The Grand Bend and area community celebrated an extraordinary gift on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Peter Warner and his late wife Esther donated 55 acres in Grand Bend to the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy. Named the Warner Preserve, this legacy protects a significant natural area comprised of mature Carolinian forest, meadows, and wetlands.
The property, originally named Merrywood Farm, was purchased by Peter and Esther Warner in 1988 from two of Grand Bend’s historic figures, Eric and Ella McIlroy. The McIlroys owned and operated the famous Lakeview Casino during the days of the big band era, and raised and trained racehorses.
Over the years Peter and Esther worked hard to improve the natural features of the property, and planted more than 10,000 native trees.
“We just fell in love with the place,” says Peter. “We felt so lucky to live in this beautiful oasis, right in the heart of Grand Bend.”
Although this property was slated by the Municipality of Lambton Shores for future residential development, Peter and Esther had different ideas. Their vision was that the property be protected as a refuge for wildlife and nature, and used for outdoor nature education for children and adults.
To help develop their vision, Peter and Esther approached the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy. The mission of the Land Trust is to hold and conserve natural areas and protect them for future generations.
“We live in a critical time when precious natural areas are under pressure,” says Land Trust Chair Max Morden. “We’re so happy that we’ve been able to help Peter and Esther realize their dream.”
Peter is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Grand Bend, which became an enthusiastic community partner, providing seed money to get the project off the ground. At Autumn Indulgence, the Club’s gala fundraiser, a further $55,000 was raised from the community to create an arboretum. The newly planted arboretum now includes more than 70 species of native trees, including some Carolinian species not generally seen this far north. Says Grand Bend Rotary Club President Kerry Teskey, “The Warner Preserve is a perfect opportunity to foster in people – both young and old – a love and appreciation of nature. It’s a priceless gift.”
In addition to the Rotary Club of Grand Bend, The Lawson Foundation provided essential seed money. Thanks also go to the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund, which funded the creation of 1,000 metres of accessible trails on the property.
The Sunset Community Foundation sponsored this launch.
As a refuge and protected area, the Warner Preserve will be used for educational activities and events, but will be open to the public by invitation only.
In photo below, donor Peter Warner (at far right) helps to plant a ceremonial tree on the occasion of the Warner Preserve launch ceremony on June 15, 2024.
Ceremony launches opening of new pedestrian walkway at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area
Several partners attend June 7, 2024 launch in Bayfield to open pedestrian walkway, linking community with nature
A new pedestrian walkway now links the village of Bayfield with the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. People no longer have to drive from town to reach the nature area and they no longer have to walk across Highway 21 to get there.
Generous community donors and funding partners have raised more than $70,000 to build the new walkway. Construction is complete and the path to nature is now open.
A number of community partners attended an opening ceremony, on Friday, June 7, 2024, to launch the newly constructed path, underneath the highway bridge, which links the community with nature. Local musicians played violins prior to the afternoon event. The ceremony began with acknowledgement of indigenous peoples of the area.
The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is owned and permanently preserved by Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and maintained by volunteers of Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA).
Roger Lewington is Past Chair of the Land Trust and a leader of the Pedestrian Walkway fundraising campaign committee of BRVTA. He provided thanks, at the launch ceremony, to the many community partners, and hundreds of volunteers and donors, who made the pedestrian walkway possible.
“It’s pretty amazing …” what community volunteers and donors have accomplished, he said. He extended “ … a special thanks to our Bayfield River Flats committee and fundraising team …”
Max Morden, Chair of the Land Trust, thanked BRVTA and their fundraising team for the work they put into the walkway project. “This is an amazing community, you’re an amazing group,” he said.
“Thank you to the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association for the incredible work they’ve done, for their vision in bringing this together, for their passion and perseverance to bring this to fruition,” he said. “They couldn’t have done it without the support of the community, the volunteers and donors who’ve supported this. Thanks to you all for the way you’ve supported this project.” He called the walkway project “ … a tremendous example of what can be done when a community comes together and forms partnerships and does something really special for nature.”
