Metis Nation of Ontario (Peterborough & District Wapiti Metis Council) and Otonabee Conservation planted trees to help rehabilitate a gravel pit in Ennismore, Ontario.
Volunteers from the Metis Nation of Ontario (Peterborough & District Wapiti Metis Council) planted 450 native trees at a gravel pit in the Township of Selwyn on Sunday. These trees will enhance habitat and increase biodiversity as part of ongoing rehabilitation of a site currently used for aggregate extraction.
Additionally, students from KPRDSB and PVNCCDSB planted 750 trees at the same site last week. In total, 4,556 trees were planted at the gravel pit site this fall!
Volunteers planted a variety of native species including Eastern White Cedar, White Spruce, Tamarack, and White Pine.
“This is a really great opportunity for Metis citizens and families to collaborate with Otonabee Region Conservation Authority and the community. Many of our citizens live in urban areas outside of their traditional territories, so this is an opportunity for them to connect with the land, to give thanks for the important resources that this property once provided to this area, and to get their hands dirty to help rehabilitate the property for future generations.”
Christa Lemelin, President of the Peterborough & District Wapiti Metis Council.
“We are excited to be working with The Metis Nation of Ontario’s local Council, The Township of Selwyn, and local student volunteers to undertake stewardship projects like this,” said Janette Loveys Smith, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer at Otonabee Conservation, “We are pleased to work together on efforts to rehabilitate and naturalize this site while also collectively contributing to climate change mitigation efforts in our watershed.”
The 4,556 trees planted at the gravel pit this fall were generously funded by Tree Canada and One Tree Planted and in partnership with Otonabee Conservation and the Township of Selwyn.
For further information, please contact:
Meredith Carter
Manager, Watershed Management Program | Otonabee Conservation
705-745-5791 ext. 223
mcarter@otonabeeconservation.com