PRWIN 2025 Spring Seedling Program and Project Applications

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
PRWIN 2025 Spring Seedling Program and Project Applications

PRWIN Shoreline Restoration Project

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
PRWIN Shoreline Restoration Project
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PRWIN SHORELINE
RESTORATION PROJECT

 
Dear Shoreline Residents and Property Owners in Huron-Kinloss

The Township of Huron-Kinloss and Pine River Watershed Initiative Network are partnering to encourage cottagers and residents along the shoreline beaches in our township to begin restoring the beach dunes following the high lake levels of the past few years. During that period, a great deal of the shoreline dune area was eroded by the wave action and high winds.
Now that the lake levels have begun receding creating a wider beach which we all love and enjoy, more of the sand is exposed to wind erosion, especially during the fall and winter seasons. The beach grass has returned in most areas which helps hold the sand but larger plants with stronger root systems are needed to rebuild the protective shoreline dunes for the next high lake level period.
One of the best low profile options to assist with this restoration are Junipers (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'). Junipers catch the sand and build the dunes during the high wind and blowing snow storms in the fall and winter seasons. The roots hold the sand in the spring when the high winds return.
For the restoration effort to be most effective the junipers must be planted on the “Swale or Back Dune Area” on the lakeshore. Over time the dunes will build up the sand necessary to again withstand the high water period of the Lake Huron cycle.

Cottagers and residents may register for up to four spreading Junipers to pick-up and plant on your shoreline.
Pickup for planting will be late October and the exact date will be communicated to those registered.

100 Spreading Junipers available.
Maximum of four per property

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
NAME:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
ADDRESS FOR PLANTING:
NUMBER OF PLANTS REQUESTED (MAXIMUM OF FOUR):
Send details to: pineriverwatershed@pineriverwatershed.ca

**********************************************************************************

Lake Huron has high and low energy beaches. High energy beaches, like Point Clark see a “give-and-take” of sand throughout the year. Low energy beaches like Sauble Beach have more sand removed by wind and wave action, than is added.
On low energy beaches, protecting the sand is essential because they’re slower to recover. In high energy beaches, multiple dunes form over time providing a ‘sacrificial buffer" during highlake levels. Vegetation grows larger further inland from the water’s edge, transforming from dune grass and sedges, to shrubs, and eventually trees. This ‘succession’ of dunes is natural and is unique habitat for many rare species.
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Copyright © 2019 PRWIN, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
86 Huron Street, Ripley ON N0G 2R0 Ph: 519.395.5538
Our website is:
pineriverwatershed.ca
Our email is:
pineriverwin@yahoo.ca or pineriverwatershed@pineriverwatershed.ca
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The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network · 86 Huron Street Unit 2 · PO Box 367 · Ripley, ON N0G2R0 · Canada

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PRWIN Shoreline Restoration Project

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
PRWIN Shoreline Restoration Project

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Fall 2024 Newsletter

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Fall 2024 Newsletter
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PRWIN 2024 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS OF MERIT

 
Picture above are: Teacher Jessica Adams with members of the RIpley-Huron Community School Green Team (left), with PRWIN Director Angela Thompkins. Photo courtesy of Kincardine Record.
Picture above are: Ripley & District Horticultural Society’s - For Our Youth Leader Melody Smillie (left), with PRWIN Director Angela Thompkins. Photo courtesy of Kincardine Record.
PRWIN Director, Angela Thompkins presented our 2024 Award of Merit at the Ripley Huron Fall Fair Ambassador Program on September 27th. Recipients at the presentation: Jessica Adams and Melody Smillie. 

The following recipients presented the importance of community volunteering and the connection with our local youth this past year:

Ripley Huron Community School Green Team Leader - Jessica Adams

Jessica is a teacher at Ripley Huron Community School and has been involved with the school’s Green Team for several years. Students sign up to take part in the club and participate in environmental awareness activities. The Green Team provides an opportunity to educate, raise awareness and engage with pressing environmental issues inside and outside the classroom. The Green Team can help the school community move forward to be eco-conscious, promote a green environment and promote recycling and waste reduction practices. Also, Jessica hosts an environmental week in April to highlight Earth Day. The environmental week provides hands on learning and engaging conversations about the environment.
Thank you Jessica, for your leadership with the Green Team and for making a positive impact at our school.

Ripley & District Horticultural Society "For Our Youth" - Melody Smillie

Melody has been a leader with the For Our Youth since 2019. Mel has taken on the important role of Club Administrator, keeping other leaders and the 30 children and youth organized and on time. She also acts as Treasurer, ensuring that the small budget is well managed. Her big smile and warm greetings are often the first things the kids see when they arrive at meetings to receive their name tags. The club loves Melody's programming ideas, and her knack for planning, programming and providing solid leadership, even as she contributes to her community in many other ways. The group is so thankful to have her in the club!
The junior horticultural club is supported by the Ripley and District Horticultural Society. For Our Youth – participate in monthly meetings that are filled with crafts, growing projects and outdoor activities that encourage involvement with the Ontario Horticultural Association, the RDHS flower show, the Ripley Fall fair, the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens and the Pine River Water Shed. Last year, the “For Our Youth” celebrated their 10th anniversary.
Thank you Melody for your time and efforts to support this wonderful club.

