The Couchiching Conservancy
Receives New Land Donation
—submitted
The Orillia Horticultural Society has donated the Sid Pomeroy Arboretum on Division Road West to The Couchiching Conservancy. It will now be called, “Cedar Grove Nature Reserve”.
The 7-acre property, located at 1422 Division Road West, connects to nearby Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve by a river flowing through both properties into the North River.
It features a cedar grove that provides excellent winter habitat for White-tailed Deer, along with a meadow that attracts a wide variety of pollinators including Monarch Butterflies. The river and wetland are excellent habitat for kinglets, warblers, wrens, amphibians, snakes and more.
Expressing their commitment to long-term environmental conservation, the Horticultural Society shared a statement: “We have always wanted to protect and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Arboretum on Division Road, therefore, we are grateful to the Couchiching Conservancy for accepting our donation of the 7-acre property. We all hope that this land will inspire and educate many generations to come under the stewardship of the Conservancy.”
The property has belonged to the Orillia Horticultural Society since 1954, when it was purchased from Harold Drinkwater and established as an Arboretum. The original intent was to grow trees and shrubs to distribute around Orillia and it later evolved into a sanctuary with a field for school groups and family gatherings. The Arboretum has been well cared for by the club who set their green fingers to work with many plantings including trees gifted from the Royal Horticultural Society in London England, Oaks from Windsor Castle and memorial birches at the front, all of which will continue to flourish.
Arboretum Nature Reserve
photo by T. Rowland
“The Couchiching Conservancy gratefully accepts this donation from the Orillia Horticultural Society to ensure this habitat is protected forever,” said Dorthea Hangaard, the Conservancy’s Executive Director. “Together with our donors and partners, it represents the 57th property that the Couchiching Conservancy has protected since the organization began in 1993.”
The Couchiching Conservancy is a non-profit, charitable land trust dedicated to protecting nature for current and future generations. Since 1993, we have helped protect over 14,800-acres thanks to members, supporters, volunteers, businesses, foundations and partners. To learn about the work we do, visit our public trails, and get involved, please visit our website: www.couchichingconserv.ca.
background photo by T. Clark
Jill Dunlop Simcoe North/Nord MPP Updates and Information
As spring sweeps through our communities, I am delighted to welcome everyone to a season of renewal and hope. Spring not only brings forth blossoming flowers and vibrant colors but also a renewed sense of energy and opportunity. It is a time for us to come together, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the promising days ahead.
I am pleased to share some exciting updates regarding the latest developments in our province, particularly in terms of employment and environmental conservation. Ontario’s commitment to fostering a thriving economy and protecting our natural resources remains steadfast, and I am proud to highlight the progress we have made.
In recent months, we have witnessed a significant increase in employment opportunities across Ontario. I am thrilled to announce that employment in our province has surged, with an impressive addition of 6,700 jobs, primarily in full-time positions. This remarkable growth reflects the resilience and determination of our workforce, as well as the conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The province remains dedicated to creating an environment where businesses can prosper. We are committed to keeping taxes and fees low, cutting red tape, and making targeted investments to support local enterprises. Since 2018, Ontario has witnessed the addition of an astounding 700,000 new jobs, a testament to our commitment to economic growth and prosperity.
Moreover, Ontario recognizes the invaluable contributions of animals to our families and the vital role that agriculture plays in our economy. As stewards of our environment, we understand the importance of safeguarding the health and well-being of both animals and ecosystems. To this end, our government is taking proactive measures to increase access to veterinary care services for pets, their owners, and farmers alike. By investing in veterinary care infrastructure and services, we aim to ensure that every animal receives the care and attention it deserves while supporting the agricultural sector’s sustainability and growth.
Furthermore, our commitment to environmental conservation remains unwavering. Ontario is home to diverse ecosystems and precious water resources that must be protected for future generations. That is why we are making historic investments in wetlands restoration and enhancement through our five-year, $31 million Wetlands Conservation Partner Program. This initiative represents the largest investment in wetland restoration in Ontario’s history and underscores our dedication to preserving our natural heritage.
By safeguarding vital water resources and ecosystems, we are not only protecting our environment but also securing a sustainable future for our communities. As we embrace the spirit of spring and embark on new endeavors, I extend my warmest wishes to the community. Together, let us continue to work towards building a brighter future for Simcoe North and Ontario, where opportunity flourishes, and our natural treasures are cherished and preserved for generations to come.