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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2012-01-18, Page 30Wednesday, January 26, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 11 Students gear up to restore wetland based on success of last year 111 World Wetlands Air Day this year honours importance of forested wetlands ABCA Students from a Clinton school were so energized by a snowshoe visit to a local wet- land last year they have decided to plant trees and restore a wetland this year for World Wetlands Day. The St. Joseph's School students will create a buffer around the wetland on their school property. "We are thrilled that the students at St. Joseph's recog- nize the importance of pro- tecting the wetlands we have and are taking the lead on restoring their wetland," said Steve Bowers, Huron Stew- ardship Coordinator, Ontario ( Ministry of Natural Resources. W"Every project improves water quality downstream." Students at the school rec- ognized World Wetlands Day in 2010 by travelling on snow- shoes to a local wetland. Aus- able Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) staff showed students how wet- lands can absorb and filter some pollutants and sedi- ment before water reaches rivers, lakes and drinking water. Students learned how wetlands can store water, recharge groundwater, reduce extremes of flooding and drought, and help us adapt to climate change. They ttlso learned that wetlands can slow down surface water flow and limit soil erosion. ABCA will provide the stu- dents with another educa- tional wetland hike this year. After last year's field trip, the students decided to have a tree planting event in the spring of 2011. The theme for this year's World Wetlands Day (Febru- ary 2) is 'Forests for water and wetlands: "'this year's theme brings awareness to the importance of forests and for- ested wetlands in our lives," said Angela Van Niekerk, wet- lands specialist with the Ilealthy headwaters Wet- lands Initiative, a local project working with landowners in Huron and Middlesex counties to restore and enhance wetlands. The Healthy Ileadwaters pro- gram, with positive participa- tion by local property owners, has restored thirty wetlands and 112 acres over three years. Healthy headwaters is a partnership formed by the ARCA, Middlesex Steward- ship Council (MSC), Huron Stewardship Council (I ISC) and Ducks unlimited Canada (DIJC) to provide property owners with the technical advice and assistance needed to complete wetland restora- tion projects. Some projects were under- taken with the financial sup- port of the Government of Canada, provided through the Department of the Envi- ronment. Wetlands projects in the area have also been made possible by funding partners including Canada - Ontario Agreement Respect- ing the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem (COA) and Iluron Clean Water Project. Healthy Headwaters Wetlands Initia- tive has also received signifi- cant support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). "We have created and enhanced many wetlands over the past three years, thanks in part to a three- year grant the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) provided in 2008; said Van Niekerk. "The funding has allowed us to expand the program to all of Middlesex and Huron counties." A leading grantmaker in Can- ada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initia- tives. An agency of the Gov- ernment of Ontario, On builds healthy and vibrant communities. New projects not only benefit the environment - they can also benefit a land- owner's property or farm operation. Damage from snowmelt and spring flood- ing may be reduced with an increase in wetlands and water retention areas in the watershed. 'There are a vari- ety of stewardship projects available to landowners and include financial assistance. If you are interested in the learning more about the wetland program, you are encouraged to contact Angela at the ARCA. For information on this, and other programs, phone the ABCA at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610, visit abca.on.ca, or e-mail avanniekerk@abca.on.ca. Al T rpo RETIRE-ATf, OME Customized Home Care Services for Your Needs! Call Lancia for a FREE in-home consultation on all your options. 519-294-8855 www.ltetireAtHomeHPit. oom YourHealth. YourHome. YourChoice.