The HTLTC Chair thanked the Municipality of Bluewater for their support. The municipality, he said, “ … really got behind this project in a big way to ensure its success.” He also thanked the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) “ … who really came through and went the extra mile to make sure this … got completed.”
Dawson Hallahan, student intern with the office of Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, attended the ceremony on her behalf.
“I would like to thank you all for having me here today to represent MPP Thompson,” he said. The MPP is Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs. “Seeing something like this in her riding and in a rural community is something she loves to see,” Hallahan said. “It’s truly a special moment to appreciate the hard work and the collaboration that went into making this project a reality,” he said.
In remarks from the MPP, shared with the crowd, the attendees heard that “ … it is an absolute pleasure to celebrate the completion of the under-bridge pedestrian path to the Bayfield River Flats … this new pathway is a significant achievement, providing a safe and convenient route for our villagers to enjoy the stunning parkland without having to navigate the busy highway..”
MPP Lisa Thompson’s remarks continued that: “The Bayfield River Flats is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together. The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and their incredible team of volunteers, and their trail blazers led by Peter Jeffers, have transformed this area into a true community treasure. Their hard work and dedication have created beautiful new pathways and a butterfly meadow that will be enjoyed by all. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each volunteer for their tireless efforts. Your commitment has made the Bayfield River Flats safer and more accessible, enriching our community in countless ways. Thank you again to everyone involved. Together we are building a stronger and more connected community.”
The Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater, Paul Klopp, extended thanks to MPP Thompson and to MTO for their roles in the project. He also thanked B. M. Ross and Associates Ltd. for their work and support of the project. Despite budgetary pressures, Mayor Klopp said the municipal council wanted to support the walkway project.
“We really felt this was the right thing to do and the right time and it’s going to be good for the community,” he said. The community support for the walkway “… shows the spirit of the area here,” he said. “To all of you who have taken the time to be here today, it shows what it is all about … you make Bluewater proud.”
Kelly Vader is BRVTA President.
“Anyone who has made the dash across the highway knows this will be a really great addition to the trail system in Bayfield,” she said. “Hopefully people who come to Bayfield to see the downtown will see there’s an easy way to get to the other parts of Bayfield that they maybe don’t know exist, the beautiful river and these beautiful natural areas, so I think this is a really great opportunity.”
She thanked the entire BRVTA fundraising team. “Without their vision and tireless work this would not happen,” she said. “They’re the reason we’re all here and that this has gone so well … I just want to thank them.”
The launch ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting to officially open the walkway.
NEW PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY OPENED AT BAYFIELD RIVER FLATS NATURAL AREA – A number of community partners attended a June 7 launch ceremony to mark the opening of a new pedestrian walkway at the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area, thanks to a successful community fundraising campaign. Shown cutting the ribbon, for the new pedestrian walkway linking the village of Bayfield with the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area, are (front row, from left to right), Dave Gillians, of Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA); Paul Klopp, Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater; Kelly Vader, BRVTA President; Max Morden, Chair of the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC); and Helen Varekamp, of BRVTA. Behind them are some of the partners, in the pedestrian walkway project, who attended the opening ceremony launch of the walkway.
Construction phase is starting soon; Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is closed for all access during construction
The Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) called for tenders, in March of 2024, for construction of the pedestrian walkway to the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. The successful contractor is VanDriel Excavating Inc.
A pre-construction meeting was held on site, in April, with representatives from B. M. Ross and Associates Limited (engineering); HTLTC; Hydro One; VanDriel Excavating Inc.; and Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA).
The BRVTA manages the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area property, which is owned by HTLTC through the generous donations of the community.
The property will be closed to all public access during construction.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Bayfield River Flats Natural Area to be closed from April 29 to June 15, 2024 for construction of pedestrian walkway
The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is to be closed for public access between April 29, 2024 until June 15, 2024 while construction takes place of a pedestrian walkway.
A public notice will be issued when the nature area is reopened for public access.
The creation of a new pedestrian walkway will mean people don’t have to drive from Bayfield to reach the nature area. They will be able to walk to the nature area without having to cross the highway.
