HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-05-28, Page 11THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 28,1997 PAGE 11.
LUC
Community spirit revives rail bed
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
Nothing can cure a frazzled spirit like a walk on the wild
side.
Busy people often feel that life's dizzying pace is just too
much. But spending even a brief time in natural
surroundings, wrapped in the restless stillness of a wooded
area or canopied under an azure sky, brings peace and a
new perspective.
Touring parklands and nature trails has become a
pleasant leisure activity for people from all walks of life.
Solace in an otherwise hectic world, with the music of
songbirds rather than car engines and fax machines, is a
welcome respite. Whether pursuing active recreation such
as cycling or hiking, or a quiet stroll, a minute communing
with nature is affordable entertainment that's also
wonderful therapy.
When Blyth council began discussing the possibility of
rehabilitating the railbeds along the Blyth Brook, as a
community project, landowner Murray Siertsema, was
thrilled. Appreciative of the natural beauty on his 46-acre
property, Siertsema had already begun developing his own
park-like setting. Willing to share some of that scenic
splendour he not only joined the committee established to
co-ordinate the project, but opened areas of his land to the
public as well.
The project began a couple of years ago when the rail
lines transferred to Ontario Realty Corporation, which in
turn approached the village about leasing the land. Council
formulated the idea of developing the area for recreational
purposes and approached Maitland Valley Conservation
Authority for assistance. Various service clubs, individuals
and groups were also asked to participate.
"The idea," said
Clerk-Treasurer John
Stewart was to have
groups or people take
an interest in a specific
section. The entire
walking trail runs from
the Steam Threshers
Park to the stone arch
at the east end.
Grant money from
the Ministry of Natural
Resources, obtained
after an application
from the local Optimist
Club, was used
towards fish habitat
improvements. A
second grant from
Maitland Valley
Conservation Authority
was received and used towards the publication of brochures
to promote the project.
It was decided that the entire proposal would be phased
over three-years. Work began in the summer of 1996 with the
cleaning out of the brook area and placing of rocks and stones
for erosion control along its banks.
Just from those beginning efforts it
has been wonderful to see the
results, Siertsema said. He excitedly
talks about the occasion last fall
when he spied groups of salmon
moving upstream, stepping off a 44-
inch spot on the ground to
emphasize their impressive size. He
has also seen some speckled trout in
the brook.
As was the plan, the work last
year was done at virtually no cost to
local taxpayers. Students in Grades
7 and 8 were responsible for the
clearing of stones and brush. The
snowmobile club, which grooms the
area for snowmobilers in the winter,
cleared a portion of it as well. Some
neighbouring landownershave
volunteered to maintain the portion
adjacent to their property.
With the second phase gearing up this spring, Siertsema
expects a lot of things will begin to take shape. The Scouts
!
A
came in and cleared bush
behind Siertsema's, while the
Lions are preparing to develop
the section from the rail line to
the soccer field.
This spring members of
Blyth's Horticultural Society
planted their Butterfly Garden
behind Bainton's next to the
parking area. A
children's
playground, an
Optimist project,
will also be
constructed here.
Grade 7 and 8
students were busy
planting trees east
of this, that will
attract birds,
provide natural
beauty and cover.
In addition to the walking trail, there will be
signs, made by the Cadets, designating three
Brook Trails. The first, east of the parking area,
allows an opportunity for a more secluded
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meander along the creek to the arch. The second comes off
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Siertsema's property.
While the walking trail is a pleasant excursion, where one
can witness firsthand the value of community spirit, these
smaller trails take visitors further into nature. The one on
Siertsema's property is especially lush taking you deep into
the 10 acres of lowland shrubbery, while strolling by the
clear, crisp waler. Fresh tracks hint al a deer's sudden passing,
while feathered friends flit from the many birdhouses and
boxes. The blend of the trickling brook and clear air soothes.
"There is no question that the access he has allowed onto
his land has enhanced this project," says Slewart.
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