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Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Blain Farm in Wardsville, ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: Live Staking at Blain Farm
Help us restore Blain Farm!
On March 19th TTLT will be trialing a new (to us) method of restoration: Live Staking! We invite volunteers to join us on this adventure to enhance the constructed wetlands at Blain Farm.
What is Live Staking?
Live Staking is a bioengineering technique intended to increase woody vegetation along the edges of wetlands, creeks, and rivers. This is done by taking cuttings of specific tree and shrub species, like Dogwood, in late winter and inserting the "live stakes" into the soil. With proper species selection and adequate moisture, these live stakes will take root and mature into beautiful trees and shrubs.
Why choose Live Staking?
Live Staking is simple and inexpensive with moderate to high success rates. Often live stakes can be collected from the surrounding area, minimizing or eliminating the need to purchase materials. While rooted plants often establish quicker than live stakes, the effects of animal browsing and plant mortality are less impactful due to lower initial costs. Additionally, woody plants rooted from cuttings tend to mature and produce seeds earlier than individuals started from seed.
What to expect:
The event will consist of some live stake collection with the majority of time spent on installation. Live stake installation will be concentrated around the constructed wetlands in the farm field. TTLT staff will provide training on species selection, identification, collection processes, and installation techniques.
Volunteers will be working along the sloped banks of the constructed wetlands. Supportive footwear is required for safety.
What to bring:
- Please wear appropriate footwear, long sleeves, and pants. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
- Dress for the weather and plan for mud.
- Bring your lunch and plenty of water.
- TTLT will provide equipment and work gloves.
What you need to know about this event:
- This event occurs off trail on uneven terrain near shallow water and will involve bending. Please notify us of any required accommodations.
- Parking: Parking options are being explored. Plan for parking along Beattie Line (gravel road with steep ditches) until otherwise notified.
- There are no washroom facilities at Blain Farm, so please plan accordingly.
The closest public washrooms are: Glencoe Tim Hortons or the West Lorne and Dutton OnRoute along Highway 401. - Please stay home if feeling unwell.
Please note: this event is weather dependent. In the case of any changes or cancellation, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.
Photo (left): Constructed wetland at Blain Farm, by Daria Koscinski
Photo (right): Mixed twigs - Dogwood, Sumac, Cedar & White Pine, by Payton Landsborough -
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 07:00 PM · 22 rsvps
ZoomVolunteer Orientation - Spring 2024
Do you want to help protect, restore, and nurture nature with TTLT?Join us for our virtual Volunteer Orientation event over Zoom to learn more about volunteer opportunities with TTLT! Find what interests you from Stewardship to Outreach to Office volunteer programs. The session will consist of a general introduction to TTLT, a brief overview of the different volunteer streams, next steps, and how to get started!
Registration if required, please RSVP below.
Photo: Kaitlin Richardson
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Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 07:00 PM · 28 rsvps
ZoomVolunteer Training: Outdoor Safety 101
Stay safe while enjoying nature! Learn the basics today.
Do you...
- want to get outdoors to help protect, restore, and nurture nature with TTLT?
- want to gain confidence in being outside in nature, off trail, and prepared for all weather conditions?
- want to learn what to keep in your field bag?
- If so, considering registering for this virtual session on Outdoor Safety 101!
What to Expect
This online session is designed to introduce volunteers to outdoor safety techniques used by TTLT staff in our stewardship work. Whether you are new to field safety concepts or just need a refresher, this program will improve the confidence of participants who wish to engage in volunteer stewardship. TTLT staff will share information about outdoor attire, backpack contents, field experiences, and tips and tricks for being safe outdoors. A question period will be included at the end.
This is geared towards volunteers, but would be helpful for anyone who wants to be safer in nature.
Photo: TTLT staff walking through an open marsh in chest waders by Payton Landsborough
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Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Hawk Cliff Woods in Union, ON, CanadaVolunteer Opportunity: Gardening at Hawk Cliff Woods
Do you love gardening? Then consider helping us out at the Auzins Community Wildflower Garden.
The Auzins Community Wildflower Garden at Hawk Cliff Woods is planted with all native perennial plants that are beautiful and hardy choices for landscaping. The garden serves as a demonstration site for native plant gardening as well as a source of seeds for interested community members who want to grow native plants for their own gardens.
Why native plants?
Native plants provide food and habitat for birds, insects, and other creatures while requiring less care in terms of watering, pesticides, and fertilizers, than exotic landscaping plants. It's a win-win for nature and gardeners alike.
How can you help?
We are looking for help with garden maintenance, primarily weeding and keeping the trail clear.
What to bring
- This is an outdoor event so please bring whatever you need to be comfortable, such as sunscreen, bug spray, and good shoes. As well, be sure to bring any snacks and water you might need.
- We can provide gardening gloves, knee pads, and tools but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
- Hawk Cliff is a great place to see flowers, birds, and wildlife, so bring your binoculars, camera, and field guides if you have them.
Please note: this event is weather dependent. In the case of cancellations, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.
Butterfly photos (top) by Rebecca Launchbury. Butterflyweed photo (right) by Anita Caveney.