A Section of Crawford Rail Trail Closed For Maintenance From March 18 to 20

A section of the Crawford Rail Trail between Crawford Drive and Erskine Avenue will be closed from March 18 to 20 to allow Hydro One to safely complete forestry work as part of annual maintenance.

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

During the temporary closure, alternate routes for active transportation include Crawford Drive and Erskine Avenue.

Maintenance includes pruning trees and removing vegetation from grounds adjacent to hydro lines beside the trail to reduce hydro outage risks during weather events.  

The trail will be closed to allow the crews to safely access the worksite with heavy equipment including lift trucks and stump grinders, to work without safety issues for trail users.

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Kawartha Land Trust Launches Inaugural Passport to Nature; A Guide to a Year-Long Series of Events in Nature

Just in time for the peak of summer, Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is officially launching its inaugural Passport to Nature (P2N) program — a year-long series of free, guided adventures in nature.

photo courtesy of kawartha land trust.

Throughout July and August, residents and visitors to the Kawarthas can attend a wide range of free KLT Passport to Nature events, including a tallgrass seedling planting, new-to-nature trail walk, roll or stroll, outdoor puppet show and a tour of the Alderville Black Oak Savanna.

As part of the planning for KLT’s inaugural Passport to Nature, KLT brought together a group of passionate and talented volunteers to form the People and Nature Working Group to help plan the project and bring it to life.

“Kawartha Land Trust’s Passport to Nature is a great way for people to get outside, explore, and connect with the nature all around us,” says John Kintare, KLT’s Executive Director. “We’ve heard from public health experts that being outside, even for an hour, provides physical and mental health benefits.”

Some KLT fall events include tree planting, forest bathing, an opportunity to gaze upon the wonders of the night sky and more.

“I got involved in this project because it’s a simple idea that I couldn’t resist — create a way for people to explore and enjoy nature — with their own passport to nature,” said Susan Scott, a KLT volunteer and Co-Chair of the People and Nature Working Group. “Some of the events we’ve included in KLT’s Passport to Nature are popular activities that Kawartha Land Trust has held in the past. But now, we hope to attract a wider audience to these popular outings, and help people learn more about KLT, its protected lands, and the vital work the organization does in preserving land for all of us.”

Kawartha Land Trust’s Passport to Nature print booklets will be available widely throughout the Kawarthas this summer at information and tourism centres and other locations. A PDF of the booklet can also be viewed and downloaded from our website. KLT is grateful for Cambium Inc.’s sponsorship of our 2023-2024 Passport to Nature.

“I encourage everyone to experience their own nature adventures this year,” concludes Scott. “We look forward to seeing you outside.”

To find out more about KLT’s Passport to Nature and upcoming events, visit the website.

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Trent Valley Archives Offering New Walking Tour Through Jackson Park

Trent Valley Archives (TVA) is offering a new hour and a half walking tour through Peterborough’s Jackson Park on Thursday, June 15.

photo courtesy of trent valley archives.

Jackson Park began as an industrial site before it became a public park in the 1890’s. Later the site of an amusement park and a spot to show outdoor films, the park then became a camp for children with alternative needs in the 1960’s when the City took over the park.

Led by noted historian Karen Carter-Edwards, the tour will explore the fascinating history of this wonderful Peterborough landmark. Participants can discover where the gamblers den, Devil’s gap and famous beach were located.

The tour meets in the upper parking lot through the main gates off Monaghan Road and will commence at 2 p.m.. It will run rain or shine, so TVA asks that participants dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

The cost is $20 per person and registration/payment in advance is required. Tickets are available on the website by reserving with Heather at 705-745-4404, or by email.

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Peterborough Public Health Reports High Risk Level Air Quality Due to Ongoing Forest Fires

On Monday, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has advised residents to take precaution as outdoor air quality remains at the high risk level due to ongoing forest fires.

photo courtesy of peterborough public health, facebook.

Smoke from forest fires throughout the province and from Quebec is present in the air in the region. Forest fire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. PPH is advising everyone to take action to reduce their exposure to smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by forest fire smoke.

