To Preserve Laurier Woods for Future Generations
MEDIA RELEASE: Friends of Laurier Woods 2022 AGM
MEDIA RELEASE
March 1, 2022
Friends of Laurier Woods Announces Fund Raising Campaign
The Friends of Laurier Woods is providing a new opportunity for stewardship within Laurier Woods. They have launched Walk with Friends, a $30,000 fund raising campaign, to replace the two boardwalks that surround the main pond.
These boardwalks have been exposed to the elements for over 25 years, and with increased usage require additional safety considerations for the wildlife that depend on the protection of the area as habitat and visitor safety. The reconstruction will include new footings, wider decking, and a raised safety bumper. Construction is planned to take place in the winter of 2023. An alternate access into the trail network will be provided.
To connect potential donors with the wildlife of Laurier Woods donations will be directed to one of six categories: Tamarack representing donations from $1- $99, Blanding’s Turtle $100 – 400; Pileated Woodpecker $500 – 999; Pink Lady’s Slipper $1000 – 2999; White-Tailed Deer $3000 – 4999; and North American Beaver $5000 – or more. Those interested in donating can read more about the individual species on the Friends of Laurier Woods website www.laurierwoods.com, where full descriptions of each of the species is provided, including their French and Nipissing Ojibway names. Stencils depicting each of the species will also be marked with non-toxic paint on the wood planks of the boardwalk.
Donations can be made by E-transfer, Canada Helps, or cheque through the website. Tax receipts will be provided for donations over $20. All donors will be recognized with a short ‘thank-you video’ that they can share, and with their consent will appear on our social media. Should donations grow beyond the $30,000 donors can be confident the money will be used for other important maintenance work and/or educational endeavours within Laurier Woods C.A.
The Friends of Laurier Woods was established as a charity to manage the area as a nature preserve; to establish an interpretive trail system, boardwalks, viewing platforms, and rest areas; and to promote the area for low-impact, day-use recreation. In 1991 the Friends of Laurier Woods and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority became joint owners/managers of initial property that has grown to cover 250 acres today. The Woods, encompasses provincially significant wetlands, rocky outcrops and upland forest, is a sanctuary to a broad range of wetland and woodland creatures, including migrating birds. An 8km trail network, accessible from the end of Brule Street, spans the site offering excellent opportunities for hiking and nature appreciation within the centre of urban North Bay.
For Further Information: Fred Pinto, fredpinto1@gmail.com/705-476-9006
Susan Christian, susandchristian@gmail.com/705-752-2837
The Friends of Laurier Woods is providing a new opportunity for stewardship within Laurier Woods. They have launched Walk with Friends, a $30,000 fund raising campaign, to replace the two boardwalks that surround the main pond.
These boardwalks have been exposed to the elements for over 25 years, and with increased usage require additional safety considerations for the wildlife that depend on the protection of the area as habitat and visitor safety. The reconstruction will include new footings, wider decking, and a raised safety bumper. Construction is planned to take place in the winter of 2023. An alternate access into the trail network will be provided.
To connect potential donors with the wildlife of Laurier Woods donations will be directed to one of six categories: Tamarack representing donations from $1- $99, Blanding’s Turtle $100 – 400; Pileated Woodpecker $500 – 999; Pink Lady’s Slipper $1000 – 2999; White-Tailed Deer $3000 – 4999; and North American Beaver $5000 – or more. Those interested in donating can read more about the individual species on the Friends of Laurier Woods website www.laurierwoods.com, where full descriptions of each of the species is provided, including their French and Nipissing Ojibway names. Stencils depicting each of the species will also be marked with non-toxic paint on the wood planks of the boardwalk.
Donations can be made by E-transfer, Canada Helps, or cheque through the website. Tax receipts will be provided for donations over $20. All donors will be recognized with a short ‘thank-you video’ that they can share, and with their consent will appear on our social media. Should donations grow beyond the $30,000 donors can be confident the money will be used for other important maintenance work and/or educational endeavours within Laurier Woods C.A.
The Friends of Laurier Woods was established as a charity to manage the area as a nature preserve; to establish an interpretive trail system, boardwalks, viewing platforms, and rest areas; and to promote the area for low-impact, day-use recreation. In 1991 the Friends of Laurier Woods and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority became joint owners/managers of initial property that has grown to cover 250 acres today. The Woods, encompasses provincially significant wetlands, rocky outcrops and upland forest, is a sanctuary to a broad range of wetland and woodland creatures, including migrating birds. An 8km trail network, accessible from the end of Brule Street, spans the site offering excellent opportunities for hiking and nature appreciation within the centre of urban North Bay.
For Further Information: Fred Pinto, fredpinto1@gmail.com/705-476-9006
Susan Christian, susandchristian@gmail.com/705-752-2837
Laurier Woods, beautiful landscapes in the heart of North Bay
Samantha Simpkin, The North Bay Local January 8, 2021
Samantha Simpkin, The North Bay Local January 8, 2021
Forest Talk Radio at Laurier Woods Wins Provincial Conservation Areas Award
(October 30, 2019 - North Bay, ON) The land managers and staff of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities voted Forest Talk Radio – a unique blend of storytelling, science and environmental education - the winner of the 2019 Conservation Areas Innovation Award at the 13 Annual Conservation Areas Workshop October 25.
Forest Talk Radio is a smart-phone application which turns a fungus into a radio show host who uses a storytelling format to share information about tree ecology in the Laurier Woods Conservation Area.
Multi-media artist David Merleau created the online application with site-specific data collected from the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA), and inspiration from Fred Pinto, an internationally recognized forester and president of Friends of the Laurier Woods.
“The Forest Talk Radio application is a fun and creative way to experience the natural heritage of Laurier Woods Conservation Area. It’s a new way to explore and learn, thanks to David Merleau whose passion for the woods and his craft create an amazing experience for us all,” said Troy Storms, NBMCA’s Manager of Lands and Stewardship who accepted the Award on behalf of the project partners during the Conference in Orillia.
For more information, please see the media release.
(October 30, 2019 - North Bay, ON) The land managers and staff of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities voted Forest Talk Radio – a unique blend of storytelling, science and environmental education - the winner of the 2019 Conservation Areas Innovation Award at the 13 Annual Conservation Areas Workshop October 25.
Forest Talk Radio is a smart-phone application which turns a fungus into a radio show host who uses a storytelling format to share information about tree ecology in the Laurier Woods Conservation Area.
Multi-media artist David Merleau created the online application with site-specific data collected from the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA), and inspiration from Fred Pinto, an internationally recognized forester and president of Friends of the Laurier Woods.
“The Forest Talk Radio application is a fun and creative way to experience the natural heritage of Laurier Woods Conservation Area. It’s a new way to explore and learn, thanks to David Merleau whose passion for the woods and his craft create an amazing experience for us all,” said Troy Storms, NBMCA’s Manager of Lands and Stewardship who accepted the Award on behalf of the project partners during the Conference in Orillia.
For more information, please see the media release.