Troy Middelkamp and Family

Troy and his family are Huron Kinloss residents. Over the years with our organization, he has always been a great participant to help with our tree planting initiatives in the Pine River Watershed. Tory’s interest in many aspects of agriculture and work with PRWIN’s environmental in-ground projects, like tree planting, have ensured our work as good stewards in our watershed. We thank Troy for his contributions to PRWIN and we look forward to working with his family at our upcoming planting projects. 
 

PRWIN POTTED TREE ASH REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

 
This fall, we had 24 recipients receive a tree, courtesy of our Potted Tree Ash Replacement Program (PTARP). The goal of PTARP is to provide the lakeshore communities with trees to replace ash trees that devastated properties by the Emerald Ash Borer. 
The Point Clark Beach Association (PCBA),Lurgan Beach Blairs Grove Association (LBBGA) and the Bruce Beach Cottagers Association (BBCA) worked together, to ensure that our program trees get planted in the most needed areas along the lakeshore.
This program has enabled us to make a significant impact to the lakeshore community. To date, the PTARP has offered shoreline residents 190 mature potted trees. We appreciate our directors' time planning and delivery of the trees. 
A special thank you to Smeltzer's Garden Centre for ordering the trees, as well as the Township of Huron Kinloss - Community Well Being Program for supporting our 2024 fall tree initiative.
GET SOIL SMART

 
PRWIN is excited to bring another “Get Soil Smart” article to our newsletter.

WHAT KIND OF SOILS DO YOU HAVE?

Its time to bring soils home to each and every one of you. Something that every one may be asking is What kind of soil do I have?!
Well, in southern Bruce County there are 43 soil types! Here is the link to the Bruce County soil maps if you would like to take a look for your location’s soil type: Soil Survey of Bruce County (agr.gc.ca). As previously talked about, soils are made up of 3 (main) ingredients: sand, silt, and clay, and every soil type has a slightly different combination of the three.
Pine River is predominantly Clay Loam, which is dark grey in colour (coming from the soil organic matter), has a heavier texture and poor drainage (both due to the tight plate like structure of clay - higher density and threadlike pore space). Now, what can we do with this information and why is it important to know your soil type? Knowing our soil type allows us to make good choices on how we treat and work with our soils. It allows us to determine: the best types of plants to have in our gardens, why existing plants are struggling, the drainage abilities and issues, and how we can improve both the quality of our soil through adding compost and the growth potential of our plants by adding fertilizer.
 
A simple test to determine your soil type is The Sedimentation Test, one that you can easily do at home! All you need is a jar with lid (1L mason jar), water, dish soap, marker or tape (to mark jar) and soil.
An example has been provided after the instructions.
  1. Fill jar half full with soil.
    1. Take out any organic matter (roots, leaves, etc.) and rocks.
    2. Break up any large clods of soil.
  2. Add a few drops of dish soap. This will help the soil particles separate and disperse in the water.
  3. Add water, filling the jar to 90%.
  4. Place lid on jar, shake vigorously for about 1 minute to ensure all soil gets mixed.
  5. Leave jar on level surface.
    1. After 1-2 minutes the Sand will have settled at the bottom of the jar. Use marker or tape to mark the top level of Sand.
    2. After 1 hour the Silt will settle above the sand. Use marker or tape to mark the top level of Silt.
    3. After 24 hours the Clay will have settled above the Silt. Use marker or tape to mark the top level of Clay.
(Anything floating at the surface will be organic matter.)
  1. Measure the height of Sand in the jar, followed by Silt, then Clay.
    1. Then calculate the percentage of each: Sand, Silt, and Clay. i.e. (3cm Sand) / (Sand + Silt + Clay heights)
  2. Use the Soil Textural Triangle to determine your soil type!
    1. Use the 3 percentages you determined above on the triangle below. The arrows below each soil component indicate which graph lines to follow through the triangle.
      The intersection of the 3 lines will determine your soil type.
Here is an example to get you on your way!
The test has already been put together and all soil layers have settled. The measurements of each layer are listed next to the jar and calculations determining percentage of each layer are on the very right.
 

Article provided by Lisa Holland, PRWIN Project Co-ordinator.
 

EXPLORE THE MCLARTY CENTRE

 
Aerial photos of the McLarty Centre capture a wide variety of the landscape. There is a trail system throughout the area, two wetland ponds, an osprey nest and thousands of mature trees. The McLarty Centre offers many opportunities! Enjoy walking the trail, bird watching, photography, learning opportunities in an outdoor classroom and reconnecting with nature.
If you are interested in a group visit, contact PRWIN at pineriverwin@yahoo.ca

HOWICK MUTUAL INSURANCE

 
Thank you to Howick Mutual Insurance for supporting our initiative Green Elements - Friends of the McLarty Centre. The funding supports a sun shelter to aid in our program to educate about our local watershed with community groups at the McLarty Centre. PRWIN Director, Conner Dixon accepts the donation from Blair Pollock, Howick Mutual Insurance Representative.