The cost to construct the walkway is about $70,000. A community fundraising campaign has raised almost enough to cover the cost of the project but there is still $5,000 left to raise.
The project partners say they plan to begin construction this spring. In the meantime, they are looking for options to close the funding gap and encourage donations. The project team expressed thanks for the generosity of the community to date and also thanked B. M. Ross and Associates Limited for their ongoing contribution to the project.
The fundraising campaign remains open should anyone wish to donate and help move the project closer to the finish line. Donations are eligible for a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). There are recognition opportunities for various donor levels.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association is leading the walkway fundraising project. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is permanently protected by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy as habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination.
PREPARING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY – At the site of the planned pedestrian walkway, at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area, project partners meet for pre-construction planning. In the photo, holding a shovel, is Jack Pal, of Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA). The trail association manages the nature area property which is owned by Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy, thanks to funds which were raised by BRVTA and the Bayfield and area community. Construction of the walkway is planned to start in late April and continue until June 15, 2024 and the nature area will be closed to public access during this construction phase. A community fundraising campaign resulted in $65,000 in donations for the pedestrian walkway. The walkway will make it possible for people to walk from Bayfield to the nature area without having to drive and without having to cross the highway. Construction is proceeding this spring. The fundraising team is encouraging continued donations to raise the additional $5,000 needed to cover the actual cost of the construction, which is about $70,000.
Construction phase is starting soon; Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is closed for all access during construction
The Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) called for tenders, in March of 2024, for construction of the pedestrian walkway to the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. The successful contractor is VanDriel Excavating Inc.
A pre-construction meeting was held on site, in April, with representatives from B. M. Ross and Associates Limited (engineering); HTLTC; Hydro One; VanDriel Excavating Inc.; and Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA).
The BRVTA manages the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area property, which is owned by HTLTC through the generous donations of the community.
The contractor plans to begin construction of the walkway by the end of April. The plan is to have the construction completed by mid to late May. The property will be closed to all public access during construction.
The creation of a new pedestrian walkway will mean people don’t have to drive from Bayfield to reach the nature area. They will be able to walk to the nature area without having to cross the highway.
The cost to construct the walkway is about $70,000. A community fundraising campaign has raised almost enough to cover the cost of the project but there is still $5,000 left to raise.
The project partners say they plan to begin construction this spring. In the meantime, they are looking for options to close the funding gap and encourage donations. The project team expressed thanks for the generosity of the community to date and also thanked B. M. Ross and Associates Limited for their ongoing contribution to the project.
The fundraising campaign remains open should anyone wish to donate and help move the project closer to the finish line. Donations are eligible for a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). There are recognition opportunities for various donor levels.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association is leading the walkway fundraising project. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is permanently protected by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy as habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination.
Team of local people leading effort to raise funds for new pedestrian walkway connecting people with nature at Bayfield River Flats; this walkway could connect people to recreation, nature … and even history!
An active group of community volunteers is working to build a new pedestrian walkway so people don’t have to drive to the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. The creation of a new walkway would mean people could walk from Bayfield to this area of habitat protection and recreation without having to cross a busy highway.
To find out more about the walkway project, you are invited to mix and mingle have fun and hear some short presentations at a community evening at Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 7 to 9 p.m. There is no cost to attend. The Walkway to the Finish Line event is a casual evening with a chance to socialize, learn about and show your support for this project. 1851 Bayfield Landing is providing a cash bar at the event. There is also a silent auction table.
If the community can raise the needed money to build the walkway, it will connect people with nature, recreation … and even local history!
The Bayfield River Flats is an important nature and recreation area and it also has a rich history. People walking the trails there can read interpretive signs outlining some of that historical tapestry. Dating back many years, from its use by indigenous people hundreds of years ago to its use by anglers today, the Bayfield River Flats has been a thriving habitat for fish. The location has been a site of a dam and a river crossing and was the location of the former Thompson’s Mill. The ruins of the mill and the old dam, which was also the first bridge across the Bayfield River, are still visible at the site. The Flats was also used for marina storage for many years.
