Paula Loranger, community relations coordinator for the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was pleased to announce that stewards are now in place for the entire lower portion of the EcoPath, from Amelia Beach to Thomson Park. There will be no resting on their laurels, however, as the NBMCA will now seek adoptive groups for the upper part of Chippewa Creek.
For participants of the 3rd Annual Chippewa Creek EcoPath Adopt-the-Creek Celebration Sunday, this was not the sort of pruning they had in mind when they signed up for the event. A steady downpour left hands and other body parts wrinkled from the moisture, but a spirited group dedicated to beautifying one of North Bay's most significant natural resources soldiered on nonetheless.
Placards were mounted on trees along the creek in Thomson Park recognizing the adoptive groups and businesses. The Investors Group, whose sign is visible from the bridge connecting Fisher Street to the park, hosted the celebration's kick-off. New Ontario Brewery, another steward in the Adopt-the-Creek program was to host the clean-up participants following the event.
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"The EcoPath was developed as a community initiative to restore and enhance the natural values and heritage of the creek through stewardship and education. The 18 groups and families who have already adopted a portion of the creek have been great stewards, doing clean-ups, tree planting and acting as ambassadors for the creek and the EcoPath," said Loranger.
According to the NBMCA, the Chippewa Creek EcoPath is a collaborative initiative involving NBMCA, the City of North Bay, Heritage Gardeners, Nipissing Botanical Gardens and the Indian Friendship Centre. It follows 3.2 km of the Kinsmen Trail from the waterfront at Amelia Beach to Thomson Park. The EcoPath program also incorporates restorative plantings along the shoreline, a Grade 9 Stream Study curriculum, an educational website, as well as information signs along the trail.
For more information on Adopt-the-Creek and other NBMCA initiatives:
- Call NBMCA at 705.474.5420
- Visit www.chippewaecopath.ca
- Learn more on YouTube
- Follow Chippewa Creek EcoPath on Facebook
- Twitter @ChippewaEcoPath.
