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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-12-20, Page 1212 TIMES—ADVOCATE Wednesday, December 20, 2006 JUDITH PARKER CORPORATE SERVICES CO-ORDINATOR ABCA International geologists visit museum created in late 1980s The following is the ninth in a 12 -column series in honour of the Ausable Bayfield watershed's conservation pioneers, dur- ing the 60th anniversary year of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, Ontario's first Conservation Authority. EXETER — Remember not too long ago when it was predict- ed we would soon have shorter work weeks and more leisure time? It didn't hap- pen for most of us but that vision of the future did spur us on to create expanded ways to enjoy nature. The latter part of the 1980s continued to be an ambitious time for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority as the ABCA pursued increasing outdoor recre- ation opportunities. In the summer of 1986 the ABCA marked its 40th anniversary with a number of a special projects, partnerships and ribbon -cutting ceremonies. In the northern part of the watershed, at the former Bannockburn Wildlife Area, crews installed two footbridges over the Walden Creek and the Bannockburn River. These structures replaced two aging bridges in need of repair. At Morrison Dam Conservation Area, east of Exeter, a newly constructed board- walk and footbridge crossing the Ausable River was officially opened on July 30 by chairman Gordon Johnson. The Exeter Lions Club contributed to this project and continues to support the hiking trails between Exeter and Morrison Dam Conservation Area. Parkhill Conservation Area was a busy spot as the ABCA operated seasonal, transient and group camping facilities, hiking trails, fishing and canoeing. In 1986, an `Experience' crew of 13 students undertook considerable trail improve- ments and installed a new footbridge to enhance the property. In 1995, the camp- ground portion of the property was leased to the private sector. On Aug. 9, 1986, the ribbon was cut, opening the Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre at Rock Glen Conservation Area. The Arkona Lions Club had been looking for a spot to attractively display Ted Baxter's extensive collection of fossils found in the local area so a partnership with the ABCA provided the solu- tion. Visitors to the museum can see specimens of brachiopods, trilobites, crinoids and horned coral attesting to the fact that 350 million years ago this part of North America lay beneath a warm shallow saltwater sea. The Rock Glen Conservation Area and Arkona Lions Museum have become a destination for international geologists, paleontology professionals and amateurs as well as tourists who enjoy the scenic waterfall and natural heritage of this unique conservation area. On that same day, the ABCA concluded its 40th anniversary celebrations with the opening of the new gatehouse and docking facilities at Port Franks Conservation Area. This property is now being operated by the Municipality of Lambton Shores. In 1989 the board of directors membership was restructured from 35 to 16. Following municipal amalgamations in 2000, the board was restructured again to nine representatives from the 12 watershed municipalities. No matter what the changes, the boardroom table has been the scene for setting visions into policy and then into action. It was in 1988 that I became part of the corporate services staff at the ABCA and what a journey of learning it has been. The notion that by now, society would have more leisure time seems to be a myth. However, we are lucky to be able to visit a local conservation area and appreciate these islands of nature that are pro- tected for us through the work of the ABCA and its partners that provide leader- ship together in building better environmental conscience. The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has protected lives and property through flood management and watershed stewardship for 60 years. The ABCA has celebrated the finale of its 60th Anniversary year with the printing of a Watershed Report Card that will serve for the next five years as a catalyst for watershed stewardship. Much to do at the museum GODERICH - There are many things to see and do at the Huron County Museum during the holiday season. Visit the Huron County museum in Goderich to enjoy exhibits regarding the life and history of huron County and its resi- dents. Take time to view the special temporary exhibit "Cultivating Ontario's West Coast" celebrating the agricul- tural industry of Huron County. The museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4:30 p.m. The museum is closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26; and Jan. 1. Bring the family to the Huron County Museum for a spe- cial holiday visit Dec. 29. This is a special admission day with free admission for children ages 16 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Regular adult admission rates apply. See the museum decorated for the season, visit the special exhibits, search the museum for hidden surprises and make a craft to take home. Children ages six to 10 are invited to our special seasonal children's program "Winter Wonders." Pre -registration is required for this program so book early since spaces are limited. Winter Wonders takes place Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ever wonder how the early settlers survived their first win- ters, kept warm and celebrated a new year? Join us at the Huron County Museum to investigate and explore winter for the early settler. $20 per child. For more information about upcoming events, holiday hours or to register for a program, contact Elizabeth at the Huron County Museum, 519-524-2686. The Huron County Museum is located at 110 North St., Goderich, Ontario. 3foliday Collection Schedule The BCuewater Recycling .1ssociation and all its staff would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New year. During this holiday season, we postpone the regular coCCection of waste andrecyclabCes in order to allow our staff to savour this joyous holiday season with their family. Since Christmas and New year's Day are on a Monday this year, there will not be any coCCection on Monday, December 25th and Monday, January ist..kn alternate correction wilt occur on Saturday, December 3oth for all those normally collected on those dates. Tuesday, December 26th is a reguCar coCCection day for us except for the Town of St. Marys and Wingham, which wiCCnot be colEectedunti(Tuesday, January 2nd If your coCCection day is Tuesday, please ensure that your materiaCis set out by 7:ooam as the driver may be there earCier than usuaC The reguCar coCCection schedule will -resume on Tuesday, January 2nd 1Ne apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns please caCC1-80o-265-9799. 1-800-265-9799 ITCHES LOVE CARS WITHOUT WINTER TIRES. WHEN IT COMES TO WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS, NO ONE IS BETTER QUALIFIED THAN THE GOODWRENCH TIRE EXPERTS TO KNOW WHICH TIRES HELP YOUR GM VEHICLE HANDLE BETTER. TRUST YOUR SAFETY TO THE EXPERTS. 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