NEWS RELEASE
NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA
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On Tuesday, we planted 650 native trees and shrubs — including tamarack, silver maple, red oak, and white cedar — at a location previously decimated by emerald ash borers near Willow Creek.
Twenty-four community volunteers, plus Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) staff, attended the event.
Participants learned about the significance of the Minesing Wetlands, rare forest swamp habitats, local species at risk — including the Hine’s emerald dragonfly — and the important restoration work being accomplished locally that protects the watershed from flooding.
On Wednesday, students from Elmvale District High School — about 25, plus one teacher — joined NCC and NVCA staff to plant another 400 native trees and shrubs along Willow Creek to help stabilize the bank and provide shade for native coldwater-adapted fish. Another 350 trees and shrubs were anticipated to be planted this week by another Elmvale high school class.
Funding for these plantings has been provided partially by the EcoAction Fund to NCC, along with WWF Canada and TD Friends of the Environment Fund to NVCA.
This restoration work helps to improve water quality, increase biodiversity, mitigate flooding, and contribute to a healthier watershed in the area.
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