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For two years now, Sharon Isbell and Alan Macdonald, both teachers at Loughborough Public School in Sydenham, have been working together with some help from the school and local community on greening and improving the school yard at LPS.

On April 23, 38 new shade trees, all heat and drought-resistant and pollinator-friendly varieties that include silver and sugar maples, lindens and locusts, were planted in the school yard.

Local business owners Daryl Silver of the Silverbrook Garden Centre and Mike Gossage of Sydenham Landscaping, along with school staff and members of the school's parent council assisted with the planting. The students, who helped select the trees, watered and mulched them.

Other recent changes to the playground area have included the construction of three raised beds and a three-chamber composter, which were built by local carpenters Peter Ramsay and Aaron Kerv. These new facilities will give students a chance to experience first hand much of the classroom curriculum they are covering, subjects like the science of photosynthesis, energy and matter cycles, ecosystems, plant biology and more. Macdonald and Isbell hope to see the beds become a kind of “edible landscape” at the school, and provide the students with an opportunity for experiential learning. “Right now the students, both older and younger are growing edible seedlings that they will plant in the beds, the idea being that when a student learns how to plant and grow salad ingredients, chances are they will be inclined eat more salad”, Isbell said.

Macdonald concurred, saying, “The best way to get students to care about environmental and food security issues is to engage them in the production of food.”

The two teachers have also applied for a grant from the Evergreen Brick Works, a community organization in Toronto that helps communities by offering grants for outdoor environmental projects. The grant will be for 30 large limestone rocks that will provide seating in what will become an outdoor classroom area on the playground. The teachers are also waiting to hear back about a $20,000 grant from Farms to Schools, which would help establish a school-based, student-grown salad bar program involving students from LPS and Sydenham High School. The food prep will be handled by students in the high school's new culinary arts program and some produce will also be sourced from area farms.

“These days it seems more and more important for children to develop a strong relationship with the land, to understand their food sources, with the idea being that if they care about it, they will protect it and in the future will become more a part of the solution instead of the problem”, Isbell said.

The 500 students at the school have also each planted a sunflower seed, which they will be transplanting to the playground in the next few weeks.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 11 May 2016 18:45

Our Woodlands and Wetlands Bus Tour

We all know we live in a spectacularly beautiful part of Ontario, but sometimes it takes highly knowledgeable experts to open our eyes and look at our own back yards in a new way. Who knew that scientists from all over the world travel here to marvel at and study things we take for granted: "pillow" rock formations from ancient sea beds; the Plevna Fault (which is not a shortcoming of the good citizens of that town); traces of the last glaciers to scour this landscape; a watershed divide; and an extensive wetland and headwater that harbours rare species? We can even boast of Little Round Lake: a meromictic lake, which is a stratified lake consisting of two layers that do not completely mix, and creatures that thrive without oxygen.

On the Woodlands and Wetlands Tour on April 23, organized by Friends of the Salmon River, about 50 lucky passengers learned to look at their terrain in a new way, thanks to some local scientists and experts. Gray Merriam (landscape ecologist) taught us about the Kennebec Wetlands complex, Dave Smallwood (professional forester) pointed out past and present forestry practices and woodlot management, Dugald Carmichael was the geologist on board who enlightened us with stories of events millions and billions of years ago that formed what we now see in the rocks at roadsides, and Don Cuddy (ecologist) shared his knowledge and insights into the complexity of the relationships between living things and the landscape.

The route took us north on Road 38 to Sharbot Lake, then up Road 509, through Snow Road Station, Ompah, Plevna, Meyers Cave, south on 41 to Northbrook, Henderson, and continuing south through Arden, returning to our starting point in Verona. There was never a dull moment as commentators both educated and entertained us.

The trip was a partnership sponsored by Friends of the Salmon River, the Ontario Woodlot Association: Limestone Chapter, and the Frontenac Stewardship Foundation. For more on these groups, see friendsofsalmonriver.ca, www.ontariowoodlot.com, and facebook.com/Frontenac-Stewardship-Foundation.