At one time, in 1820, this site was even proposed to be the naval harbour.
An article on the Land Trust website recalls that: “ … During Bayfield’s early years – until 1900 – this tranquil woodland setting was the site of Thomson’s Mill. Until the saw and gristmill were fully operational in the 1840s, area pioneers had to hand saw their lumber and carry their grain on their backs on deer paths to Goderich for milling.”
The article includes an historical illustration of Thomson’s Mill, circa 1890, in the land known today as Bayfield River Flats. The article also includes an historical photo of the Bayfield Fish Reel. People walking the Bayfield River Flats trail can even see a fishing net drying reel installed there.
More recently, the Bayfield River Flats history includes a successful community fundraising campaign in 2017, led by the trail association, that received donations from more than 220 individuals donors, having raised more than $70,000 to purchase the River Flats so the trail association could donate it to the land trust to be preserved permanently.
Today, the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is a place to enjoy nature and recreation and it’s also a place to reflect on a rich local history. The creation of a pedestrian walkway would allow you to walk from Bayfield to this historic site without walking across the highway.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) is leading the walkway fundraising project. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is permanently protected by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) as habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination.
(PLEASE NOTE:The actual 2024 cost of construction of the pedestrian walkway is about $70,000. The amazing and generous local community has contributed $65,000 so far towards the project. Construction is beginning in spring of 2024 but we still need to raise another $5,000 to cover the cost of this project. Thank you for considering a donation).
Engineering firm B. M. Ross and Associates Limited donates $5,000 and services to new pedestrian walkway to Bayfield River Flats Natural Area
Project partners say donation from B. M. Ross and Associates will help move community closer to creating pedestrian walkway so people can walk from Bayfield to nature area without having to walk across highway
An engineering firm in Goderich is helping the Bayfield and area community to move closer to the dream of a pedestrian walkway to the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.
B. M. Ross and Associates Limited is donating $5,000 to the walkway fundraising campaign. The firm is also helping the walkway project partners with preparation of a quotation package for contractors and will help with periodic inspections while the walkway is being constructed.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) is leading a fundraising campaign on behalf of the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC). The Land Trust owns and permanently preserves the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. The Bayfield River Flats is an important area for recreation and for species habitat.
Roger Lewington is Past Chair of HTLTC. He said the generous donation from B. M. Ross will go a long way towards moving the walkway project forward.
“The trail association and the Land Trust are so appreciative of this generous support from B. M. Ross for both a financial contribution as well as critical engineering services,” he said. “This is a big step forward and we hope this community-minded donation will inspire others to support this project and help us to move closer to our goal.”
Dale Erb is President with B. M. Ross and Associates Limited, of Goderich.
“B. M. Ross and Associates Limited is pleased to support the community’s effort to create a new pedestrian walkway to the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area,” he said. “This project reflects our company’s commitment to nature and active outdoor recreation. We look forward to our continued involvement with this exciting endeavour.”
PHOTO INFORMATION: B. M. ROSS AND ASSOCIATES LIMITED DONATES $5,000 AND ADDED SERVICES TO PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY AT BAYFIELD RIVER FLATS NATURAL AREA – Near the site of a new pedestrian walkway at the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area, announcing the donation of $5,000 and valuable additional services from B. M. Ross and Associates Limited, are (from left to right in photo): Jack Pal, Bayfield River Valley Trail Association – BRVTA; Jennette Walker, B. M. Ross and Associates Limited; Brock Spencer, B. M. Ross; Ken Logtenberg, B. M. Ross; Ryan Devries, B. M. Ross; Kelly Vader, B. M. Ross; and Dave Gillians, Bayfield River Valley Trail Association. (Photo by Peter Jeffers)
The project partners say the new walkway will ‘connect the community with nature.’ They say the walkway will complete the Bayfield River Flats project which began in 2017. At that time, the trail association led a successful community fundraising campaign that raised more than $70,000 with the support of more than 200 individual donors. That campaign made it possible to purchase the nature area and donate it to the land trust for permanent preservation.
