Crowd celebrates 250,000th tree planted in Pine River Watershed

A crowd gathered at Lewis Park in Ripley, Thursday morning, to celebrate with the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN), the planting of the 250,000th tree in the Pine River Watershed.

Joining them were Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and Environmental Commissioner of Ontario Dianne Saxe.

Out-going project co-ordinator for PRWIN, Adrienne Mason, noted that two symbolic trees have been planted in Lewis Park for the celebration.

"Currently, we have 262,000 trees planted in the watershed," she said. "The most important part of the PRWIN name is 'network'. We have worked hard together as a community and that is what has made for the success of this organization."

She also recognized the great support from sponsors, including Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Bruce Power, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA), and Huron-Kinloss Township, as well as landowners and volunteers.

"The township and the SVCA were the first ones onboard when this group began in 2000," said Mason. "The 250,000 trees equates to 250 acres of land donated by farmers in the area - all to restore water quality. These projects would not happen without the co-operation of the landowners."

And the goal is not to stop at 250,000 trees, but to do more, she said. "We can applaud our efforts, but then we must move ahead and plant more trees! We need to look at nutrient management and water management on the landscape."

Thompson welcomed the opportunity to bring Saxe to the riding of Huron-Bruce and showcase how the region has embraced environmental stewardship.

"It's neighbours working with neighbours - that's what we're celebrating today," she said. "It's the community working together to make a difference in water quality and nutrient management."

"Planting 250,000 trees in five years is a very important achievement," said Saxe. "You know, part of my job is receiving bad news, and handing out bad news. I'm always looking for good stories. Thank you for giving me a good story."

Wayne Brohman, general manager of the SVCA, said he is amazed at the accomplishments of the PRWIN. "But there is still more work to do, beyond the planting of 250,000 trees."

Following the ceremonial planting of a tree at the west entrance to Lewis Park, everyone enjoyed refreshments.

Thompson and Saxe spent the afternoon with municipal representatives and members of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), touring the Murray Scott Environmental Farm Projects in Belgrave, and discussing lakeshore environmental initiatives, including The Huron Clean Water Project. They also toured environmental initiatives near Rotary Park in Goderich.

"I am proud of the work being done in Huron-Bruce," said Thompson. "Provincially, I hope the environmental commissioner will promote what can be achieved at the local level, and reference the successes in Huron-Bruce."

The two-day tour of Huron-Bruce concludes Friday (tomorrow) afternoon at the Brucedale Conservation Area where Thompson and Saxe will be updated on local efforts to control invasive phragmites.

"Huron-Bruce leads by example," said Thompson. "It is my goal that businesses and municipalities across the province will find inspiration in these initiatives, and that they will serve as benchmarks for environmental success." No galleries loaded.