Can't see the forest for the trees? Dave Smallwood of the Ontario Woodlot Association explains good woodlot management practices.

Published in General Interest

Howard Clifford has unshakable faith in the transforming, restorative powers of nature. He believes that nature is not only a healer but that the “University of Wilderness” is the best teacher.

On Wednesday, April 6, at the Annual General Meeting of the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT), you’ll have a chance to hear him speak about his research and his thoughts at the Perth Legion in a presentation entitled “The Wild Child – Unleashing the Power of Nature”.

Research shows that among predictors of human health - physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual - engagement in nature activities is critically important. Similarly recognized is the nature deficit so prevalent today. In past, kids were sent outside to play until the street lights came on, exploring nearby ravines and forests, climbing trees, cliffs, slithering into caves, frequently housing live critters in pockets, happily arriving home dirty or muddy, occasionally with cuts and bruises and clothes that needed re-patching.

Today, children, either assigned or by choice, spend most of their time indoors. Activities are usually highly organized and structured, under close adult supervision. Children (and their parents and caregivers) are being denied the opportunity to connect freely with the natural world, and all the fun, wonder, and benefits that come from that experience. We understand the value of free-range chickens but not free-range children. Parents and those holding special places of influence in the child's life must “rewild” themselves as well - for their own well-being and that of their children.

By focusing primarily on disappearing wild places and ever more species on the brink of extinction, we fail to see that the greater threat to wilderness is our children. Yes, we forget that the reason we learned to love nature is precisely because of the unshackled power of freedom we felt - the sheer joy in exploring nature on our own terms - discovering our wild side. Children denied these experiences cannot love these special places and could become the first generation to not care.

MMLT has wilderness properties beckoning that wild child in young and old. The rocks and trees, meadows and ponds, the tadpoles and chickadees, are waiting to be explored, sensed, shared. We’re looking for ways to overcome the resistance and obstacles that discourage families and children, as well as clients of health services, from spending time in the various wilderness treasures protected by our land trust. One of our primary goals is to help them discover the “wild” in their nature.

Howard Clifford is president of the MMLT, a local charity that helps landowners conserve their treasured wilderness properties for the long term. His family owns the largest property conserved by the Land Trust, home to the popular Blueberry Mountain, which now welcomes over 1,000 visitors each year. He draws from his wide professional experience in child care combined with his passion for the healing powers of Nature. In his presentation, Clifford will share some of his research findings, but rather than present only an academic perspective he will share actual experiences demonstrating the power of nature.

The MMLT will hold its AGM on April 6 beginning at 7 p.m. At 7:30 the general public is most welcome to join us for Howard Clifford’s presentation. Refreshments will be served. The Perth Legion is located at 26

Beckwith St. E. Information: 613-253-2722; www.mmlt.ca

Published in Lanark County

Stefan Duerst was informed two weeks ago by Lafarge, the operators of a sand pit just behind his property near Godfrey, that they were applying for a permit to keep removing sand from their pit long into the future.

Even though they have just about exhausted the material on the surface, they are applying for an amendment to their site plan to permit the creation of a 10 metre deep, 18 hectare lake as they remove sand from their quarry over the next 15 years or so.

Duerst is concerned about the impact of this on the water table downstream, where he lives, and about the kinds of industrial processes Lafarge might use on their property, which they access through a right of way that passes over his land.

There is a public open house at the Bedford Hall this week being put on by Lafarge to outline their plans, and although the company has not responded to a request for information from the Frontenac News, an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) did get back to us this week to explain how the process works.

The process is similar in some ways, to how the local township, in this case South Frontenac, would handle a planning request such as a plan of subdivision. A hydro-geological study that was completed by Lafarge, which says that the change in site plan will not impact the neighbors' well water or the wildlife habitat in the vicinity has been sent to Quinte Conservation, the township and the county as well as to the MNRF for comment, and the MNRF will accept public submissions until January 25, after which time they will make their decision.

