The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) held its first-ever virtual Annual General Meeting on February 25th. “The last year has been one of the most challenging and unprecedented years in our history,” reflected Joe Faas, Chair of the SCRCA. “The COVID-19 pandemic required us to significantly change the way we communicate, interact and conduct business, to ensure the health and safety of our communities, families, staff, and Board of Directors.”
The annual meeting also marked the release of the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority’s 2020 Annual Report that highlighted the innovative and creative work the Authority staff and board completed to maintain services and connect with the watershed community. In 2020, the Authority:
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- Issued 69 flood bulletins over the course of 31 different flood events and operated the McKeough Dam twice to protect the Town of Wallaceburg from severe flooding.
- Planted over 50,000 trees throughout the watershed.
- Continued to collaborate with local municipalities to complete shoreline protection projects along the St. Clair River and Lake Huron.
- Collected, identified, recorded, and released over 8,000 fish and 1,600 freshwater mussels as part of the SCRCA’s bio-monitoring program.
- Created innovative and exciting new conservation education programs in response to school closures and COVID-19 school restrictions – over 12,000 students, teachers, and parents were engaged throughout the St. Clair Region watershed and beyond.
- Offered new family-friendly activities for guests at the Authority’s three regional campgrounds that followed COVID-19 guidelines.
“Throughout the pandemic, traffic at our conservation areas increased significantly,” said Faas. “Which speaks to our need for safe outdoor spaces to enjoy.”
“Our accomplishments this year would not have been possible without the support, patience, and understanding of our local communities and partners,” noted Faas.
Conservation Awards were presented during the meeting to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of community members to the health of the St. Clair Region.
Walter and Mary Petryschuk
In 1978, Walter and Mary Petryschuk purchased a parcel of land on Hillsboro Road, just outside of Forest to escape the urban lifestyle they were living in Sarnia, Ontario. For over 40 years, they have cared for and enhanced the 16-hectare (40 acre) property that houses steep ravines that lead to Hickory Creek.
Over the years, Walter and Mary have made many improvements to the property including the planting of 500 trees, the creation of trails and the establishment of a tallgrass prairie. They are members of the Carolinian Canada Coalition, a network of individuals and organizations committed to maintaining healthy landscapes to conserve and protect Canada’s Carolinian Zone. As a result of their membership, a Carolinian Habitat Action Plan was created for the property that outlines how the land will be managed to enhance wildlife habitat.
The dedication Walter and Mary have demonstrated in protecting and restoring this property is admirable. They continue to let the site regenerate naturally and have already discussed the future of the property with their family to ensure it continues to be protected and enjoyed for years to come.
Vice-Chair, Larry Gordon (left) met with Walter and Mary Petryschuk prior to the SCRCA’s Annual General Meeting to present them with their Conservation Award.
Sandra Marshall
Sandra Marshall is an active advocate and participant in the fight against the invasive species Phragmites australis in the Ipperwash Beach region. She is a member of the Ipperwash Phrag Phighters community group who work to eradicate stands of Phragmites in their region and educate others on the environmental, social, and recreational impacts Phragmites have on the local community and ecosystem. She is always willing to help other communities tackle Phragmites in their jurisdictions and attended the Lambton County Phragmites Partnership Workshop held in October 2018 to share her experiences with other organizations.
When she’s not fighting Phragmites, you can find Sandra walking along Ipperwash Beach, almost daily, picking up trash left by other users. Sandra also often attends the Ipperwash Beach Shoreline Clean-up organized in September by the Authority.
Without the dedication and passion of individuals like Sandra, the establishment of Phragmites would be much more severe than it is today in the Lambton Shores region. Described as a self-starter, you can be sure that Sandra will continue her fight in erasing this invasive species from the landscape and promote clean and healthy beaches for many years to come.
Vice-Chair, Larry Gordon (left) met with Sandra Marshall prior to the SCRCA’s Annual General Meeting to present her with her Conservation Award.
Joe Faas, representing the Regional Municipality of Chatham-Kent was re-elected Chair of the SCRCA while Larry Gordon, who represents the Village of Point Edward was re-elected Vice-Chair.
