be eligible, the applicant must have a deemed appropriate Environmental Farm Plan and projects should demonstrate a significant improvement to water quality.

The Rural Water Quality Program cost-shares range from 30 per cent to 50 per cent and can be stacked on top of funding opportunities through the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program.

CVC staff are available to provide on-farm technical advice and assist with the application process. Submissions are confidential and presented by CVC staff to a review committee comprised of local farm representatives.

Anyone interested in applying for a Rural Water Quality Program grant should contact Dave Beaton at Credit Valley Conservation, (905) 670-1615 ext. 227. Free Environmental Farm Plan workshops are being held throughout the spring months and landowners are encouraged to register by contacting Jonathan Watchurst (Peel) at (519) 942-1181 or John Benham (Wellington) at (519) 846-0941.

The Environmental Farm Plan is a voluntary and confidential process that identifies potential risks to agricultural operators. Landowners complete an evaluation of their operation and develop actions to address areas of concern.

Whoopee!! - RIVERFEST Norval's Back!

The little festival to celebrate life on the Credit River, which grew from 1999 to 2004, has been revived with a vengeance! The theme of Riverfest 2006 is w-a-t-e-r, featuring Children’s Water Festival events. Water, a most precious resource, is vital to us all! Riverfest 2006 is a 2-day expanded festival. Riverfest is a fundraiser for the well-received and vital School Programs of Willow Park Ecology Centre. Entrance fees will be $15 per family of 4 (or $5/adult, $3/child), with the Project Wet Workshop and Saturday Hike events charged separately.

On Sat., June 3rd the main events will include Hiking, Project Wet training and a mini Film-Festival. Hike leaders will take you on a local trails adventure and provide hike related tips. Project Wet has 90 different hands-on activities that serve as an aid to help people understand the importance and influence of water.

On Sun. June 4th after 1pm, family activities will include the Children’s Water Festival programs and exhibits such as Wye Marsh’s Critters, Electrofishing and many others. The ever popular Paddle to the Sea race will top off Sunday’s children activities. There is lots to do for youngsters.

All of this will complement the talents of musicians Noni Crete, James Gordon and others of local and wider reputation who will be in the music programs held throughout the afternoon. The Riverfest Outdoor Market will host vendors and community groups offering new ideas, products and services related to water, environmentally friendly practices and sustainable living. Those interested are encouraged to register early to secure a table. The famous Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Rotarians, lunch and snack foods, and a beer/wine tent are planned.

Riverfest 2006 comes to us after a year’s sabbatical and will be the success of the hard work and financial contributions of many individuals, groups and businesses. Presently, WPEC has started the work in collaboration with Norval Community Assoc., TEAC, Credit Valley Artisans, Halton-North Peel Naturalist, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), Town of Halton Hills, Bruce Trail Assoc. and Hike Ontario.

More help is welcome and needed! Contact Tunde Otto-Harris at the WPEC office 905 702-9055 or
wpec@willowparkecology.com to:

• find out more about the Market
• volunteer for planning
• volunteer on June 3rd or 4th
• sponsor us
• join in on an excellent student volunteer life experience

Look for articles in the local and provincial media and don’t forget to check out our website for additions to our attractions and events.

Maple Syrup Festival a Success!

Hundreds of people made their way to Island Lake Conservation area this Spring for the Annual Maple Syrup Festival hosted by the Orangeville Optimists on April 1st and 2nd. There was a little bit of something for everyone this year, including maple syrup demonstrations, tractor drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasting, kids activities, live entertainment, a BBQ, maple syrup sales, and maple toffee. Overall the event was a success and a great way to bring in the Spring time.

If you missed the Maple Syrup festival, you should still take some time to check out what Island Lake Conservation Area has to offer as the park is now open for Spring. On May 14th from 2 - 3:30 p.m. come on out and celebrate Mother’s Day with the colourful splendor of Spring at the “Spring Blooms Wildflower Walk”! As you walk the Vicki Barron Trail, CVC staff will identify May’s wildflowers and chat about other natural spring events. For more information contact Lindsay Stroud at (905) 670-1615. This event has been cancelled.