However, unlike the case in municipal planning matters, the public will not have the opportunity of appeal should they disagree with the decision. In municipal matters, any party to a decision can appeal the matter to the Ontario Municipal Board, but under the Aggregate Resources Act the decision by the Ministry will be final.

If the decision goes against Lafarge, they cannot appeal, and if it goes for Lafarge the opponents cannot appeal.

A meeting took place early this week with Stefan Duerst, some of his neighbors, and officials from the MNRF and the Ministry of the Environment (MoE).

The group of neighbors, who have been working together and are seeking advice from legal and environmental sources, posed a series of questions that concern groundwater impacts, air pollution from sand piles that will be drying in the breeze at the site, the potential for flooding, noise pollution, and more.

Duerst said afterwards that the MoE will be preparing a report in response to the questions, which will be presented to the MNRF on January 8 and will be available to the public as well.

A petition opposing the expanded use of the pit will be presented to South Frontenac Township early in January as well.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC

Stefan Duerst is no stranger to the Lafarge sand extraction pit that is located just behind his house and property on Buck Bay Road. The pit was there when he bought the property, and a right of way through his property to access the pit is used by trucks to haul sand out to Lafarge's plant in Kingston five days a week.

Nonetheless when he bought the property with his wife Tanya Harrington, he planned to use it for a sculpture studio and yoga centre.

“When we bought our 60-acre lot, I asked the plant manager at Lafarge what their long term plans were for the pit, and he said they would be all done in five years. We talked about the possibility of me buying the land once the pit was decommissioned,” said Duerst.

That has all changed now, as Lafarge has applied to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for an amendment to their site plan agreement at the property, which is known as the Fitzgerald Pit.

In a letter to adjacent landowners, Rod Price, Land Manager/Eastern Ontario for Lafarge, outlined Lafarge's current intentions towards the site.

“Given the number of years that the pit has been in operation and the limited area where the sand occurs, supply of this specialized type of sand has become limited. Lafarge has tested the sand material lying below the water table and found it meets its requirements when blended with the sand lying above the water table ... The current site plan for the Fitzgerald Pit limits excavation to being above the water table. In order to excavate from below the water table, the site plan must be amended,” he wrote.

Accompanying the letter was map of the land in question, which includes the outline of a lake that would be created by the expanded operation. The lake is described on the map as plus or minus 18 hectares (44 acres) in area, and plus or minus 10 metres deep. The lake is to be located over a hill at the edge of the Duerst/Harrington property.

In his letter to the landowners, Rod Price invites them to call him at his office in Ottawa “if you have any questions.”

Since receiving the notification letter, which was sent by registered mail on November 19, Stefan Duerst said he has called Price many times, each time leaving a message, but has not received a call back.

“My concern is about water running through two creeks on my property; the impact on my well; the impact of the expanded operation and excavation in terms of noise; and the impact of all this water and the materials it will carry on the watershed,” said Duerst.

The watershed drains into White Lake, within the Quinte Valley Watershed.

When contacted, staff at Quinte Conservation said they have received a hydrogeological study that was prepared for Lafarge in support of their site plan amendment application for the Fitzgerald Pit and are preparing to comment on it.

Paul McCoy, Planning and Regulations manager at Quinte, said that in these cases, hydrogeological studies are prepared by engineers working for the applicant to show that there will be no detrimental impacts on wells and groundwater in the vicinity of the site.

“As a conservation authority, we comment on whether those studies, in our view, prove the case they are making, but we have no authority in site plan amendment matters under the Aggregate Resources Act. We are simply a commenting agency. The authority lies with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. If there is also a permit to take water being sought, it comes under the purview of the Ministry of the Environment. We have received the study for this application,” he said.

The hydrogeological study and other documentation have also gone to Frontenac County and South Frontenac Township.

The News contacted the MNR, the approving agency in these matters, for details about how a site plan agreement amendment is evaluated by them under the Aggregate Resources Act, and we expect a response later this week.

