WinterFest is a go - snow or no snow!

Snow or no snow, it's a go! This Family Day Holiday Monday, February 20, enjoy Family Day WinterFest South Huron courtesy of Friends of the South Huron Trail and more than 20 community groups and businesses that are part of the WinterFest celebrations.
If there isn't enough snow for the snowshoe hike and free snowshoeing (courtesy Hansen's Your Independent Grocer), then enjoy a White Squirrel seasonal guided winter walk.
Visit http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=264 or http://www.familydaywinterfest.ca or http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=269 for details

Job opportunity for Field Services - Labourer

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) seeks a Field Services – Labourer. This is a regular full-time position reporting to the Stewardship and Conservation Lands Supervisor. The successful
candidate will assist in maintenance and development of lands owned and managed by the ABCA and assist in achieving objectives as set out in its Watershed Management Strategy. Please provide your résumé and cover letter with position title clearly marked ‘Field Services – Labourer’ by Friday, February 24 by 4:00 p.m. local time. For details visit: http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=274

Windreaks improve crop yields, shelter livestock

Increased yields are in addition to other benefits such as reduced heating costs in winter, lower cooling costs in summer : Farmers and other landowners may plant trees to help the environment but they’re also finding other benefits as well. Areas sheltered by windbreaks have significantly higher crop yields, according to Canadian and U.S. research. For more information visit: http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=267
Landowners are currently ordering trees for planting projects, such as windbreaks and roadside plantings, through the local agency’s spring tree planting program. Over-the-counter orders with payment are received until Wednesday, February 29, 2012. For an online copy of the tree order form and details local property owners can use this link: http://abca.on.ca/downloads/Tree-Spring-Order-Form-2012-ABCA.pdf
“Planting trees for windbreaks can shelter crops from damage and protect livestock as well,” said Ian Jean, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist. “Research in Southwestern Ontario indicates corn yields at least six per cent higher in areas sheltered by windbreaks and soybean yields about 25 per cent higher in sheltered areas compared to open areas.” A stateside study in Nebraska indicated hay yields as 20 per cent higher in sheltered areas than open areas. Increased yields aren’t the only benefits to windbreaks. They can help mark property lines and provide a barrier to wind and water erosion. “Windbreaks can keep drifting snow away from homes and farms, reduce winter heating costs, keep spray application from leaving the field, reduce soil erosion, protect livestock from extremes of heat and cold, and much more,” according to Jean.