(b)  DG Frank has ordered a number of high quality T-shirts with the Cleanup logo on them.  They range in price from $12 to $15 each depending on size.  If you ordered them, please contact Liz for a pick-up time.  We have a few extras in a variety of sizes if you are interested.

 

(c)  Liz and ADG Jeanette attended the Niagara Region Rotary Clubs meeting over the lunch hour on Thursday, April 8th.  It was a friendly Zoom affair with a very interesting speaker and also a comedy presentation to start things off.  It was interesting to hear what various clubs had to share about the state of their clubs and to consider what St. Catharines Rotary has accomplished over its 100 years of existence.

 

 

 

April 15th  - Kerry Royer, NPCA  Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator talks about programs, services and initiatives of the NPCA.

 

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management. 

 

 

 

 

This was a virtual club meeting. There were 15 Rotarians present (including 2 guests from the Lincoln Rotary Club) and Counsellor Dave Kadwell who attended the key note address.

 

The meeting began with the usual practice of including a short time for conversation, conviviality and opportunity for members to reconnect with one another.

Invocation was given by Bill.  Following the anthem, Liz presented toasts to Canada, Queen, the Office of the President of the United States and Rotary International. 

 

Jim Howden introduced speaker, Bruce Mackenzie, listing some of his many accomplishments:

i. Bruce is the  Coordinator for the Grimsby Wetlands for the Hamilton Naturalist Club and Past President of the club   

ii. Vice Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority   

iii. Commissioner of the Niagara Escarpment Commission and 

iv. A sitting member of three town citizen committees.

 

Bruce Mackenzie is nominated by the Rotary Club of Grimsby to receive a 2021 Paul Harris Award for outstanding service to the community. 

 

The Grimsby Wetlands encompasses 29 acres and has become an urban wetland complex. Encompassing the former site of the Biggar Sewage Lagoons, the property is owned by the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Region of Niagara. It is eight hectares in size and has five wetlands.

 

In 2003, the Hamilton Naturalist Society negotiated with the DND to leave the water bodies and allow for wetland restoration. In 2016, it became part of phase 1 of the Grimsby Waterfront Trail.

 

Recently, a wildlife observation tower has been constructed and most of a 2016, wish list put in place. This includes: interpretive signs, floating islands, bird and turtle nesting boxes, curtailing invasive species growth (phragmites), native tree and shrub planting, viewing platforms and public art displays. It is commendable that much of this worked has been accomplished utilizing repurposed materials. This is a labour of love for the flora, fauna, marsh life and citizens of Grimsby and the Niagara Region.

 

Bruce singled out both Mayor Jordan and Regional Counsellor and Rotarian Wayne Fertich, for their invaluable assistance in bringing this work to fruition. He also thanked the many citizen scientists and volunteers who are participating in marsh rehabilitation.

 

Much work has been accomplished to restore nesting sites for Mallards, Canada Geese, Tree Swallows, Barn swallows, Purple Martins, Killdeer (Spotted Sandpiper) and other bird species.  Watcher's Pond is ideal for Lesser Yellowlegs to stop and feed on their arctic migration.                                           

 

A major headache has been elimination of the greatest threat to the marshlands. Phragmite is an invasive grassy/reed plant, probably introduced as an ornamental from the Middle East. It grows to a height of 3 to 4 metres and is so dense that it smothers out all other life in the marsh. Using specialized cutting equipment, there is now 98% success at control and where it once ran rampant, there now exists a pollinator garden. Soral (Virginia Rail) have been observed nesting, very rare for Niagara, along with Gallinule (Cedar Waxwing). Another marsh headache is wild parsnip, a toxic plant which takes several years to get rid of.                                                                                                                                                              Trail and tracking programs monitor birds such as the Black Throated Warbler and other marsh species such as bats, insects and snake hibernacullum (snakes below the frost line). Work continues on nature trail story boards with one dedicated to outlining the history of the Biggar family.

 

The Grimsby Wetlands are open to the public 24/7 and entrance is free. 

Clarence thanked Bruce for his interesting presentation and for all of his volunteer work on behalf of the citizens of Grimsby and the Niagara Region.