Stefan Duerst has contacted his neighbors, who, he says, are upset about the potential implications of this change on their water and the use of their property going forward. He is meeting with the South Frontenac Township's planner this week, and has been in contact with the Ministry of the Environment as well.

“My understanding is that the land in question is considered a water regeneration resource for the watershed.” Duerst said.

Duerst and Hannigan are planning to develop a sculpture park and yoga retreat on their property. Duerst is a well known sculptor in Eastern Ontario. Just this week he found out that his piece “Soul Gate #4” is to be installed in the lobby of the newly established Tett Centre For Creativity and Learning in Kingston. Hannigan has moved her yoga studio, Feel Yoga, from Kingston to the property.

A public information session on the site plan amendment is set for the Bedford Hall on December 16 between 4 and 7 pm.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 18 November 2015 22:16

MVCA Open House set for Sharbot Lake

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is hosting an open house next Thursday, November 26 in Sharbot Lake to discuss changes to the Wetlands policy in Ontario that are being proposed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

In a discussion paper called Wetland Conservation in Ontario, the MNR says that 70% of wetlands in southern Ontario have been lost through development and the ministry has a goal of ensuring there is no further net loss of wetlands in southern Ontario.

Wetlands are described by the ministry as “lands that are saturated with water long enough to cause the formation of waterlogged (hydric) soils and the growth of water-loving (hydrophytic) or water-tolerant plants”. Wetlands are classed as marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens.

The MNR intends to work with partners, including conservation authorities, to develop a strategic plan for the next 15 years with the intention of ensuring the health of wetlands.

In their response to the discussion paper, Conservation Ontario (CO), which is made up of the 15 conservation authorities in the province including Mississippi, Quinte, Cataraqui and Rideau Valley in our region, recommends that an Integrated Water Management (IWM) approach be taken.

“The IWM approach to wetland conservation would lend itself nicely to and support the focus areas outlined in the discussion paper: strengthen policy, encourage partnerships and improve knowledge, and will provide a framework for the ‘no net loss’ approach to wetland conservation,” says the written response from Conservation Ontario.

Officials from Mississippi Valley Conservation will be on hand in Sharbot Lake to give an overview of the changes and talk about how they see their role.

The new policies could have an impact on land development in the Land O'Lakes region, a major repository of the remaining watersheds in the province.

The meeting is set for 4:30 to 7 pm at the Oso Hall. For information, contact Shannon Gutoski – 613-253 -0006, ext. 225

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Thursday, 01 October 2015 08:12

Fall colours nature walk - October 4

Bring a picnic lunch, bring your family and enjoy the sense of renewal that comes from the Annual Fall Colours Nature Walk to the top of Blueberry Mountain, hosted by the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT). Nature seems to respond to our deep need for beauty. It’s as if the outer layer of green, relaxing, healing colours has been dropped to reveal what has always been there, but hidden from the naked eye. Take this opportunity to rejoice in the explosion of riotous colours that splendidly displays the beauty that no artist can match.

During this Annual Nature Walk, owner Howard Clifford will draw on his rich professional background in mental health and child development. He will provide researched evidence and stories from his own personal experiences that have convinced him that exposure to nature is by far the best means to enhance our well-being, as well as the best gift that parents can give to their children.

This event is a fundraiser to help the MMLT fulfil its responsibilities to care for its protected properties forever. Admission is a $10 donation.

The Annual Fall Colours Nature Walk takes place on Sunday, October 4. Registration starts at 10am and the hike starts at 10:30 sharp. It takes about 45 minutes to climb Blueberry Mountain, but it’s a fairly easy walk with only a brief climb near the top. You can enjoy the spectacular view while you eat your lunch, and dessert will be served following the hike. Special certificates will be given to hikers under 12 or over 80 years of age.