A ‘Walkway to the Finish Line’ evening took place at Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It was a casual evening to celebrate the project and to raise funds for the walkway.
(PLEASE NOTE: The actual 2024 cost of construction of the pedestrian walkway is about $70,000. The amazing and generous local community has contributed $65,000 so far towards the project. Construction is beginning in spring of 2024 but we still need to raise another $5,000 to cover the cost of this project. Thank you for considering a donation).
Bayfield River Flats walkway fundraising team announces Home & Company Real Estate to sponsor planned evening in support of walkway
The Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) have announced that a special evening is planned in support of a new pedestrian walkway at the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association, on behalf of the land trust, is leading a community campaign to raise $52,000 to make the new walkway possible. The December 13 evening is an important part of that fundraising campaign in order to ‘connect the village to nature.’
Roger Lewington is Past Chair of the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy. “We are delighted to announce that Home & Company Real Estate has agreed to sponsor the Bayfield River Flats evening, in support of the pedestrian walkway project, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bayfield Town Hall,” he said. “I would like to thank Brad Douglas and Tong Zhou, from Home and Company, on behalf of the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy and Bayfield River Valley Trail Association.”
Brad Douglas is Sales Representative with Home & Company Real Estate Corporate Brokerage. “We are very pleased to be part of this great Bayfield project,” he said. “Bayfield is a community where many people love to walk and enjoy nature. We are honoured to be able to play a part in the creation of a pedestrian access to this special natural area. We would like to do what we can, to support Bayfield Valley Trails and the Land Trust and the Bayfield and area community, as they strive to make this project a reality.”
The Walkway to the Finish Line event is described as a casual evening with a chance to mingle and socialize and support a needed project in the community. 1851 Bayfield Landing is providing a cash bar at the event. There is also a silent auction table. The Land Trust says “all are welcome for a fun evening, right before the holidays, to learn more about the Walkway To Nature Project.”
PHOTO INFORMATION – Tong Zhou and Brad Douglas are Sales Representatives with Home & Company Real Estate Corporate Brokerage. They are near the site of a new pedestrian walkway planned for the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. Home & Company Real Estate is the sponsor of the Bayfield River Flats fundraising evening, in support of the pedestrian walkway project. The evening takes place Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bayfield Town Hall. (Photo by Jack Pal) Also shown is a photo of a poster about the fundraising evening on December 13.
Max Morden is HTLTC Chair. “I would like to thank Brad and Tong and Home & Company Real Estate for the support of this evening, and the project,” he said. “It is truly appreciated.”
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy encourage people to donate to the project or consider a donation in the memory of a loved one or even make a donation as a gift. The project partners will provide permanent recognition for donations of $1,000 through a donor recognition board.
The Bayfield River Flats is owned by HTLTC and the land trust protects it permanently as a habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination.
A new pedestrian walkway can complete the dream of Bayfield and area people to ‘connect the community with nature’ at Bayfield River Flats. It will cost an estimated $52,000 to complete the walkway and the partner organizations say public support is needed to make the walkway a reality. The walkway will make it possible for people to walk under the highway bridge right to the natural area and avoid walking across a busy highway.
Land trust, trail association say community support is needed for planned walkway linking community and nature; project partners plan to acknowledge donors with long-lasting recognition
The project partners working to create a pedestrian walkway to the Bayfield River Flats Nature Area say community support is needed to make it happen. The project team thanks the entire community for all donations of any size. They also want to provide acknowledgement and permanent recognition for donors making donations of $500 or more.
It will cost $52,000 to complete a walkway, under the Highway 21 bridge, linking people to the natural area on the other side. This way, people won’t need to walk across the busy highway to reach the Bayfield River Flats.
Those who donate $500 or more are eligible to receive (while supplies last) a unique, one-of-a-kind tote bag, hand-made by Bayfield’s Helen Varekamp. Those who donate $1,000 or more will receive a tote bag and lasting recognition on a sponsor acknowledgement board. There is also an opportunity, on the In Memory section of the donor list board, to leave a legacy in memory of loved ones through a $1,000 donation in support of the project. Those who donate $5,000 or more to the walkway will receive a tote bag, sponsor board recognition, and their name (engraved or on a name plate) on armourstone.
