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Hundreds of people attend 34th Conservation Dinner, raising tens of thousands of dollars for community
More than 340 people attend 34th Conservation Dinner, generously raising funds to support community projects including parks, trails, outdoor nature education, youth programs, recreation and more
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and Exeter Lions Club hosted the 34th Conservation Dinner and Auction, on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. More than 340 people attended the gala community fundraiser and they generously raised more than $45,000 for needed projects in watershed communities.
The Conservation Dinner has raised more than $1.39 million, in net proceeds for the community, over its 34-year history.
The Conservation Dinner Committee says the success of the April 11 fundraiser is thanks to the generosity of guests bidding at the Auction as well as the generosity of sponsors and donors and artists and volunteers. Organizers say the success is also thanks to the generous contributions of the auctioneers, who were Bob Heywood; Ben Lobb; Richard Lobb; and Kevin McArter.
Chris Keller, of Exeter Lions Club, is Chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee.
“I would like to thank everyone who was part of making the evening a success,” he said. “The Lions Club members and other volunteers work hard all year to host this event, and they work hard setting up for the evening, and that night taking everything down, but it’s a wonderful feeling to see everything come together and to know we are making a difference. On behalf of the Conservation Dinner Committee, I would like to thank the sponsors and donors and guests, feature artist Stephanie Denomme, the auctioneers, the volunteers, and everyone else who made this possible.”
Darryl Beaver is President of the Exeter Lions Club.
“The Exeter Lions Club is pleased to partner with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation to present this excellent Dinner and Auction,” he said in his remarks to the crowd. “Exeter Lions Club thanks everyone for their continued support and contributions.” The Dinner, he said, has made it possible to support important projects such as the MacNaughton-Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail and stocking Morrison Reservoir with rainbow trout for the fishing derby each year for young people and the young at heart.
Dave Frayne is Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. “Fifty years ago, the Conservation Foundation was started,” he said in his remarks. “We have some wonderful groups here with the Lions Club, the volunteers, and everyone else who helps out … thank you.”
Net proceeds are split 50-50 between community conservation projects of the Conservation Foundation and community conservation projects of the Exeter Lions Club.
The auction and dinner supports projects such as a family-friendly fishing derby, accessible nature trails in Bayfield, Clinton, Parkhill, Lucan, Arkona, Exeter, and Varna; opportunities for students to experience outdoor nature education; a $1,000 student environmental grant for students in local communities; a summer job at Ausable Bayfield Conservation for a senior secondary school student; turtle monitoring and events in Port Franks and Ailsa Craig; aquatic habitat work in the Old Ausable Channel, Grand Bend; nature day camps; Owl Prowl; and parks and conservation areas.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation's Healthy Watershed Technician, Rosalind Chang, would like to thank all the generous people who, at the end of the auction, donated $200 each to help send a deserving local young person to summer nature day camp. There were $4,600 in donations at the end of the auction to send 23 youths to nature camp.
Learn more:
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Huron County Clean Water Project (HCWP) accepting applications
Huron Clean Water Project is a fund that supports water quality projects in Huron County. There is a total of $500,000 in available funds, in 2024, for water quality projects by Huron County residents, landowners, and community groups.
Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) deliver the program on behalf of the County.
“The total value of past Huron Clean Water projects is an astounding $14.5 million,” said Warden Glen McNeil. “These investments made by the County, community partners and community members demonstrate Huron’s commitment to being good stewards of our land and waterways now and in the future. Well done, to all involved in this important project.”
Investing and participating in on-the-ground water quality improvement projects contributes to a healthy environment and will provide lasting benefits for the residents of Huron County and generations to follow.
Limited funding assistance covering up to 50 per cent of the costs of eligible projects is awarded to county farmers, rural landowners, businesses and community organizations. County of Huron funding can be combined with other sources such as provincial and federal funding programs, as well as programs offered by other conservation organizations and local foundations. Program delivery staff are available to help connect you with these additional funding opportunities.
The Huron Clean Water Project is in its twentieth year of providing financial and technical support to improve and protect water quality on Huron County farms and rural properties. Since 2005, Huron County residents have completed nearly 4,000 stewardship projects with funding from the Clean Water Project, including:
- 113 liquid manure storages decommissioned
- 435 wells upgraded
- 620 wells decommissioned
- 38,000 acres of cover crops
- 1,319 tree planting projects
- 304 erosion control projects
To apply for funding, or to obtain further information, call Maitland Conservation at 519-335-3557, extension 236 or Ausable Bayfield Conservation at 519-235-2610, or toll-free 1-888-286-2610, extension 227.