CliffLAND is located at 502 Hills of Peace Road near Flower Station in Lanark Highlands. Drive north of Lanark on Highway 511 to Brightside; turn left onto the French Line Road; drive towards Flower Station and watch for the right turn when you get to Joe’s Lake; just before you reach Flower Station, turn right onto Hills of Peace Rd. For more information, please contact Howard or Jean Clifford at 613-259-3412.

Published in Lanark County

Due to concerns over the potential risks for volunteers encountering the noxious wild parsnip weed, Lanark County Public Works has decided to cancel the Adopt-a-Road pick-up this autumn.

“This was a difficult decision,” said Terry McCann, public works director, “but this noxious weed poses several potential risks and we decided to ensure everyone’s safety by cancelling the fall program due for this year.”

The Adopt-a-Road initiative began in 1999 and is designed to encourage volunteers to complete a spring and fall litter pick-up on a section of road of their choosing. Each section is about two kilometres in length. Dozens of groups have participated over the years with tonnes of litter collected each year and hundreds of hours of volunteer labour contributed.

Wild parsnip is an invasive plant that is becoming more common in Lanark County and is found along road shoulders, in ditches, rail corridors, trails and on uncultivated land. Sap from the plant can cause skin and eye irritation and make skin prone to severe burning and blistering when exposed to sun, which can cause long-term scarring. It is important to know what the plant looks like and use proper handling techniques when dealing with it.

“We are currently reviewing changes to the process for the spring pick-up to ensure the actions taken by participating groups will create minimal to no exposure to this noxious weed,” Mr. McCann added.

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication each member and volunteer has shown to our program and we hope to continue working together to keep our county roads clean while ensuring the safety of all involved,” said County Warden Keith Kerr (Tay Valley Reeve).

For more information about the program or weed control in Lanark County, check http://www.lanarkcounty.ca/Page1872.aspx or call public works at 613-267-1353.

Published in Lanark County
Thursday, 01 October 2015 00:36

Shell Oil On Shelburne Basin In Nova Scotia

Shell Oil wants to drill in the Shelburne Basin just off Nova Scotia. This is near major fishing grounds, Sable Island National Park Reserve, and important marine animals.

In the United States Shell Oil must have in place the ability to cap a well blowout within 24 HOURS. The Stephen Harper government has agreed to allow Shell 21 DAYS before they must cap a well! Emergency equipment would have to come from Norway or South Africa. Imagine how much damage can be done in that time!

Why does Shell think it can disrespect Canada in this way? More importantly, why has Stephen Harper agreed to such disrespect of Canada and such endangerment of our natural resources?

Please ask your readers to tell the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board to refuse to approve Shell's application.

Especially tell Harper's corporate crony Douglas Gregory, who worked with Shell for 30 years and was with the oil lobby association before the Conservative government appointed him to the CNSOPB, that the protection of Canada's coast must come before saving Shell a few pennies!

Visit http://action.sumofus.org/a/shell-21-day-blowout/ for more information.

Published in Letters

Close to 40 participants attended a Frontenac County invasive species community seminar that took place at the Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre (ELEEC) on August 29. The seminar, which was aimed at landowners and land managers, was sponsored by the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area and was jointly hosted by the Frontenac Stewardship Foundation and Queen's University Biological Station. ELEEC manager Carolyn Bonta introduced the speakers and stated that the issue of invasive species is impacting the environment, human health and economy at both a local and global level. She explained that the seminar was set up to give people an idea of what is currently being done to address the issues and how people individually can help.

Numerous experts on the subject spoke at length, including Francine MacDonald, a senior invasive species biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. MacDonald opened with a definition of the term “invasive species”, which she defined as “non-native species whose introduction or spread can pose a threat to the environment, economy, society at large, and human health”.

