If all goes well, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage trail should be a hive of activity for the birds and bees — and humans, too — this summer, as the work will include adding more pollinator plants along the recently-restored first section of the trail.
The Upper Canada Heritage Trail committee had its first meeting of the year on Monday, April 17, to talk about how it will kick off phase two of the reconstruction plan, for which it has raised approximately $79,000 of the required $160,000 to create the proper trail.
“We have the funds to go ahead now,” said meeting chair Tony Chisholm, adding that the committee has nearly $19,000 left from fundraising efforts, plus $60,400 it received in September from the federal government’s Healthy Communities Initiative.
The second phase of reconstructing the heritage trail will take place along Concession 1 from East and West Line to Line 3.
However, the committee still needs to recruit more members to have a full roster and be able to achieve a quorum to vote on and approve major decisions on the restoration work.
According to parks and recreation manager Kevin Turcotte, there will be a second recruitment process coming soon.
Chisholm said he hopes to see this take place as soon as possible, to start work on the second restoration phase earlier rather than later this year: “We’ve got to fill some gaps,” he said of the committee.
The main focus of the committee’s first meeting of the year, however, was a presentation from Janet Trogdon, a neighbour of the heritage trail who’s part of a group of locals dedicating themselves to increasing habitats that encourage pollinators.
Two years ago, Trogdon and her group spearheaded the creation of a pollinator garden at the trail’s entrance at John Street. Now, they want to introduce pollinator plants from John Street to The Promenade, an idea introduced to them by a local member of the community, Trogdon said.
“That got us all buzzing with excitement again,” she said.
The committee voted in favour of supporting the projects and asked Turcotte and the parks and recreation department staff to continue working with the group to start setting up the plantings this spring.
Planting natural vegetation that attracts pollinators, including birds, bees, butterflies, or small mammals, enhances the biodiversity of an outdoor space and gives a helping hand in particular to bees and other pollinating insects that face environmental challenges — particularly, these days, climate change.
“We wanted to start some kind of communication and education about establishing pollinator plantings within our community,” said Trogdon, through working with local volunteers — many of whom have already signed up to help with the plantings.
“This is wonderful,” said Chisholm of the project. “From a public education standpoint I think this could enhance the trail quite a bit.”
Meanwhile, the committee is still fundraising to support its work: members will be at the upcoming Paws on the Trail four-kilometre dog walk on Saturday, May 20, to collect donations.
Last year’s successful event was a Fun Run/Walk and Dog Walk, but this year the committee’s major fundraising event for 2023 is all about dogs. The event includes dog-themed activities, such as dog massages, a dog kissing booth, dog photographer, and dog communicator.
May 20 is also Dog Rescue Day, and there will be a dog rescue organization onsite.
Registration is limited. For more information or to register visit heritagetrail.ca/get-involved.php.