Those who are at higher risk of health complications due to air pollution are advised to:

• Avoid going outdoors altogether, especially for prolonged periods

• Avoid strenuous activities outdoors, which carry a significant risk of making underlying medical conditions worse

• Improve indoor air quality by cleaning or changing furnace air filters, using a portable air filter system, or creating your own Corsi Rosenthal box

• Wear a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) at all times when outdoors

Other community members are advised to:

• Reduce time spent outdoors

• Improve indoor air quality by cleaning or changing furnace air filters, using a portable air filter system, or creating your own Corsi Rosenthal box

• Consider wearing a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) when outdoors, particularly for prolonged periods

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values for the Peterborough region.

Learn more about indoor air quality and filter systems, visit the website.

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GreenUP’s Ecology Park Nursery Opening Event Sparks the Summer Season of Growing

The GreenUP Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery hosted its Annual Spring Opening Event on May 20; marking the start of the gardening season for hundreds of local gardeners.

photo courtesy of greenup, facebook.

The Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery is open every year from the Victoria Day long weekend until the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Ecology Park Nursery is known as one of the best local sources for native plants, with over 200 types of edible and native varieties of plants, shrubs, and trees. This year, GreenUP and Ecology Park featured a self-serve bulk compost and mulch station, as well as being host to the first naturalized playscape in Peterborough for the young and young-at-heart to play on while surrounded by plants for sale.

“The Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery offers climate-resilient plants that are grown slowly and intentionally for the growing season in Peterborough,” said Vern Bastable, director of Ecology Park and GreenUP’s Landscaping Programs.

The Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery is located at 1899 Ashburnham Drive, with parking available at the Beavermead parking lot via Marsdale Drive. The Ecology Park Nursery will be open Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. 4 p.m. until closing on Thanksgiving weekend. Interested patrons can visit the website and explore native plants that the nursery may carry online before arriving at the park, where the summer staff will assist in finding the desired plants.

“Investing in native species can reap benefits for decades, creating a legacy of a vibrant, healthy community,” continues Bastable. “Native species have developed complex evolutionary relationships with other native species. They belong here, are a familiar part of the landscape, and they support our health and the health of the ecosystem at large.”

The Ecology Park Nursery is operated by GreenUP, this region’s leading environmental non-profit charity. All proceeds from sales support GreenUP’s environmental programs in communities across the Peterborough region.

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Peterborough Agricultural Society To Host Seedling Market and Garden Show

The Peterborough Agricultural Society is hosting a seedling market and garden show this Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morrow Building.

file photo.

Initially planned as a seedling exchange, the response from the local gardening community was so positive that organizers have added a number of educational sessions, speakers and local home and garden businesses.

“The event has really taken off,” says Louise Dobbin, general manager of the Peterborough Agricultural Society. “We’re excited to be offering something that appeals to both people who are new to gardening and those who are experienced.”

The event will feature a Seedling Swap Table where people can trade vegetable, flower or small house plant seedlings for others as well as a seed starting booth which will provide people with up to two seed kits to start and take home.

Professional Horticulture and garden specialist Erin Muscutt will be on hand from 11 a.m. to noon for an ‘Ask an Expert’ discussion as well as other speakers on vermicomposting and sprouts.

Those looking to stock up on supplies can shop from a variety of local vendors carrying seedlings, apiary products, garden decor, home and landscaping services.

Admission to the show is free and there will be a door prize from Griffin’s Greenhouse. For more information about the event, visit the website or contact Louise Dobbin at generalmanager@peterboroughag.ca.

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'Walter' Released Into Canal Ahead of the 34th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby

The first school of fish arrived at the Peterborough Lift Lock as top prize rainbow trout ‘Walter’ was released into the water on Wednesday afternoon to help kick off the 34th Annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY co-CHAIR toses one of 30 trout that went into the Lift Lock canal on WEdnesday afternoon. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Walter is a rainbow trout weighing roughly eight to 10 lbs. at a length of 20-24 inches. Anyone who catches him gets the grand prize of $1,000. There are 500 tagged trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. Instant prizes include fishing nets, tackle boxes, fishing rods and other fishing gear.

This is the second consecutive year the derby has run since the COVID-19 pandemic. It took a two-year hiatus prior to its return last year.

“Fishing season for trout opened last weekend so we're near the beginning of the season and for me, it's my psychological rehabilitation over a long cold winter,” laughed Gordon Bowley, OFAH fishing derby co-chair.

