HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe 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
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