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Workshop for Rural Landowners


Workshop for Rural Landowners - Mitchell, Ontario - March 20, 2018


A Workshop for Rural Landowners to take place in Mitchell, Ontario on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mitchell Community Centre, 185 Wellington Street.  The event will feature presentations by local subject-area experts such as:
  • Kayla Veldman, Veldman Grain Farm Ltd. on Why do we invest in cover crops?
  • John Enright, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) on Windbreaks Work!;
  • Rachael Scholten, of Ducks Unlimited Canada, on Wetland Restoration - Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Conservation Programs
  • Tatianna Lozier, UTRCA, on Innovative Best Management Practices (BMPs) - How do they work to reduce phosphorus?
To find out more download the PDF poster: You may also contact John Enright, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, at 519-451-2800, extension 243, or email enrightj@thamesriver.on.ca.

Be a citizen scientist in Bayfield


Ausable Bayfield Conservation issues call for volunteer ‘citizen scientists’ in Bayfield area


Ausable Bayfield Conservation asks for your help to monitor water quality along beach in Bayfield   Ausable Bayfield Conservation is asking for your help to monitor water quality along the beach in Bayfield. Since 2014, people from the Bayfield community have volunteered as ‘citizen scientists.’ These volunteers have collected water samples each summer for the Bayfield Beach Stormwater Monitoring Program. Information gathered from this program helps in determining whether stormwater from the village of Bayfield might be having an impact on nearshore water quality. Monitoring also helps to ensure the Bayfield Main Beach maintains its internationally-recognized Blue Flag status.     

Citizen scientists are people who are interested in the world around them and want to contribute to understanding it better. By participating in a program such as this, people further the advancement of science, and play a role in managing their natural resources.

If you are interested in learning more, or volunteering for this program, please contact Hope Brock, Ausable Bayfield Conservation, at 519-235-2610 or email hbrock@abca.on.ca.

Office closed Easter Monday


The Ausable Bayfield Conservation office at the Administration Centre east of Exeter is closed for the Holiday Monday on Monday, April 2, 2018 (Easter Monday).

When the office is to be closed we add notices of service disruption at this page: We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter season.

Conservation Dinner is Thursday, April 12, 2018


The Conservation Dinner gala charitable fundraising auction has been a success in supporting local projects throughout communities of the Ausable Bayfield watersheds in an area stretching from Port Franks, Ailsa Craig, Thedford, Arkona and area in the south; to Clinton, Bayfield, and Seaforth and area in the north; and all the communities in between.

This community fundraising event is organized by community volunteers, the Exeter Lions Club, and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. Donors, patrons and guests, local businesses, artists, and volunteers have helped this charitable event raise more than $1.1 million over the past 28 years for community projects. This dinner and auction was started in 1990 and the Exeter Lions Club joined as co-partner in 1991. The net profits are split 50-50 between community conservation projects of the Foundation throughout the watershed and community conservation projects of the Exeter Lions Club. The 2018 Dinner will also raise funds for community projects such as parks and accessible trails, the Jones pedestrian bridge project on the South Huron Trail, youth programs including bursary awards and job opportunities, and outdoor nature education and recreation in local communities.

The annual charitable gala features live and silent auctions of art and other distinctive items including travel packages and sports and entertainment memorabilia. The event also includes special raffles, general raffles, appetizers, wine tasting, fun and fellowship, and a wonderful meal.

The 29th Conservation Dinner is to be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter. Patrons who buy their ticket before March 5, 2018 are eligible to be included in a draw for Early Bird prizes. Patrons receive a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, for a portion of the ticket price.

For more information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.ca.


Ausable Bayfield Conservation to release updated Watershed Report Cards at annual awards evening


Conservation authority prepares report cards every five years; New report cards recommend top actions, measure forest conditions, water quality


What are the forest conditions and water quality in your local environment? Ausable Bayfield Conservation is releasing updated new Watershed Report Cards to answer those questions.

Many conservation authorities across Ontario prepare Watershed Report Cards every five years, based on standardized guidelines, as a summary of the state of local forests and water resources. A number of conservation authorities are planning to release new report cards on World Water Day, March 22, to provide a ‘Watershed Checkup.’ 

Ausable Bayfield Conservation is releasing its updated new Watershed Report Card on March 22, 2018. The local release is to take place as part of the annual conservation awards event.
“Measuring water quality and forest conditions helps us to better understand our local environment and how we can work together to improve the health of water, soil, and living things here,” said Mari Veliz, Healthy Watersheds Supervisor with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). “Sharing monitoring results helps the community to determine where work is needed and to track progress.”

Report cards are to be posted at abca.ca by March 22.

To learn more about the new Watershed Report Cards you are invited to the annual awards evening to be held at Ironwood Golf Club on March 22. The early-evening event features a keynote address, Conservationist of the Year Award presentation, Board of Directors and staff service awards, light meal, and the release of the updated Ausable Bayfield Watershed Report Card (2018). Ironwood Golf Club is located at 70969 Morrison Line, 2 km east of Exeter. There is no admission fee but seats are limited and guests are asked to reserve their seat at least a week ahead of time. If you would like to attend, please reply to Sharon Pavkeje at spavkeje@abca.on.ca by Thursday, March 15, 2018 for meal numbers. You may also phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. If you have special dietary needs, you are asked to let organizers know in advance.

Summer nature day camps return

Summer Nature Day Camps return in July, August 2018

Popular day camps to return to provide active outdoor nature experiences to young people ages 6-9 from July 23-27 and for youths ages 10-12 from August 7-11


It’s hard to believe, with snow on the ground, that summer is just a few months away but Ausable Bayfield Conservation is thinking of those warmer days already. We are looking towards sunny days by opening up registration for Summer Nature Day Camps.

There is one week of camp from July 23-27, 2018 for young people ages 6 to 9. Then, in August – from August 7 to 11, 2018 – the Wonder, Investigate, Learn, Discover (WILD) Nature Camp takes place for youths ages 10 to 12. “Parents and guardians like the fact their sons and daughters are active in an outdoors setting while being challenged to question, discover, and learn about the world around them” said Denise Iszczuk, Conservation Educator. “The day camps are ideal for young people who love being outdoors; who enjoy hiking and exploring; and who want to learn about nature.”

You may download registration forms from the abca.ca website or pick one up from Ausable Bayfield Conservation’s Administrative Office at 71108 Morrison Line, 2 km east of Exeter and just south of Highway 83, during regular business hours.

Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the maximum number of children is reached. Currently the both camps only have 10 spots left and pre-registration is required. Register by April 21 for WILD Nature Camp and save $25.

The WILD day camps offer young people a chance to learn about water, soil, and living things; become a citizen scientist; and build skills actively. WILD Nature Camp runs daily Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Morrison Dam Conservation Area east of Exeter. On the Friday, campers will stay overnight in tents. (Supper on the Friday and breakfast on the Saturday are included in the price of registration).

To find out more about Summer Nature Day Camps, including registration forms, poster, brochure, Guide for Parents and Guardians, and other information materials, visit the pages on the abca.ca website for the day camps: You are also invited to phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email diszczuk@abca.on.ca.

Jobs for tree planters


Job Posting - Tree Planters Required


The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is looking for energetic, enthusiastic people to plant trees through our spring tree planting program. For general information about the Conservation Authority please refer to abca.ca
For job posting please visit this link:

Location

71108 Morrison Line,
RR 3 Exeter, ON
N0M 1S5

Hours

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Notices of service disruptions are posted at abca.ca

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