On April 22, 1970, our American friends marched and demonstrated in the streets for a healthy, sustainable environment, in massive rallies across the United States. It was estimated 20 million people, from 10,000 elementary and high schools, 2,000 colleges, and over 1,000 communities participated in that inaugural first ‘earth day’. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is happy to announce that together with community partners, our contributions towards a healthy, sustainable environment will be the planting over 85,000 trees, 17 hectares (42 acres) of tallgrass prairie and the construction of over 8 hectares (20 acres) wetlands in our watershed. We’re stepping up the stewardship pace in our 60th year!
A new parcel of land has been acquired by the LTVCA, as a result of a generous donation from Mr. Kenneth Ashton of East Kent. This 10 hectare (25 acre) tract is a beautiful example of a Carolinian Forest, and home to trees and shrub species like Shagbark Hickory, Tulip tree and Buttonbush to name but a few. “With the environmental decline that is happening, it just seemed to be a good way to give back. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to farm in this part of Canada and felt it was the right thing to do with this woodlot,” comments Mr. Ashton.
“Earth Day demonstrates the power that individuals have to shape the future environmental health of our planet,” said Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff. “The collective will of our community as realized through organizations such as the LTVCA, ensures that we act as good stewards of our environment.”
Mark Peacock – LTVCA’s CAO remarks “Around the world because of the pandemic, thousands of communities like ours are gathering in a different way to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This does not lessen the importance of conserving our environment, as we all face the challenges that climate change will bring. Today, we celebrate the many Lower Thames Valley watershed residents like Mr. Kenneth Ashton who are making a difference that will mean a greener and better watershed for us all. “
Safeguarding existing natural areas continues to be an important aspect to LTVCA’s mandate. Caring for our Conservation Area lands adds to the protection offered by other areas like National Parks, and Provincial Parks across our region. Society’s recreational use and the combined environmental benefits of these natural areas are important now more than ever to our lower Thames River watershed. Healthy watersheds support healthy communities.
For further information:
Randall Van Wagner – Manager Conservation Lands and Services
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