Ontariogreen Conservation Association

Thanks to the Green Herons for putting on a fabulous Turtle Parade at Ontariogreen's 3rd annual Ecofest in partnership with the Town of Lincoln on Saturday, April 25th that so many local children and their families joined. Rain wasn't going to stop this parade that marched all through the Fleming Community Centre and highlighted the importance of protecting all 8 species of turtles that are native to Ontario — all of which are endangered. Drivers are reminded to keep their eyes on the road for turtles this spring as many are moving around and looking for good places to nest. If you can safely move one off the road please do so carrying it in the direction it was headed. Also hold the turtle away from your body as turtles like frogs and toads, tend to p*e when they feel threatened.

When we weren't laughing we were crying. What You Won't Do For Love was the name of a theatrical event starring David Suzuki and his wife Tara that played at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines on Friday. It was a touching, intense, inspiring tour de force and cri de coeur about their lives, what's coming with the climate crisis and what we must do to prepare for it. The next day, they held a community meeting meant to draw diverse groups from across the Region together so we could think about how we could jointly help our communities tackle the coming storms. It was my great honour to meet Dr. Suzuki. In the photo I am with Annette Gibbons, leader of the Grimsby Environmental Network and her husband Don. A big thank you to Sarah Ward, who brought the opportunity to help organize this meeting to me and for all the work she did to make it happen. A big thank you also to the community for the support you showed me at the event. It was very much appreciated.

People of all ages are invited to the Green Herons' Turtle Puppet Workshops (see post) and then to join in with them as part of the Turtle Parade that will open the Town of Lincoln's Ecofest held on Saturday, April 25th at the Fleming Centre, 5020 Serena Dr. in Beamsville. The parade starts the event at 10 a.m. the event runs until 1 p.m. Following the parade everyone is invited to visit the booths in the Fleming Centre. The Town and the Rotary Club of Lincoln Environment group will have many species of subsidized native trees available to Lincoln residents on a first come, first served basis. The Green Herons, the Lincoln Library and Ontariogreen and others will have many interesting things for children do and explore.

I will be there for the event and hope to see many friends from Niagara come out. I spent 7+ years fighting to stop a planned marina expansion and permanent rock breakwall at LaSalle park that would have destroyed this key overwintering habitat for Trumpeter Swans and, I am glad to say the effort succeeded. These gorgeous birds, native only to North America, were virtually wiped out by hunting and were gone from Ontario for almost 100 years until dedicated volunteers helped them return. Let's celebrate this wonderful conservation success story and learn more about these beautiful swans (the largest in the world!) that now, once again, fly free in our sky by the thousands. It's Family Day weekend — bring your children and grandchildren!

Ontariogreen thanks the 40+ volunteers who came out to plant Beamsville's new mini forest on the vacant lot between 4049 and 4051 Ashby Drive.Ashby Drive. A total of 85 native trees and shrubs were planted consisting of 27 species. Special thanks to Jane, David, Vernah and Annette. Thanks to TD Friends of the Environment for major funding for this project. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Lincoln for additional funding. Thanks to the Town of Lincoln for their partnership. Thanks to Newport Landscaping for their help in site preparation including soil and mulch. Thanks to the volunteers who helped prepare the site in September. A temporary sign will be erected at the site to be followed by a permanent sign at a future date. Next year, the back of the lot next to the Hillside Trail will be converted into a native meadow with seating.

Join us for our next walk at STEVENSVILLE CONSERVATION AREA on Saturday November 8, at 2 p.m.
Come for a leisurely fall walk and experience a forest, the meandering Black Creek, wetlands and a fishing pond. Dress warmly.
2555 Ott Rd, Stevensville

Please join us this Thursday, October 30 for a presentation by Liz Benneian about the importance of choosing native plants. Bring a mug and spare change to enjoy coffee, tea and treats and for the 50/50 raffle. We will be acknowledging our wonderful volunteers as well. Hope to see you there!