Learn more here:
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Huronview Demonstration Farm featured in local news article
A local article tells about the work of local farmers, from Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association (HSCIA), at Huronview Demonstration Farm at the County of Huron's Huronview complex near Clinton.
The agricultural producers in the article talk about a trend towards better yields as they strive for healthier soils and less erosion and better management of runoff with best practices including cover crops and no-till.
Read Dan Rolph's article, Huronview demonstration farm tests benefits of sustainable farming, in The Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance.
For a link to the article, visit Huronview.net.
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Six new turtle nest protectors donated
Ausable Bayfield Conservation would like to thank Lynda McCallum (at left in photo), and Andrea McCallum (at right in photo), for generously donating six new turtle nest protectors.
Lynda and Andrea are shown with Cristen Watt, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Water Quality Technician.
Lynda and Andrea build nest protectors in the London and Middlesex County area and, on a trip to Morrison Dam Conservation Area, they noticed some turtle nest protectors that were ready to be replaced.
They reached out to us to make this donation. We thank you! Our turtle species thank you.
Learn more and visit our turtles web page.
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Book provides guide to native plant species
A 29-page booklet, called Living with Nature – A Landowner's Guide to Native Vegetation for the Grand Bend to Port Franks Corridor, provides information on recommended native plant species for planting in the Grand Bend-Port Franks corridor.
A limited number of printed copies are available, at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office, for only $5 each.
If you would like to buy a copy, please contact Rosalind Chang, Healthy Watersheds Technician, by email at rchang@abca.ca or by phone, at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610, extension 226.
To read the book online, visit the Friends of the Old Ausable Channel website:
The book is written by Ausable Bayfield Conservation's Kari Jean, Aquatic Biologist, and Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist.
The book answers the question, 'Why use native plants?' It also provides recommended native vegetation for landscaping in the Grand Bend-Port Franks Corridor. It includes a recommended list of native tree species; and a list of native shrubs and plants for landscaping.
The book includes common names, scientific names and where the plants grow. There are also photos.
The book also educates people about invasive non-native species that should not be planted.
Publication of the book first took place in in 2009 with funding from Sunset Community Foundation, ABCA, and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.
A reprint of the book, in 2021, was made possible thanks to Canada Nature Fund; Lakeshore Eco-Network; and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.
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Library hosts Outdoor Play and Read on South Huron Trail
Huron EarlyON and Huron County Library are moving back outdoors to the MacNaughton-Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail in Exeter.
Join them Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., starting May 1, 2024, to explore nature while walking part of the trail.
Connect with other families with young children and enjoy songs, stories and activities while you walk.
Meet at MacNaughton Park, 56 Hill Street, Exeter, by the pavilion.
The walk starts at 10 a.m. To learn more, email earlyon@huroncounty.ca
Find out more:
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Nancy Mills wins 50-50 Raffle Draw
Ticket drawn at Conservation Dinner
The winning ticket, in the 2024 50-50 raffle (lottery licence number M835224), was drawn on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Conservation Dinner.
The winning ticket belonged to Nancy Mills.
In this photo, Nancy is shown with Chris Keller, Chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee, on the evening of the Dinner, after the winning ticket was drawn.
Nancy wins $3,845. Another $3,845, from the raffle draw, will go towards community conservation projects of the Exeter Lions Club.
The draw organizers thank everyone who bought a ticket in support of their community.
Congratulations, Nancy!
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Call for applications for Junior Conservationist
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for for a Junior Conservationist, an eight-week (July-August) summer student position that gives young people a chance to experience many facets of conservation work at ABCA.
The position is designed for a senior secondary school or first year college/university student to gain experience in various roles and departments within Ausable Bayfield Conservation to see if this is a career path for you.
This summer job experience is funded by Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation thanks to the generosity of community donors and supporters.
Applications are accepted until 4 p.m. local time on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Learn more or apply now:
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$1,000 Student Environmental Grant
Watch for application forms coming soon
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) offers a $1,000 Student Environment Grant (formerly Student Environmental Award).
We will be posting application forms, for this student scholarship/bursary, in the coming days.
Watch for it and visit our Student Environmental Grant web page.
This scholarship grant award is for a graduating secondary school student or a student currently enrolled in University or College pursuing education in a conservation/envrionnment related course of study (e.g., biology, ecology, geography, forestry, fish and wildlife, agriculture, outdoor education).
The student must be between 17 and 25 years of age and have a permanent address within a member municipality of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) watershed area.
Watch for more details coming soon.
Past winners are: Ryan Finnie (2010); Raina Vingerhoeds (2011); Greg Urquhart (2012); Ryan Carlow (2013); Connor Devereaux (2014); Barb Alber (2015); Samantha Bycraft (2016); Marina Lather (2017); Ethan Quenneville (2018); Meghan Glavin (2019); Kirsten McIntosh (2022); and Gwen Taylor (2023).