She said that globally these species represent only 0.1% of all non-native introduced species that can become invasive. While the percentage is low, MacDonald said that the impact can be huge on a number of different levels, especially in Ontario, which has the highest number of invasive species in the country. Invasive species can have a dramatic impact on biodiversity and MacDonald said that next only to habitat loss, invasive species pose the second greatest threat to species becoming at risk of extinction. She cited the economic impact of just 16 invasive species in Canada as ranging anywhere from between $13 and $34 million. She explained that these species can arrive either through trade (by hitchhiking on goods or packaging), through the trade of alien species, through transportation (arriving on planes, boats, vehicles or trains) or through tourism and recreation (from the movement of firewood, live bait, and garden escapes).

MacDonald said that some specific legislation has been developed to address certain specific issues. In 2006 the federal government introduced ballast regulations on ships passing through the Great Lakes, which had been the major pathway for invasive aquatic species into the Great Lakes. She also cited the provincial government's decision in 2005 to ban the possession of all live Asian carp species and further how the MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources), DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) and Canadian Border Patrol have developed their own plans and enforcements to prevent invasive species from gaining a foothold in the Canadian Great Lakes as well as other international efforts that include the Canadian and Ontario governments' participation.

On the bad news side of the issue, MacDonald said that the threat of invasive species continues to grow both globally and more specifically in Ontario as a result of the ongoing demand for trade, travel, and transport, as well as climate change, reduced ecosystem resilience and habitat degradation. She spoke of how the provincial and federal approaches have been challenged to keep pace with the ongoing threat.

Along with Asian carp, she cited new threats such as the Mountain Pine Beetle, the aquatic plant Water Soldier and the fish species known as Northern Snakehead as serious future threats that need to be addressed.

Next, she outlined Ontario's 2012 Invasive Species Strategic Plan, which aims to prevent future invaders from arriving and surviving in Ontario, and to slow/reverse the spread of and reduce the harmful impacts of already existing invasive species. She called for additional action, which she said is urgently needed, and stated that Ontario's approach of “using a patch work of provincial and federal legislation to address invasive species is not enough and was not designed for this singular purpose”.

Currently the provincial government has introduced Bill 37: Invasive Species Act, 2014 which is now in its second reading and which MacDonald said would provide “strong legislation to better prevent, detect, rapidly respond to and, where feasible, could eradicate invasive species by using a risk-based approach that would consider the full range of risks, cost and benefits to the environment, economy, and society.” Its provisions include a wide range of restrictions on the possession, deposit, release, sell, lease, and trade of various species, as well as giving the MNR and governments the power to respond and address the issue of threats in a timely fashion. MacDonald ended by citing the importance of partnerships in addressing the issue of invasive species and she listed a number of groups and organizations that provide detailed information about how individuals can identify and deal with invasive species. These included The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH, at www.invadingspecies.com), the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC at www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca), Invasive Species Centre( www.invasivespeciescentre.ca), Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network (www.caisn.ca), and lastly, Ducks Unlimited Canada (www.ducks.ca).

MacDonald was followed by a number of other experts in the field, including Sophie Monfette, an invading species awareness program coordinator with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, who highlighted how EDD Maps can greatly assist in further research by encouraging property owners to use the app to locate and map their own findings. Dr. Shelly Arnott, professor at Queen's University spoke about the use of research to “guide policy and best practices” and she focused her talk on research into three invasive aquatic species: zebra mussels, the bloody red shrimp, and the spiny water flea. Following a lunch break Justin White of Ducks Unlimited Canada spoke about the rapid response to the new provincial threat of European Water chestnut, and gave an overview of eradication efforts that have taken place on Wolfe Island in 2014 and 2015.

Ali Giroux, a conservation biologist in Eastern Ontario with the Nature Conservancy of Canada spoke about invasive management in the Frontenac Arch and lastly Ali Giroux and Amanda Tracey, the latter a PH.D candidate at Queen's University Department of Biology spoke about how to report, recognize and manage invasive species on your own personal property. Elbow Lake was the place to be for those wanting the latest news on invasive species and those who attended no doubt left more knowledgeable and armed with the ways to help fight the threats.

 

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Page 7 of 14
With the participation of the Government of Canada