Walter returns as the top prize fish earning the angler who catches him $1,000. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The derby begins this Saturday with the youth event — for children 15 and under — at 9 a.m. and the all-ages kicking off Sunday at 9 a.m. and runs until May 7. It includes 25 tagged fish, each with a $200 cash prize sponsored by local businesses.

Registration is required for all participants, just $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings and $25 for adults.  

Tickets can be purchased online at ofah.org/underthelock or in person at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations. 

“This is a great opportunity to be outside,” said Bowley. “It's a great year to be doing it and we're so glad to do it again for our second year after the pandemic.

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Going Out On a Limb For the 25th Annual Tree Climbing Competition at Fleming College

Students in Fleming College’s Arboriculture program are branching out and taking their learning to new heights as the annual Tree Climbing Competition gets underway at Fleming’s Frost Campus.  

photo courtesy of fleming college.

Twenty-five first semester students will be competing on April 11, challenging themselves and each other in five separate categories. Students will have the chance to put their skills to the test, win prizes, and cheer each other on.   

The top male and female students will go on to compete in the Ontario Tree Climbing Championship.  

The day is also a networking opportunity for both students and industry professionals-representatives from sponsor companies and vendors like Universal Field Supplies, Maple Leaf Ropes, Vermeer Canada, Petzl, Stihl Canada, Husqvarna and the International Society of Arboriculture will be on site during the competition.  

The competition takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Outdoor Education Cabin at the Frost Campus Arboretum. A rain date is scheduled for April 12.   

Tree Climbing categories:  

Aerial Rescue: A climber must ascend a tree and rescue a geared up, 200 lb. ‘dummy.’ The student rescuer must adhere to a set of protocols based on a specified emergency. This is a time-based event, with points awarded or deducted according to the protocol and emergency.  

Speed Climb: Each contestant is timed climbing up a tree from the ground to a height of approximately 15 metres where they will ring a finishing bell.  

Throwball: This event is timed and tests the contestant’s ability to accurately place a throw line and a climbing line into the tree at heights between 12 and 20 metres.  

Ascent Event: The contestant must vertically ascend 13 metres in a tree by using the footlock technique. This is a timed event.  

Work Climb: This event tests the contestant’s ability to move quickly and efficiently in the tree and perform various tasks. At each station the contestant rings a bell. Bonus and penalty points are awarded based on safety, performance, and competence. 

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GreenUP Naturalized Playscape Welcomes the Public To Ecology Park

GreenUP welcomes the community to visit Peterborough’s first natural playscape on public lands; celebrating with a ribbon cutting event on Friday afternoon.

A naturalized playscape is one way to introduce children and those willing to unleash their playfulness to natural play in an urban landscape. Photo by Lili Paradi.

GreenUP donors and supporters alongside Executive Director Tegan Moss play around to celebrate the opening at GreenUP Ecology Park. (Left to right: Ian Attridge, Mark Zippel, Tegan Moss, Kim Zippel, Sue Sauve.) Photo by Lili Paradi.

The Keresztesi family plays on the new naturalized playscape at Ecology Park. Photo by Lili Paradi.

Tegan Moss, executive director at GreenUP, cuts the ribbon to signify the opening of the Peterborough's first naturalized playscape on public grounds at Ecology Park, to the excitement of the many children who then ran onto use the playscape. Photo by Lili Paradi.

Thanks to a $52,800 grant from the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation in 2021, as well as the support of GreenUP donors, the organization was able to fund the playscape.

The climbing structures added in 2022 were designed by Henry Kortekaas & Associates Inc. and constructed by The Little Building Company.

“I hope that when children play on this natural playscape, they feel a stronger connection to their natural surroundings, and are given the opportunity to learn and engage in unstructured, imaginative play,” said Sean Harris, owner of The Little Building Company. “They can test their limits with the unconventional climbing structure, or interact with the playground perimeter, which features rocks and logs for jumping and balancing. The soft texture and irregularities of the locally sourced white cedar offer a refreshing change from the familiar plastic and metal surfaces. When I look at the playscape, I see not only a fun space for children to play and learn, but also an environmentally responsible play area with low embodied carbon cost and no landfill waste at the end of its lifetime.”

The Naturalized Playscape is the fourth of five capital projects that GreenUP plans to complete in Ecology Park.

GreenUp says they are proud of how this project has re-imagined and restored the Ecology Park Children’s Garden.

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