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Fishing derby returns in 2024 for young and young at heart
Exciting news! The fishing derby is back this year. This is a partnership of Exeter Lions Club and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.
This family-friendly outdoor recreation event takes place at Morrison Reservoir (Morrison Lake) on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon. It is only $2 for those ages 16 and under and $4 or those 17 and older.
Food and beverages are available for purchase. Every child receives a prize. Thanks to all the donors and sponsors and volunteers who make this outdoor nature appreciation event possible.
Learn more now:
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Earth Day celebrated along the Old Ausable Channel
Rosalind Chang, Healthy Watersheds Technician with Ausable Bayfield Conservation, was one of the presenters at an Earth Day function held at Southcott Pines along the Old Ausable Channel.
The event, hosted by Southcott Pines Park Association, took place on April 22, 2024.
People enjoyed an early-evening meet-and-greet and took an interest in information booths with staff from local conservation organizations.
Attendees learned about positive actions to mitigate and adapt to weather extremes and a changing climate. They learned about practical stewardship actions, planting of native species, monitoring of aquatic species, and about maintaining their septic systems to protect water quality in the Old Ausable Channel (OAC).
Presenters at the event included local residents, researchers Jennifer Powell and Madeline Morrison from the University of Toronto, Ausable Bayfield Conservation, and @GranCleanstheBeach
The international Earth Day theme this year was Planet vs. Plastics and local resident Lynn Tremain shared about the importance of keeping plastic out of our water.
Attendees learned more about the research project on Invasive European Milfoil Control in the OAC.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation would like to thank Southcott Pines for hosting the event. It was a great chance to learn together about the OAC, which is a rare and significant ecosystem.
To learn more visit the Friends of the Old Ausable Channel website.
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Staff Profile Feature – Meet Ellen Westelaken
In this issue of our newsletter, we would like to introduce you to one of Ausable Bayfield Conservation's newest employees, Ellen Westelaken.
Ellen is Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s new Water and Planning Technician and she started with ABCA in April of 2024.
She is from the St. Marys area and has a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph. She also studied Biology and Geography at Wilfred Laurier University.
Geoff Cade is Water and Planning Manager at ABCA. He says he looks forward to Ellen’s work in an important area of conservation. “I would like to welcome Ellen to the ABCA team," he said. He said Ellen brings with her many skills and inter-personal strengths that will assist ABCA greatly in fulfilling its conservation mandate.
Ellen is excited to join the Ausable Bayfield Conservation team.
"I enjoy working with people. With this new role, I am hoping to create positive relationships with community members while sharing the importance of protecting life and property from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion," she said. "I would like to thank the ABCA staff for creating a wonderful work environment and welcoming me to their team."
When not working at Ausable Bayfield Conservation, Ellen says she enjoys spending her time outside. She is an avid gardener and enjoys taking advantage of the great hiking trails in the area.
Welcome aboard, Ellen!
Watch for other staff profiles in upcoming issues of this newsletter.
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Lakeshore Eco-Network hosts spring native tree and plant sale
The Lakeshore Eco-Network is hosting a Spring Native Tree and Plant Sale on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Lambton Heritage Museum, Grand Bend.
At their native tree and plant sale, you may " ... shop for beautiful trees and plants to add beauty to your yard and support biodiversity."
The Eco-Network plants trees and protects natural areas, along Lake Huron's coast, to help fight climate change.
Learn more and visit the Lakeshore Eco-Network website.
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Support shown across Ontario for source protection committee’s letter backing continued public funding for testing of water from private wells
The Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley (ABMV) Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC) approved a letter to the Ministers of Health; Agriculture and Environment; and Conservation and Parks.
The letter was sent in February of 2024 and was in support of continued provincial funding for testing of water samples from private well owners. The letter was also forwarded to regional municipalities and other source protection committees in Ontario.
The letter was in response to a recommendation, by Ontario’s Auditor-General, to phase out free private water testing. In this source protection region (SPR), close to half of residents have a private or communal well as their drinking water source.
Since the letter was written, municipalities, counties and source protection committees across Ontario have endorsed the ABMV committee’s letter underlining the importance of well water testing.
“If the free water testing phase-out recommendation is approved, well owners would have to use a commercial lab for a fee, which disincentivizes testing,” wrote SPC Chair Matt Pearson in the letter. “When water is not monitored regularly, there is no way to know the true quality of the water, which puts people at increased risk of becoming ill.”
Private drinking water systems in Ontario do not have the legislated safeguards that are required for municipal, communal, and public systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, the SPC Chair noted. Only municipal water supply systems fall under the Ontario Clean Water Act, 2006.
Health Canada’s guidance on waterborne pathogens references three studies that determine that private systems are vulnerable and there is evidence that demonstrates they are more likely to contribute to gastrointestinal illness than public drinking water systems, according to the letter.
The SPC letter also underlined the important data that is acquired from testing of private and communal well water. That data informs public health policy.
During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature on April 22, 2024, Hon. Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, said:
“To be clear there are no changes where the people of Ontario can get their well water tested for free in the Province of Ontario. I grew up on well water. I know how important it is. We will continue to test the well water in the province of Ontario. We’ve had it for decades. I grew up with it. It is a system that many of us understand the value and importance of in rural Ontario because we lived it every single day."
"We’re going to continue that process,” she told the Legislature.
The SPC would like to thank everyone who has supported continued public testing of water from private wells, provided free to owners of private wells.
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Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy News
– Bayfield River Flats Natural Area
Pedestrian Walkway Updates
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Notice:
Bayfield River Flats Natural Area to be closed from April 29 to June 15, 2024 for construction of pedestrian walkway
The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is to be closed for public access between April 29, 2024 until June 15, 2024 while construction takes place of a pedestrian walkway.
A public notice will be issued when the nature area is reopened for public access.
The pedestrian walkway, when finished, will make it possible for people to walk from Bayfield to the nature area without having to drive and without having to cross over the highway.
Public donations, to a 2016 fundraising campaign, led by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA), made it possible for the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) to acquire the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area property.
In 2023-2024, BRVTA led a community fundraising campaign for creation of the pedestrian walkway. The actual cost to construct the walkway is about $70,000 and thanks to the generosity of the Bayfield and area community and local businesses more than $65,000 has been raised. Donations are encouraged to raise the $5,000 needed to cover the difference between the money raised so far and the cost of the project.
Volunteers from BRVTA maintain the property and the Land Trust owns and preserves the property for habitat protection and nature enjoyment and recreation.
To learn more visit the HTLTC website and visit the BRVTA website.
Find out more:
A concept photo showing where a pedestrian walkway will be constructed at the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.
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Construction of pedestrian walkway to Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is to begin soon
Construction phase is starting soon; Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is closed for all access during construction
The Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) called for tenders, in March of 2024, for construction of the pedestrian walkway to the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. The successful contractor is VanDriel Excavating Inc.
A pre-construction meeting was held on site, in April, with representatives from B. M. Ross and Associates Limited (engineering); HTLTC; Hydro One; VanDriel Excavating Inc.; and Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA).
The BRVTA manages the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area property, which is owned by HTLTC through the generous donations of the community.
The contractor plans to begin construction of the walkway by the end of April. The plan is to have the construction completed by June 15. The property will be closed to all public access during construction.
The creation of a new pedestrian walkway will mean people don’t have to drive from Bayfield to reach the nature area. They will be able to walk to the nature area without having to cross the highway.
The cost to construct the walkway is about $70,000. A community fundraising campaign has raised almost enough to cover the cost of the project but there is still $5,000 left to raise.
The project partners say they plan to begin construction this spring. In the meantime, they are looking for options to close the funding gap and encourage donations. The project team expressed thanks for the generosity of the community to date and also thanked B. M. Ross and Associates Limited for their ongoing contribution to the project.
The fundraising campaign remains open should anyone wish to donate and help move the project closer to the finish line. Donations are eligible for a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). There are recognition opportunities for various donor levels.
To learn more about the Bayfield River Flats Walkway project, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association is leading the walkway fundraising project. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is permanently protected by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy as habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination.
Visit the Land Trust website and visit the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website to find out more.
Find out more:
PREPARING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY – At the site of the planned pedestrian walkway, at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area, project partners meet for pre-construction planning. In the photo, holding a shovel, is Jack Pal, of Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA). The trail association manages the nature area property which is owned by Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy, thanks to funds which were raised by BRVTA and the Bayfield and area community. Construction of the walkway is planned to start in late April and continue until June 15 and the nature area will be closed to public access during this construction phase. A community fundraising campaign resulted in $65,000 in donations for the pedestrian walkway. The walkway will make it possible for people to walk from Bayfield to the nature area without having to drive and without having to cross the highway. Construction is proceeding this spring. The fundraising team is encouraging continued donations to raise the additional $5,000 needed to cover the actual cost of the construction, which is about $70,000.
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Location of Ausable Bayfield Conservation office
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71108 Morrison Line,
RR 3 Exeter, ON
N0M 1S5
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Hours for Ausable Bayfield Conservation office
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Our hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
We encourage you to schedule ahead for appointments.
Temporary closings of the office (for instance, on holidays) are posted on our Notices and Service Disruptions page.
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