A showcase of environmental achievements

Streams are a lot healthier in the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority watershed, thanks to the volunteer efforts of concerned citizens.

The NVCA recognized those volunteers at its Watershed Stewardship Awards Night on Tuesday. Tied for first place were the environmental committee of the Rotary Club of Barrie and Banting Memorial High School teachers Andy Owens and Geoff Meadley. Nicole Gibson of Adjala- Tosorontio will be recognized in the youth category.

The environmental committee has been actively helping with the restoration of a natural stream channel at the Tiffin Centre. The channel reconnects Momma Bear Pond to her two neighbouring ponds. Rotary volunteers placed stones to reduce erosion in the stream channel and to add to the aquatic habitat. Next, they lined the channel with a soft bank made from Christmas trees donated by Somerville Nurseries. The trees provide a barrier between the channel and the warm water in the adjacent wetland.

The NVCA promotes disconnecting ponds from streams because rising pond temperatures can harm fish, such as trout, which cannot survive in temperatures greater than 24 C. With interpretative signs planned for next year, this project will be used as a demonstration site for others wishing to take ponds off streams.

"This project has become an education for all of the Rotarians who have worked on the project to date," said David Mills, environmental committee chair. "We can clearly see how the restoration of a watershed enhances the flow of water and can understand the why and how of such endeavors."

Owens and Meadley have been encouraging youth to become involved with conservation activities by having their classes participate in projects in partnership with the NVCA and the New Tecumseth Stream Restoration program for more than five years. Their Grade 10 and 12 environmental science classes spend many mornings and afternoons working on projects such as erosion control on the riverbanks of Beeton Creek. New this year, Meadley began co-ordinating a co-operative education program to have students spend entire days working on projects.