RIPLEY WOLF CUB CAMP

 
The Ripley Wolf Cub Adventure Camp planned a trip for the young campers at the McLarty Centre. The summer camp went on a nature hike, went frog fishing and explored in nature!

SHORELINE ASSOCIATIONS DONATE TO PRWIN

 
Thank you to the Pine River Boat Club and Lurgan Beach/Blair's Grove Association for your continued support. Your contribution is enabling us to accomplish our goals, to provide community programs.
Thank you for recognizing and supporting our organization! PRWIN Directors, Shirley Fiebiger and Gib McIlwarth accept a donation from Point Clark Beach Association, President Rob Foster. The donation will be used to continue our PRWIN programming.

NATIONAL TREE DAY

 

PRWIN celebrates National Tree Planting Day! We planted a Eastern Red Bud Tree to honour our retired director Bill Steele's work and dedication to PRWIN and the environment! Thank you to directors Murray Jamieson, Murray Yungblut and Bill Smith for planting the tree at this lovely property.
Special thank you for Smeltzer Garden Centre for the lovely tree!

OPG DONATION

 
Thank you to OPG, a partner and long-time supporter of the PRWIN, for your donation. We appreciate your support of environmental programs.  As a sponsor, their contribution is vital to continue our community tree programs. PRWIN Director, Conner Dixon accepts the donation from Kaitlyn Nevill, OPG Communications.

GERMANIA MUTUAL INSURANCE

 
Thank you to Germania Mutual Insurance for your donation. Our committee greatly appreciates their support to assist us with our 2025 Spring Seedling Program. PRWIN Chairperson, David Grant (center) accepts the donation from Germania Mutual Insurance Representatives.

HURONVIEW DEMO DAY

 

PRWIN attended the Huron Soil & Crop -  Cover Crop Planting Demo Day at Huronview Demo Farm. PRWIN observed how cover crops are planted by a modified sprayer and drone.
 

FALL FAIR SEASON

 

 

PRWIN had an opportunity to take part in the Ripley Huron Fall Fair by having a vendor table at the exhibit hall. This was a chance for us to connect with our community! We had PRWIN directors on hand to share with the public our projects and programs. PRWIN participated in the Ripley Huron Fall Fair Decorating Contest to enhance our curb appeal in our community and took part in the Ripley Huron Fall Fair Parade with PRWIN Director Conner Dixon driving a tractor with a tree planter.

Wally Houston of Ripley, was the winner of the Free Blaze Maple Tree from our "PRWIN Fall Fair Tree Raffle." We had over 100 entries for the raffle. Thank you to everyone for stopping by to see us at our vendor table. This beautiful, stunning maple tree was purchased at Smeltzer's Garden Centre.

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTOR

 
We would like to welcome our new PRWIN Director Jen Middelkamp! Jen is a resident of Huron Township and has brought to our organization countless volunteer hours to assist us with our spring seedling program and community planting projects. Also, her family has taken on PRWIN in-ground programs that have installed multi level restoration projects to their land. Jen is a past Ripley 4-H Conservation Leader for our local youth and her family have been involved with our community planting initiatives. Her dedication to our vision of “Clean water and a healthy ecosystem within the Pine River watershed“ will be a welcoming addition to our organization.

We encourage our vital community members to share our newsletter, website, and Facebook page. There is an opportunity for everyone to sign up for our newsletter. We have resources about our organization on our website and our social media page that will inform our community about our present and future projects.

http://www.pineriverwatershed.ca
https://www.facebook.com/pineriverwatershedinitiativenetwork/
Please email pineriverwin@yahoo.ca to sign up for our newsletter.

    
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Copyright © 2019 PRWIN, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
86 Huron Street, Ripley ON N0G 2R0 Ph: 519.395.5538
Our website is:
pineriverwatershed.ca
Our email is:
pineriverwin@yahoo.ca or pineriverwatershed@pineriverwatershed.ca
Subscription preferences 

 






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The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network · 86 Huron Street Unit 2 · PO Box 367 · Ripley, ON N0G2R0 · Canada

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Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Fall 2024 Newsletter

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Fall 2024 Newsletter

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Summer 2024 Newsletter

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Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Summer 2024 Newsletter
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PRWIN SPONSORSHIP DAY

 
PRWIN hosted a Sponsorship Day to recognize our valuable sponsors in our community. The gathering showcased a reforestation site at Pine River Food. This project site located around the Pine River Food property has been developing and growing for several years and the area offers a variety of mature tree and seedlings. Special thank you to Mercato & Pizzeria for providing the pizza and refreshments at our event.

Sponsorship and donations from Armow Wind, B.M. Ross and Associates, Baywood Interior Millwork, Corteva, Enbridge, Greenfield Global, Howick Mutual Insurance, K2 Wind, Meridian, NWMO, Ontario Power Generation and Society of United Professionals. Thank you to our sponsors, community donations and our hard working directors and community volunteers for assisting us with our in ground programs and projects. 

