Update from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
Festival at Fort Willow
On Saturday, September 29, from 10 am to 4 pm, Historic Fort Willow comes alive with the Festival at Fort Willow. Historical re-enactors bring to life the day-to-day activities of British soldiers, camp followers and First Nations people living in Simcoe County in 1812. Muster-up and march in the King's army, learn about blacksmithing, carpentry and candle making, or listen to the cannons roar - there is something for everyone! Admission to the festival is free. There is no parking on-site, but a free shuttle bus runs to-and-from the Grenfel Community Hall (1989 Sunnidale Rd.) throughout the day. Festival at Fort Willow is pleased to be part of Doors Open - Simcoe County. Stop by the Festival then head out to explore other fascinating cultural sites in our region! This event is sponsored by the Friends of Historic Fort Willow, NVCA, the Township of Springwater and the Rotary Club of Barrie.
Volunteers step up to remove Phragmites along the Georgian Bay Shoreline
A big thanks to the 139 volunteers that came together this summer to take on Phragmites, an invasive plant that is spreading along the Collingwood-Wasaga Beach shoreline. With its tall, dense stands, Phragmites is destroying wildlife habitat, ruining scenic views of the bay, and limiting opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating. In total, volunteers contributed over 450 hours to cutting and removing Phragmites. Thanks to their efforts, 3.36 tonnes of Phragmites was removed from an area of 7,953 square metres (about 2 acres). Over the past four years, volunteer cuttings have slowed the spread of Phragmites along the shoreline, particularly helping to protect the rare Great Lakes coastal marshes found in Collingwood. NVCA, Georgian Bay Forever, Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation, the Town of Collingwood and local condominium associations have lead this work. Funding for this year's Phragmites work was provided by the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund, WWF’s Loblaw Water Fund, Environment and Climate Change Canada EcoAction program, Georgian Bay Forever, and others.
Funding for Stewardship in Dufferin - Rural Water Quality Program Extended
Dufferin County has extended funding available for the Rural Water Quality Program?. The program makes grants available for on-the-ground projects to improve water quality and restore aquatic and wildlife habitat. Landowners and farmers are encouraged to apply. Grants range from 50-100% to a maximum of $5,000 depending on project type. Eligible water quality projects include:
- livestock exclusion fencing from streams and wetlands
- tree planting
- decommissioning unused wells
- erosion control structures (land and in-water)
- nutrient management planning
- cover crops
- wetland creation to improve water quality
- clean water diversion from livestock yards
An Environmental Farm Plan or completed Rural Landowner Stewardship Guide is required to apply, as is a short application form. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.nvca.on.ca or contact Shannon Stephens, NVCA's Healthy Waters Program coordinator, at 705-424-1479 x239 or sstephens@nvca.on.ca.
Planting Trees for Healthier Streams - Volunteers needed
We're looking for a few more volunteers for our third and final TD Tree Days planting event this fall! Join us on Sept. 29 from 9 am to 12 noon as we plant 500 trees and shrubs along the Mad River through the Minesing Wetlands. Planting along stream banks improves water quality and fish habitat. Streamside trees help stop pollutants before they flow into the water; the leaves and woody material provide food and habitat for the fish and bugs living in the water; the roots reduce erosion; and the canopy cover keeps stream water cool. To learn more and to register, visit www.tdtreedays.com
Family Nature Days - Home-school & PA Day Program kicks-off October 22
NVCA's Family Nature Days give kids (and their parents) a chance to explore and experience the great outdoors! Our experienced environmental educators guide families through programs ranging from pond study, to maple syrup making, t?o outdoor survival skills. The programs are perfect for families that home-school or those wanting to spend PA Days outside The first Family Nature Day takes place Oct. 22 with a guided hike along the Niagara Escarpment at the Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area. To learn more about the program or to register, visit www.nvca.on.ca.