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The Citizen, 2007-09-27, Page 25Fifty members of the Huron-Perth Woodlot Association toured the Belgrave-area woodlot of Bill Andrews on Saturday. Andrews explained the 135-acre farm on the banks of the Maitland River on Belgrave Road, had only a small hardwood woodlot at the rear when he bought it in 1970. The native of Clinton and retired environmental science professor at the University of Toronto, said in part he hoped the farm would be a demonstration project for his students. He and his family began planting trees, eventually planting 30,000- 40,000 mostly softwood trees but with some hardwoods like oak and black walnut in selected areas. He led a tour at a sprightly pace through a farm that is now mostly woodlot, with the trees he planted now towering into the sky. In the river flats, Andrews pointed out that a river-side cliff protects the area and produces a micro-climate that allows Carolinian species to thrive, though this is at the northern edge of their habitat. In other areas he showed some of five meadows he has kept open in an attempt to create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat. He has noticed,he told those on the tour, that since heplanted so many trees, he no longersees meadow larks and bobolinks onthe farm and wants to investigate tosee if they have disappeared on the surrounding farms as well before concluding he destroyed their habitat. Elsewhere, he has set up cameras along trails that are triggered by the breaking of an infra-red light beam, so he can record what animals use the trails. While one of his goals is enhancement of wildlife habitat, Andrews also tries to make his woodlot areas as productive as possible. He told the visitors that he had made a mistake when he first took over the farm by not thinning the hardwoods. The woodlot had been pastured and there was no new growth of trees. Byleaving the tree cover intact, enoughlight couldn’t get in to generate newgrowth once the cattle wereexcluded, he said. Only later, whenhe took a harvest of the trees, andlight was able to hit the forest floor, were the trees able to grow. Now, however, he says there isn’t the diversity of age of trees there should be. Though Andrews lives in Toronto, he spends hundreds of hours a year tending his woodlot. He showed off his tool collection for pruning trees and cutting out unwanted species. He said he tries to prune the lower branches from pines in the plantations so they will have more value when cut for lumber. He has also begun thinning the plantations to promote growth of the remaining trees. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007. PAGE 25. Showing the tools Bill Andrews, right, chats with people on the Huron-Perth Woodlot Association tour on Saturday about the tools he uses to trim and prune his woodlot. (Keith Roulston photo) Woodlot association tours Andrews’ woodlot Fall is here again and with it comes the 59th annual fowl supper. For all newcomers to the community and also to remind those who have helped for years here is a brief history of this annual event. It started in 1949, and each year over 1,000 people sit down together at one time over a traditional hot turkey supper with the whole community contributing time and food to make this supper a huge success. Last year was another great year realizing a profit of $7,800. The proceeds go toward the operating costs of the Belgrave Community Centre, arena and park and to sponsor minor sports programs throughout the year. Without the fowl supper, these areas might cease. Please help when the committees call on you. Tickets are available at local stores. The supper is on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Belgrave Community Centre. Business Directory Offering a full range of services: auditing, accounting, business planning, income tax planning, personal financial planning, computer and management services. BDO Dunwoody, LLP Chartered Accountants and Advisors Alan P. 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Box 69 470 Turnberry Steet Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 (519) 887-6100 Fax: (519) 887-6109 e-mail:dsholdice@himginsurance.com There is something for everyone The Citizen COURTNEY & DELIVERIES CourtneyMoving &Deliveries Clean and reliable delivery and moving service for Blyth and surrounding area. Hourly and flat rates available. Call for a free quote 519-523-9108 519-440-1108 We have solutions for your storage needs. Great for home, office & business. Ask for Ken at LAKESIDE 519-524-1740 Storage Solutions In stock used Pallet Racking, used decking steel & 4'x8' T&G fir plywood. By Keith Roulston The Citizen By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188 PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE