Dave Frayne, Conservation Dinner Committee Chair, at left, sells first Conservation Dinner tickets to George Finch, Mayor of Municipality of South Huron. Tickets are now available for purchase for yourself or as a seasonal gift.
Give gift of community in 2022 Christmas season with tickets for Conservation Dinner on April 20, 2023
Conservation Dinner returns in 2023 as live in-person event after two years of online auctions; Organizers announce tickets available; Volunteers invite you to buy tickets as gifts
The Conservation Dinner Committee has announced the Conservation Dinner is to be in person in 2023 after two years of holding the event as an online virtual auction.
“We are extremely excited to be returning to a live auction and dinner in 2023,” said Dave Frayne, Chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee. “We appreciate the support of the public during the two years of online auctions but it will be wonderful to see people in person again and to enjoy the fellowship of the Conservation Dinner.”
Tickets are now available for purchase, according to organizers. The Dinner committee encourages you to give ‘the gift of community’ this Christmas holiday season by buying tickets for the Dinner. Tickets are $100 each. Patrons receive a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, for a portion of that amount.
The Conservation Dinner takes place on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter.
“When you give the gift of a Conservation Dinner ticket, you are giving a ticket to one of the most enjoyable events of the year,” said the Committee Chair. “You and the person receiving the ticket also know you are helping your community.”
There have been 30 Conservation Dinners in person since 1990 and two virtual Conservation Dinners in 2021 and 2022. The Conservation Dinner auction event has raised more than $1.285 million for the community over 32 years.
To buy tickets for yourself, or as a present, or to donate to the 2023 Conservation Dinner, phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (just south of Highway 83). Find out more at conservationdinner.com and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation website.
About the Conservation Dinner
The Conservation Dinner is a gala charitable auction and dinner. It started in 1990. The event has raised more than $1.285 million over more than three decades for projects in local communities. These projects include accessible nature trails in Bayfield, Clinton, Parkhill, Lucan, Arkona, Exeter, and Varna; making it possible for more students to experience outdoor nature education; a $1,000 student environmental bursary benefitting 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 studies in Old Ausable Channel, Grand Bend; and projects like nature day camps, fishing derby and Owl Prowl, and parks and conservation areas.
The Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner, with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the watershed community, on the Dinner since 1991. Net profits are split 50-50 between community conservation projects of the Conservation Foundation and community conservation projects of the Exeter Lions Club.
The annual charitable event features live and silent auctions of art and other distinctive items including travel packages and sports and entertainment memorabilia. The Dinner also includes special raffles, general raffles, appetizers, wine tasting, fun and fellowship, and a wonderful meal.
The Conservation Dinner Committee thanks all the donors, patrons and guests, and volunteers who have made the event a success both in person and, during 2021 and 2022, online. The committee also thanks all the creative people who have been feature artists over the year in media ranging from paintings to ice sculptures to quilting to metal art to culinary arts to other creative disciplines.
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Autographed, framed pro hockey jersey donated for auction at Conservation Dinner
The Conservation Dinner would like to thank all the individuals, businesses and groups donating to the Conservation Dinner 2023.
One of the generous donors to the fundraising charitable auction is Marc Denomme, in photo above, who has donated this framed and autographed Calgary Flames professional hockey jersey of Matthew Tkachuk, now of the Florida Panthers and previously with the Flames. Thanks, Marc!
This jersey promises to be one of the coveted items in next year's dinner and auction on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
To learn more visit conservationdinner.com and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation's Conservation Dinner web page.
To buy tickets for the Dinner, for yourself or as a present, or to donate, phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
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ABCA continues to deliver plan review and permitting services
Some people have asked us if and how Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) plan review and permitting services are impacted by recent provincial changes including Royal Assent of Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022).
ABCA has sent a letter (Dec. 5) to our 12 member municipalities, and other planning partners, including counties, to let them know the current status of ABCA plan review and permitting services. The letter is being shared by conservation authorities across Ontario with their member municipalities. Here are highlights:
Plan Review Services
It is business as usual for our plan review services. Planning applications should continue to be circulated to ABCA for review. Plan review and commenting under the Mandatory Programs and Services Regulation, including natural hazards and source water protection, is unaffected by recent provincial changes.
Changes to our non-mandatory review and commenting services for development applications will not take effect until the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry issues a clarifying regulation. ABCA will notify member municipalities when this regulation is published. In the meantime, ABCA continues to provide the same plan review services including natural heritage, stormwater management, etc.
Permits
It is business as usual for permitting services except for new provisions concerning Minister’s Zoning Orders and Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator Orders. If these Orders occur in ABCA’s jurisdiction the conservation authority will collaborate with member municipalities and other planning partners on their efficient delivery.
The provision allowing the Minister to issue regulations to exempt certain development projects with Planning Act approval in certain municipalities from conservation authority permits is not currently in effect.
Other Services
The recent legislative changes do not affect other services provided to municipalities. ABCA will continue work on formalizing these arrangements through Memoranda of Understanding and agreements where they are not already present.
Also, the ABCA Fee Schedule is in effect and is posted to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation website.
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ABCA contracts Tenet Security Group to enforce rules at conservation authority properties, trails
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has contracted Tenet Security Group to enforce the rules in place for conservation lands and trails that ABCA owns and/or manages.
Off-road vehicles, along with dogs off leash and littering, are among the biggest unauthorized uses of ABCA properties. The vast majority of users of conservation areas and trails follow the rules but enforcement is needed for the few exceptions who break the rules, according to Nathan Schoelier, ABCA Stewardship and Lands Manager.
“I appreciate all the conservation area and trail users who help to keep conservation lands safe and clean and who protect these important nature areas,” he said. “Enforcing the rules, such as prohibiting all-terrain vehicles and all other off-road vehicles from ABCA property, is important to protect all the people who use these areas responsibly and to protect the environmental health of the properties.”
ABCA has utilized enforcement officers since the 1990s, to educate visitors and to enforce the rules. In 2022, ABCA appointed Tenet Security Group officers to provide these services. Tenet Security Group is an agency started by a small group of security professionals experienced in legislative enforcement, incident investigation, emergency response; and risk awareness and mitigation.
The Tenet management team has a combined experience of more than 40 years in the public and private security industry.
Authorized uses are posted on signs at conservation area entrances and listed on the parks and recreation page on the conservation authority’s website at abca.ca/recreation. People can email info@abca.ca or call ABCA at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to speak to a staff person, if they are unsure about an activity, or would like to report unauthorized activity on ABCA owned and/or managed land.
Section 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act (engage in a prohibited activity) are the two pieces of legislation most commonly used to enforce the rules. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) also enforces provincial regulations on ABCA lands. With the combination of these services (Tenet Security Group; MNRF; and ABCA), rules and regulations can be enforced and appropriate action will be taken, according to ABCA. As with all public spaces, people are responsible and liable for their own conduct and the behaviour of their pets. This includes keeping dogs on leashes and maintaining complete control at all times.
ABCA has acquired 9,000 acres of natural areas over more than 75 years. Public access to these green spaces is an important secondary use, according to the conservation authority. Regulations and rules are in place to protect the local environment as well as visitors and their pets.
For those dog owners who want their dogs off leash, the Crediton Conservation Area has a fenced area where dogs are permitted to be off-leash. Dogs must be under control and well-behaved. Dog owners/handlers are responsible for the behaviour of their dogs and need to adhere to the ‘stoop and scoop’ bylaw.
Learn more here:
For more information on ABCA properties, including conservation area brochures and trail maps, please visit the Recreation web page or call 1-888-286-2610.
Find out more:
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Consider green gifts as alternatives
Looking for alternative gift ideas this holiday season? Consider ‘green gifts’ such as a Conservation Dinner charity auction ticket or donation to trails, tree planting, conservation areas, education, or habitat
Are you struggling to find gift ideas for your loved ones as the holiday season nears? A local charity asks you to consider some ‘green’ gifts this year.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) offers a number of gift ideas. These ‘alternative gifts’ range from tickets to the Conservation Dinner charity auction to certificates for donations (to trails; wetlands; tree planting; conservation areas; conservation education; youth programs; or another program of your choice).
A present doesn’t have to have wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons to be a gift, according to the local Conservation Foundation. Anyone purchasing a ‘gift to nature’ receives a gift certificate (your choice of paper or email) they can give to the present’s recipient. In the case of donations, the purchaser can receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes.
“People who are looking for something different to give this season can choose from a number of green gifts,” said Dave Frayne, Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. “Holiday gift ideas include Conservation Dinner tickets or donations that help our work in local communities.”
Another benefit of ecological gifts, according to the Conservation Foundation, is there’s no need to use a lot of wrapping paper or tape when you give one of these presents. This reduces waste.
“When you buy a green gift, it’s something special and it makes a difference in your community,” said the Conservation Foundation Chair.
Donating to this registered Canadian charity before the end of the 2022 calendar year may provide benefits at tax time. All donations of $20 or more are eligible to receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes.
To donate now, or to order one of these special ‘gifts of nature’ and ‘gifts to your community,’ you may email info@abca.ca or call 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
You may also visit the Conservation Foundation web page to find out more.
Learn more:
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Plant trees, help our watershed adapt
Tree planting can help our watershed be better prepared and ready to adapt to extreme events.
Planting trees is one way you can improve health, resilience of our natural areas
Order your trees now:
Planting trees through spring tree order program is one way to add resiliency.
Forests and natural areas are an important part of resilient communities. They provide economic and recreation opportunities and places to gather and reflect, said Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). Ian said forests also help to create clean air and clean water. They also contribute to better mental and physical health.
People in our communities have been resilient in recent years. The natural areas we depend on and enjoy must also be resilient, Ian said. Drought, storms, pest outbreaks, and disease have impacted our forests over the years.
“Forests have natural qualities that help them recover,” said the Forestry Specialist. “Genetic variability in trees and species diversity in forests are important for adaptation and recovery.” There are complex connections between plants and fungi in the forest we are only beginning to understand, he said.
Enhancing the qualities that help natural areas recover from stress are more important now than ever, according to Ian. Climate change, invasive species and newly introduced pests and diseases bring additional strain to natural systems.
“Our natural areas today are very fragmented,” he said. “This makes them more vulnerable to the impacts of drought, pests or disease but there are several things we can do to enhance the resilience of our natural areas.”
Planting trees to enlarge and connect natural areas helps build resilience. Larger forests and natural areas have less edge effect and tend to have stronger associations between plants, fungi and animals. This reduces opportunities for invasive species and improves recovery from stressors. Connecting natural areas allows movement of wildlife, pollinators and genetic exchange necessary for adaptation and recovery following disturbance.
Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive pests have had major local impacts in recent memory but our forests show an incredible ability to recover and adapt, Ian said. While there are challenges ahead, he prefers cautious optimism over worst-case scenarios. “We are in a good position with tools, resources and knowledge to build resiliency and help forests recover and adapt,” he said.
We can all contribute, according to the Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist. In backyards, planting native wildflowers to enhance pollinator habitat is important. On farms, naturalizing unproductive land, small or odd-shaped fields, or rough valley lands improves resilience. These areas can be actively restored through planting or simply left to let nature take over. The advantage of an active approach, according to Ian, is the ability to enhance species’ diversity and function.
Planting different kinds of trees and native vegetation can be used to enhance diversity. “Diversity is very important,” he said. “More diverse forests are more resilient to disease, pests and climate stress.” Equally important, according to Ian, is matching trees appropriately to the soil type, drainage and other site characteristics.
The Oxford online dictionary defines resilience as " ... the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness."
For forests these difficulties could be drought, disease, pests, storms, fire, invasive species, other disturbances.
Resilience is the ability to recover from a disturbance or trauma. Watersheds can experience damaging events such as floods. Watershed resilience (or resiliency) is the ability of a watershed to recover from severe events and extreme weather. Projects such as tree planting, wetlands and other stewardship enhancements can build the resilience that make watersheds better prepared to adapt to and recover from extreme events including floods, droughts, and extreme weather.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority offers a wide range of trees through its spring tree planting program. Ian encourages interested landowners to visit abca.ca for the spring tree order form or to give him a call at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to discuss planting projects.
“We’re happy to help with project design and help to apply for funding for eligible projects,” he said.
Funding programs are available in many areas for naturalization dependent on the type of project, location and specific program details.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation thanks grant program funding partners including member municipalities, Huron County Clean Water Project, Forests Ontario, the Government of Canada’s Canada Nature Fund, and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, along with community donors and other valued funding partners.
For more information:
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Conservation educators at ABCA deliver programs to 11,000 in 2022
One of the valuable services Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) provides to the community is conservation education, fostering the growth of the watershed stewards of tomorrow.
Denise Iszczuk, Conservation Educator, presented a summary of 2022 conservation education to the ABCA Board of Directors at its meeting on December 15, 2022.
Conservation education staff at ABCA made connections with 11,000 program participants over the 2022 year, she said.
Conservation education programs this year have included special events, non-profit programs, school programs, and special activities like Community Action Projects and River Safety education.
The conservation education program saw increases in the number of program participants; River and Flood Safety participants; secondary school participants; and Community Action Projects.
There were 3,870 watershed students who attended a program as a field trip, virtual program or schoolyard program.
In 2022, ABCA education staff delivered at least one program to 72 per cent of all the schools in the watershed. (There are 29 schools in the watershed and ABCA delivered programs in 21 of them in 2022.)
Field trips have included Rock Glen and Morrison Dam conservation areas and, increasingly, Clinton Conservation Area.
“Program sponsorships helped tremendously in increasing student participation and helped in getting students out to ABCA conservation areas,” Denise said.
The conservation educators would like to thank all their sponsor including:
- Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, and the community donors who support it, for their sponsorship of $4,669.
- Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board for sponsorship of $3,188.
- NextEra Energy Canada, LP and Cordelio Power for sponsorship of $25,000.
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Living and working near a wetland (Educational activity)
Where would you put the buildings?
Download the cut-and-paste activity now:
Or, if you don't want to do the activity with paper, scissors, and glue, you could do the activity on your computer with this PowerPoint file. Download the file and edit and then print and share:
The way we use land affects affects wildlife and habitat either positively or negatively.
What we do with the land is a reflection of our priorities and lifestyles.
Whether you have a home, farm, or business each person has a distinct perspective.
How would you grow a community of people alongside wetlands?
Wetland Activity
Try this activity with your family or in your classroom.
You will need scissors; masking tape; paper and printer.
By creating a collage, you can begin thinking about how different kinds of land uses have a different impact on wetland habitats.
Instructions:
- Print out the set of Land Use Patterns and one wetland map.
- Cut out the different building pieces. (You may colour them or draw on them).
- How would you grow a community alongside a wetland? Using the wetland map, arrange the land use pieces around the wetland.
- Use every piece. The pieces may touch but they cannot overlap. Pieces may be cut smaller.
- If you want to create any additional land use pieces you can add but don’t take away any original pieces.
- Tape each land use piece on the map when you are happy with where they are.
- Discuss your choices with others.
- Once you have completed the exercise, you can share your finished product on social media with the hashtag #MyCommunityPlan and explain why you put the buildings where you did.
For instructions on how to do the activity on your computer using the PowerPoint application, please download the PowerPoint file and review the instructions included in the PowerPoint multi-media slide show file.
We need wetlands.
What can you do to minimize damaging effects from humans on wetlands?
This is based on a Dragonfly Pond activity of Project Wild, an education program of Canadian Wildlife Federation. For training workshops on Project Wild activities contact Canadian Wildlife Federation or Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
To learn more:
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