Missing from our group sponsorship photos are John Lassel from Baywood Interior Millwork, Greenfield Global, Howick Mutual Insurance, NWMO, OPG and Society of United Professionals.

Picture above are: (left) PRWIN Director Murray Yungblut, PRWIN Chairperson David Grant, Lisa Courtney - Partner with B.M. Ross & Associates, PRWIN Director Angela Thompkins, PRWIN Director Joanne Kuntz, PRWIN Director Don Farrell and PRWIN Director Shirley Fiebiger (right)

Picture above are: (left) PRWIN Director Murray Yungblut, PRWIN Chairperson David Grant, Alyssa Burgess - Corteva Agriscience, PRWIN Director Angela Thompkins, PRWIN Director Joanne Kuntz, PRWIN Director Shirley Fiebiger and PRWIN Director Don Farrell (right)

Picture above are: (left) PRWIN Director Murray Yungblut, PRWIN Chairperson David Grant, Usman Bhatti - Enbridge , PRWIN Director Angela Thompkins, PRWIN Director Joanne Kuntz, PRWIN Director Shirley Fiebiger 
 

Picture above are: (left) PRWIN Director Murray Yungblut, PRWIN Director Joanne Kuntz, PRWIN Chairperson David Grant, Robert Boak - Armow Wind, PRWIN Director Angela Thompkins, PRWIN Director Shirley Fiebiger and PRWIN Director Don Farrell (right)
 

Picture above are: (left) PRWIN Director Murray Yungblut, PRWIN Director Joanne Kuntz, PRWIN Chairperson David Grant, Natalie Williams - K2 Wind, PRWIN Director Angela Thompkins, PRWIN Director Shirley Fiebiger and PRWIN Director Don Farrell (right)

Picture above are: (left) PRWIN Director Murray Yungblut, PRWIN Chairperson David Grant, Martin O'Connor and Jen Rooyakkers - Meridian, PRWIN Director Angela Thompkins, PRWIN Director Joanne Kuntz, PRWIN Director Shirley Fiebiger and PRWIN Director Don Farrell (right)
 

ENJOY NATURE AT THE MCLARTY CENTRE

 
The McLarty Environmental Study Area is located on Bruce Road 6/Side Road 20 in Huron Kinloss. It is open to the public to enjoy the great outdoors!
This area is designed for our community to learn about the Pine River; wetland creation and the education of the local wildlife and plants that this area supports. PRWIN has installed a trail system throughout the area, created two wetland ponds, planted memorial trees, an osprey nest and planted over a thousand tree seedlings.

"The Pine River Watershed's McLarty Environmental Area has provided an enriching area for our Horticultural Youth Group to meet each year. The 30 children in our group, ages 6-14, look forward, each year, to the meetings held at the centre. They have had the opportunity to see and learn about our native species of flora and fauna. Hiking on the trail to identify plant and bird species and observing frogs are some of their favorite activities. As a leader of the Youth group I really appreciate that we have access to such a wonderful area so close to home for our children to learn and explore. The Pine River Watershed has been an excellent support for the environmental and horticultural teaching that we do and we greatly appreciate that."

Heather Newman - Leader of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society For Our Youth Club.
 
For more information, please email pineriverwin@yahoo.ca

LOCAL YOUTH EXPLORE AT THE MCLARTY CENTRE

 
The Ripley - Huron Community School stopped in at the McLarty Centre to explore in nature! The teacher coordinated engaging activities for the students at the McLarty Centre. The group went on a scavenger hunt, painted rocks, a presentation about tree identification, discovered the frog life-cycle and had a great experience learning about fish and the water ecosystem.

RIPLEY "FOR OUR YOUTH" CLUB

 
The Ripley Horticultural Society - For Our Youth went on an adventure at the McLarty Centre. They explored the trails and river flats and went fishing for frogs.The Ripley Horticultural Society - For Our Youth is the Ripley & District Horticultural Youth club for boys and girls. Through a team of dedicated volunteer leaders, the club provides gardening activities, nature crafts and other outdoor activities designed to nurture a love and respect of nature. The club draws on the support of local groups such as the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens, Pine River Watershed's use of their McLarty Outdoor Education Centre and the Ripley Huron Fall Fair to engage youth in meaningful community experiences.

2ND KINCARDINE SCOUTS

 
The 2nd Kincardine Scouts stopped in at the McLarty Centre!
The property provides a conservation area for local organizations to engage in nature and learn about ecosystems, animals and plants. The area provides an educational experience to value our resources. 

NWMO & COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GREY BRUCE FUNDING

 
Thank you to Community Foundation Grey Bruce for supporting our initiative Green Elements - Friends of the McLarty Centre. The funding supports new picnic tables to aid in our program to educate about our local watershed with community groups and volunteers at the McLarty Centre.
Also, we would like to acknowledge NWMO for their support to install a picnic shelter with our Green Elements - Picnic Shelter Development.
The project will highlight the importance of the area by offering educational opportunities, promote environmental interaction and involvement.  

GET SOIL SMART #4

 
PRWIN is happy to add our 4th article “Get Soil Smart” a new section to our newsletter, where we will bring you along on a ride to learn all about soil!

Its Not Just the Worms!

We all know that worms are important to the soil. They are known to be important because they improve soil structure, water infiltration rate, water holding capacity, nutrient availability, and more. But worms are not the only ones in the soil that deserve credit for their work helping to manage and improve our soils.

ANTS, the Black Carpenters, Argentines, Pavements, Pharaohs, Odorous Houses, and Thiefs, are all varieties of ants found in Ontario. Ants are beneficial insects to our soils and ecosystems, though they are primarily painted as pests!

To begin, ground dwelling ants build nests in soil comprised of tunnels and chambers; these nests aid in water infiltration as well as soil aeration, and are especially helpful in aiding plant growth as nests can be 12” to 36” in depth (depending on climate and age of the ant colony) a similar depth at which the majority of plant roots are located, providing roots an optimal environment and accessibility water, nutrients, and air.

Ants are also great decomposers as they feed on organic residues, insects and/or other dead animals. They also feed on the elaiosomes of seeds (an oil on seed surface), which they eat in their nest and leave the rest of the seed to germinate and grow into a new plant.

Ants like the Carpenter, make their nests in dead or diseased wood, which means they accelerate the decomposition process, bringing organic matter back to the soil, and adding to fertility. Fungi and bacteria then come in and break down the lignin and cellulose on the decomposing wood surfaces, furthering the decomposition process and adding to the fungi and bacterial population that increase nutrient availability and suppress root diseases in the soil.

As ants improve water infiltration and soil aeration, contribute to the decomposition of plant matter, and aid in improving nutrient availability in soil, they alongside worms and other soil dwelling insects are beneficial pieces of our soil’s health. Cheers to the 20,000,000,000,000,000 ants of which we share this earth!

Article provided by Lisa Holland, PRWIN Project Co-ordinator.

WE ARE PLANNING FOR OUR 2025 SEASON

We welcome projects from local landowners:
Berms, tree planting, cattle crossing and wetlands

Landowners allow us to help them manage in ground projects by working together to secure funding and co-ordinate contractors.
 It is a great opportunity!

Private landowner participation is vital to the success of our watershed.

If you have a project in mind, please contact us at pineriverwin@yahoo.ca

SPRING CLEAN UP OF THE MCLARTY CENTRE

 
Mel and Gary Moulton volunteered their time to spring-clean the McLarty Environmental Study Area. They cut grass for pathways and assisted with spring maintenance of the picnic tables and sheds.
Thank you for all your efforts to prepare the McLarty Centre for the sunny season.

PRWIN DIRECTOR BILL STEELE

 

This spring, Bill Steele retired from the position of Member of the Board for Pine River Watershed initiative Network (PRWIN). Bill was dedicated to our organization for over a decade and was passionate about the environment and our watershed. Thank you for inspiring us all and for your contributions to our organization as they are an important part of our continued success. On behalf of the board of directors, we wanted to extend our thanks to Bill for his valuable expertise and time volunteering to our non profit group.

CORTEVA COMMUNITY BETTERMENT SUPPORT

 
We are gracious to accept Corteva Agriscience community support of our Education and Outreach Program - McLarty Education Centre Outdoor Classroom and our upcoming 2025 Spring Seedling Program.
Thank you for recognizing and supporting our community projects.

MERIDIAN DONATION

 
Our committee greatly appreciates the support and partnership with Meridian’s “The Good Neighbour Program” to assist our upcoming 2025 seedling program and tree projects in the Pine River Watershed.
Thank you Meridian for your community outreach program!
 

DONATION TO PRWIN

 

We are thankful to receive a donation from the
Lazy J Ranch - Anderkin Foods Inc. to our organization.
Our committee greatly appreciates their support to assist us with our community programs.

We are a not-for-profit charity, and always welcome assistance from any business, association, or member of our community.

If you wish to donate directly to our organization, our mailing address is:
86 Huron Street, Box 367
Ripley ON
N0G 2R0

The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network supplies Charitable Receipts for donations over $20.00 CDN for income tax purposes.
 

We encourage our vital community members to share our newsletter, website, and Facebook page. There is an opportunity for everyone to sign up for our newsletter.
We have resources about our organization on our website and our social media page that will inform our community about our present and future projects.

http://www.pineriverwatershed.ca
https://www.facebook.com/pineriverwatershedinitiativenetwork/
Please email pineriverwin@yahoo.ca to sign up for our newsletter.

    
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Copyright © 2019 PRWIN, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
86 Huron Street, Ripley ON N0G 2R0 Ph: 519.395.5538
Our website is:
pineriverwatershed.ca
Our email is:
pineriverwin@yahoo.ca or pineriverwatershed@pineriverwatershed.ca
Subscription preferences 

 






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The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network · 86 Huron Street Unit 2 · PO Box 367 · Ripley, ON N0G2R0 · Canada

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Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Summer 2024 Newsletter

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Summer 2024 Newsletter

PRWIN McLarty Centre Spring 2024

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
PRWIN McLarty Centre Spring 2024
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ENJOY NATURE AT THE MCLARTY CENTRE

 
Come Out & Explore In Nature!
 
"The Pine River Watershed's McLarty Environmental Area has provided an enriching area for our Horticultural Youth Group to meet each year. The 30 children in our group, ages 6-14, look forward, each year, to the meetings held at the centre. They have had the opportunity to see and learn about our native species of flora and fauna. Hiking on the trail to identify plant and bird species and observing frogs are some of their favorite activities. As a leader of the Youth group I really appreciate that we have access to such a wonderful area so close to home for our children to learn and explore. The Pine River Watershed has been an excellent support for the environmental and horticultural teaching that we do and we greatly appreciate that."

Heather Newman - Leader of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society For Our Youth Club.

The McLarty Environmental Study Area is designed for our community to learn about the Pine River; wetland creation and the education of the local wildlife and plants that this area supports. PRWIN has installed a trail system throughout the area, created two wetland ponds, planted memorial trees, an osprey nest and reforested the area with over a thousand tree seedlings.

For more information, please email pineriverwin@yahoo.ca
Community Foundation Grey Bruce Funding 

Thank you to Community Foundation Grey Bruce for supporting our current initiative Green Elements - Friends of the McLarty Centre.
The funding supports new picnic tables to aid in our program to educate about our local watershed with community groups and volunteers at the McLarty Centre.
The project will highlight the importance of the area by offering educational opportunities, promote environmental interaction and involvement. It will create an opportunity to connect with nature and offer an on-site space for recreational experiences. 
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Copyright © 2019 PRWIN, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
86 Huron Street, Ripley ON N0G 2R0 Ph: 519.395.5538
Our website is:
pineriverwatershed.ca
Our email is:
pineriverwin@yahoo.ca or pineriverwatershed@pineriverwatershed.ca
Subscription preferences 

 






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The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network · 86 Huron Street Unit 2 · PO Box 367 · Ripley, ON N0G2R0 · Canada

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PRWIN McLarty Centre Spring 2024

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
PRWIN McLarty Centre Spring 2024

PRWIN 2024 Potted Tree Ash Replacement Program

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
PRWIN 2024 Potted Tree Ash Replacement Program


PRWIN Potted Tree Ash Replacement Program

The goal of PTARP is to provide the lakeshore communities with trees to replace ash trees due to the result of the Emerald Ash Borer. The program offers one free potted tree to eligible residents along the lakeshore.

The Point Clark Beach Association (PCBA),Lurgan Beach Blairs Grove Association (LBBGA) and the Bruce Beach Cottagers Association (BBCA) are working together to ensure that new trees get planted in the most needed areas along the lakeshore.

This collaboration in conjunction with the PRWIN PTARP has enabled us to make significant impact to an area that was devastated by the ash borer. We will continue to refine the program as a collaborative effort between PRWIN and the lakeshore communities. We would like to thank the Beach Associations and the Community Well Being Grant - Township of Huron Kinloss for their support of our community tree program.




 

We are gearing up for new projects!


Landowners allow us to help them manage in ground projects by working together to secure funding and co-ordinate contractors.

These projects benefit your property, the environment, our communities, improving soil retention and resilience to severe weather, and providing habitat for wildlife.

Connect with us! 519-395-5538 or email pineriverwin@yahoo.ca


 
Copyright © 2017 Pine River Watershed Initiative Network All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
86 Huron Street, Ripley, ON
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PRWIN 2024 Potted Tree Ash Replacement Program

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PRWIN 2024 Potted Tree Ash Replacement Program

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Spring 2024 Newletter

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Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Spring 2024 Newletter
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2024 "FREE SEEDLING
GIVE-AWAY PROGRAM" 

This spring, 5500 seedlings were handed out during our annual "FREE Seedling Give-Away Program." The program was created in 2014 and is a very popular community outreach program.

PRWIN directors and volunteers sorted and packaged 90 personal orders. Some of the orders supported the Kincardine Naturalization Project - Savage Park, 2nd Kincardine Scouts and the Ripley Huron Community School Green Team.

Donations and sponsorship from Armow Wind, B. M. Ross & Associates, Baywood Interior Millwork, Corteva Agriscience, Enbridge, Greenfield Global, Howick Mutual Insurance, K2 Wind, Meridian, NWMO, OPG and Society of United Professionals. 

PRWIN SEEDLING ORDERS

 

Thank you to our directors and volunteers for their time and efforts to help sort the custom personal seedling orders for our
"FREE Seedling Give-Away Program." 
Thank you to Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority for sourcing the seedlings for our annual community program.

PRWIN COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING DAY
Saturday, May 4th, was a beautiful day for PRWIN’s Annual Community Tree Planting Day. The Kinetic Knights, Kincardine 2nd Scouts, Sawjan Samanvay Sanatan Centre, Point Clark Beach Association, Enbridge, 4-H Conservation leaders and PRWIN families worked together planting seedlings at our upcoming project site.
The planting site is supported by the 2023 Bruce Power's Environment and Sustainability Fund and by COA funding, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks through the Great Lakes Program. 
The volunteers hand planted seedlings, large stock trees and shrubs along with plants to create a pollinator garden around an existing pond area. To wrap up the morning planting session, Mercato Pizzeria provided pizza for our hard-working crew!
Thank you to our tireless and energetic directors and volunteers!
PRWIN COA 2023 PROJECT

Last year, we started the planning phase of our COA 2023 Project. 
The first step of this project involved tree planting along a ditch, serving the purpose of stabilizing the ditch banks, reducing the volume of water entering the ditch and impacting the vegetative growth and water flow i.e. soil erosion resulting in soil collection in the ditch. Mature trees are planted throughout the property to help deal with excess water and wind reduction.

The next phase of this project is to construct a livestock crossing, complete a ditch cleanout to improve its water flow function and perform a berm improvement. These two pieces of the project will also contribute to improving water movement at this location and reduce its impact on the soil and its useability. 

This project is funded by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks through the Great Lakes Program.
2023 BRUCE POWER FUND

 2023 Bruce Power’s Environment & Sustainability Fund

This project started off with planting a windbreak between cropland and a stretch of the ditch that crosses a landowner’s property. Not only will the trees be helping to reduce wind and its deleterious actions on the soil and other land features, it will also help to reduce the amount of water entering the ditch from surrounding cropland. These trees will uptake the water and nutrients coming towards the ditch from the cropland, while also slowing down its flow by acting as a barrier, all of which will reduce its physical impact on the soil of the ditch bank.

A pollinator garden was created surrounding a pond to provide season long flowers and food source to the existing pollinators and will bring new pollinators to the area. This property has experienced the monarch butterfly migration, seeing hundreds as they venture to their chosen location for the summer and we all would love to provide a great spot for them to rest and rejuvenate and to be enjoyed by the landowners before they move on!

The final step to this project is the installation of a Water and Sediment Control Basin (WASCoB), It will collect, store and slowly release excess water down the water system through an outlet. This will further reduce the impact of heavy rains and spring melt on the soil as well as the impact on surrounding farm operations and water sources.

The project is supported by Bruce Power’s 2023 Environment and Sustainability Fund. Thank you to Smeltzer's Garden Centre for the selection of pollinator plants and to MVCA for sourcing the seedlings.

EARTH DAY ASSEMBLY

 

We celebrated Earth Day at Ripley Huron Community School!

 

PRWIN Chairperson David Grant, shared with students our programs, initiatives and opportunities for students and our community.
PRWIN provided a donation to support the RHCS Green Team's Revitalization Project. Also, PRWIN provided white cedar seedlings for the RHCS Green Team!

Let's make every day Earth Day!

DONATION TO PRWIN

 
Thank you to NWMO, a partner and long-time supporter of the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network for your donation.
Our committee greatly appreciates their support to assist us with our 2024 Spring Seedling Program. PRWIN Director, Don Farrell accepts the donation from Jessica Fischer, NWMO Office Support - Engagement
 

GET SOIL SMART #3

PRWIN is excited to add our 3rd article “Get Soil Smart” a new section to our newsletter, where we will bring you along on a ride to learn all about soil!

HOW IS SOIL FORMED? 
Soil is a product of our ecosystem, and as components of our ecosystem change, so does the characteristics of our soil.
There are 5 Soil Forming factors that determine how and at what rate soil will form: Parent Material, Biota, Climate, Topography, and Time.
  1. The primary stage of soil formation is the accumulation of the parent material, that being rock sediments from which the soil will form. Glaciation is the primary geomorphological process that has created these sediments in Canada. As glaciers moved, advancing and retreating across the bedrock, they over time ground the bedrock to varying degrees (large stones to sand). Meltwater from the glaciers also developed and dependent on its quantity: moved, mixed, sorted, and redeposited sediments thus leaving behind different glacial features and deposits (moraines, drumlins, outwash plains, spillways, eskers, and more)
    Furthermore, these sediments are also beneficial as they contain elements such as Potassium, Aluminium, Iron, Manganese, which eventually release into the soil, and provide critical components for plant growth.
  2. Biota, which includes vegetation, organisms, and microorganisms, is the 2nd soil forming factor. Vegetation is multifaceted, the roots provide stabilization to the parent material while also splitting rock sediments via roots growing through cracks in the rock. Vegetation also institutes chemical weathering of minerals as they release acidic components (organic acids, carbon dioxide) during decomposition. Decomposition also adds organic matter, which will feed microorganisms and contribute components to soil development. Organisms, from worms to mice, will disturb and transport soils while also providing channels for roots, air and water to utilize.
  3. Next is Climate; most specifically the Temperature and Moisture of a location, which have a large influence on soil formation because temperature controls the rate of chemical weathering reactions and the rate of biological activity. Moisture i.e. water controls the physical weathering processes, as it is a solvent, and a transport medium for most reactions and processes occurring in the soil. Wind is also a factor of climate, but to a lesser extent, as it enhances processes of erosion and deposition of soil, a more surficial action.
  4. Soil is influenced by Topography primarily in respect to water movement. Land with rolling hills or slopes of any kind, will have differences in: soil moisture and soil quantity and quality at various locations on the slope. At the peak of hills or tops of slopes, soil erosion will take place and soil moisture will be lower as water follows the path of least resistance to the lowest land point. These soils will be less developed, lighter in colour due to leaching of minerals, and have fewer soil horizons.
While at the base of the hill/slope, the eroded soil and runoff from above will collect, resulting in deeper and darker soils with higher water and mineral content, and a greater number of soil horizons.
We must also consider direction of our slopes as this affects soil temperature and therefore the activity of vegetation and organisms within the soil and their ability to be active and adding to the process of forming soil.
  1. Soil formation is a long, slow process, and thus soil takes Time to form. Time is needed for the parent material, climate, topography, and biota to work through their processes to contribute to the creation of soil.
    Canadian soils have been developing since the last glaciation, 14,000 years ago; in the grand scheme of soils, our soils are young and are therefore less weathered and richer in plant nutrients.
Soil Formation from beginning to end
 
After soil forms, what does it look like?

After a lengthy period of time, a soil profile appears. A soil profile is essentially layers of different types of soil and is arranged in layers, called horizons.
Processes that lead to horizon formation are: additions, losses, transformations, and translocations of materials or soil components from 1 horizon to another, or from the surface horizon to the atmosphere. The below image gives a simple representation of a soil profile and brief description of each horizon.
For interest’s sake there are listed 2 Ontario soil profiles, so that you can see the soil horizons and how they can be vastly different based on their geographic location, and what the purpose of the land area is, among many other factors.
Landscape: Cultivated land          

Gray Luvisol soil
Landscape: Pasture / Forested land area
Humic Podzol soil

In the gray luvisol soil picture, you will see the labelled horizons, if you are curious about what the lettering indicates for each horizon, here is a link to learn about the lettering system and what defines it.
https://soilsofcanada.ca/soil-formation/horizons.php
 

Article provided by Lisa Holland, PRWIN Project Co-ordinator.

ENJOY NATURE AT THE
MCLARTY CENTRE

 

The McLarty Environmental Study Area is located on Bruce Road 6/Side Road 20 in Huron Kinloss. It is open to the public to enjoy the great outdoors!
This area is designed for our community to learn about the Pine River; wetland creation; and the education of the local wildlife and plants that this area supports. It remains the desire of the McLarty’s to preserve this piece of the river flats for generations to come.
PRWIN has installed a trail system, created two wetland ponds, planted memorial trees, an osprey nest and planted over a thousand tree seedlings. Community groups have enjoyed outdoor classroom experiences at the McLarty location.

If you would like to explore the McLarty Centre, email pineriverwin@yahoo.ca 

Our committee greatly appreciates community sponsorship and grant funding opportunities to continue our annual seedling program and tree projects in the Pine River Watershed. 
Funding allows PRWIN to keep our tree programs alive and to support the goals of PRWIN and our Lake Huron shoreline.

WOODLOT CONFERENCE 

 

PRWIN attended the 31st Annual Grey Bruce Woodlot Conference in Elmwood. Speakers in attendance included the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Weed Science Technician - University of Guelph, a Senior Forester consultant and a MVCA Watershed Ecologist. Presentations highlighted bird habitat, forest health and herbicides, poisonous plants and forest fire risk management.​

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTOR

 

We would like to take a moment to welcome our new PRWIN Director Shirley Fiebiger. Shirley joined PRWIN as a director in February 2024. Shirley is a Conestoga College Doon Campus Alumni retired from a 38 year career in the accounting and sales/marketing field with international and global companies. Shirley's rural roots brought her back to Huron Kinloss. She is now able to share her free time and varied business experiences with PRWIN. Shirley's concern for clean water and a healthy ecosystem within the Pine River watershed is of utmost importance to her. Being part of a grassroots initiative such as PRWIN allows her to contribute in the development and implementation of changes which will make a difference now and for years to come. She is also a board member of the Point Clark Beach Association. Shirley and her husband split their time between Point Clark and Simcoe. They have lived in the area for over 20 years while making beautiful memories in Huron Kinloss with their children and grandchildren.​

Come and Join Us!

 

Have you wondered what our non-profit organization is all about?

Would you like to volunteer and make a difference in our local watershed?

Why not join PRWIN and be involved with the growth and future success of our organization?


We welcome you to join us!

Contact us at pinerivewin@yahoo.ca if you would like to contribute to our community.

We encourage our vital community members to share our newsletter, website, and Facebook page. There is an opportunity for everyone to sign up for our newsletter. We have resources about our organization on our website and our social media page that will inform our community to be up to date with our present and future projects.

http://www.pineriverwatershed.ca
https://www.facebook.com/pineriverwatershedinitiativenetwork/
Please email pineriverwin@yahoo.ca to sign up for our newsletter.

    
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Our mailing address is:
86 Huron Street, Ripley ON N0G 2R0 Ph: 519.395.5538
Our website is:
pineriverwatershed.ca
Our email is:
pineriverwin@yahoo.ca or pineriverwatershed@pineriverwatershed.ca
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The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network · 86 Huron Street Unit 2 · PO Box 367 · Ripley, ON N0G2R0 · Canada

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