Helen Varekamp is a Bayfield resident and community volunteer. She was part of the community fundraising team, of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association, that helped to mobilize community support in order to purchase the 4.75-acre River Flats property which is now preserved permanently by the land trust.
Helen has created 65 original hand-crafted tote bags which she is donating to the fundraising campaign for a new pedestrian walkway at Bayfield River Flats. The tote bags are made from up-cycled fabrics and every tote bag is unique.
“I am delighted to donate these tote bags to this project, as the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is one of the most precious gems right in the middle of our village,” she said. “The walkway will make it easier for many of our residents to connect with Mother Nature on a daily basis.”
Donors who donate $500 or more to the walkway campaign are eligible to receive one of the tote bags while quantities last.
“Sewing is my passion,” Helen said. During the COVID-19 pandemic “I got creative doing some sewing as fundraisers for several community organizations with which I have been involved. I love putting emphasis on up-cycling and keeping unwanted and leftover materials out of the landfill. Now that one-time-use shopping bags are being discouraged, it only made sense to make re-usable, sturdy tote bags that make a great fashion statement at the same time.”
PHOTO INFORMATION – Helen Varekamp, of Bayfield, has hand-crafted 65 original, one-of-a-kind tote bags, made from up-cycled fabrics, which she is donating to the fundraising campaign for a new pedestrian walkway at Bayfield River Flats. While supplies last, donors donating $500 or more to the community fundraising campaign, will receive one of the tote bags in recognition of their generosity. (Photo by Jack Pal)
The tote bags will be provided (while supplies last) to eligible donors on the Bayfield River Flats Walkway fundraising evening, at Bayfield Town Hall, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) is leading the community fundraising campaign, for the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area Walkway, on behalf of the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC). The land trust owns and permanently protects the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area as habitat for wildlife and as a place for people to enjoy recreation and nature appreciation.
“We would like to thank all our donors,” said Roger Lewington, HTLTC Past Chair. “We also want to find a way to say thank you to our donors and to acknowledge the gift the donors in our community are making and the legacy they are leaving,” he said. “I would also like to thank Helen for the donation of her talent and artistry – these one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted tote bags are a wonderful way to say ‘Thank you’ to donors generously making donations of $500 or more to this community project.”
The new walkway will connect to an existing under-the-bridge walkway at the Bayfield River Flats site. This new feature will make it safer and easier for people to reach and enjoy this special riverbank nature area without having to walk across the highway.
If you would like to learn more about donor recognition opportunities to acknowledge your support for this needed community project, please contact a member of the fundraising team.
To learn more, or to donate, you are invited to visit the Bayfield River Flats web page or to call 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
Community support for new pedestrian walkway can help to fully realize the dream at Bayfield River Flats, according to Bayfield River Valley Trail Association
Trail association preparing a fundraising campaign to ask public for help to create new walkway to connect community to nature at Bayfield River Flats, a property preserved by Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy
A new pedestrian walkway can complete the dream of Bayfield and area people to ‘connect the community with nature’ at Bayfield River Flats, according to Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA). It will cost more than $50,000 to complete the walkway and the organizations say public support is needed to make the walkway a reality. The project team plans to hold a fundraising campaign between November 15 and December 15, 2023.
Fundraising activities include a ‘Walkway to the Finish Line’ evening. The event is at the Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Help us connect the Bayfield and area community with nature.
Help make it possible, with your donation, to add a new pedestrian walkway to make it safer and easier for people to connect with nature at the Bayfield River Flats.
Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, on behalf of Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy.
There are easy ways to donate. Choose the way that works best for you:
Call us
To donate to the Bayfield River Flats Walkway, you may phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
Or, you may donate using any of the other easy ways listed below:
Donate by credit card or debit card
You may donate by credit card or debit card at the provided link or you can call our office at phone number above.
(If you click the link, there are options to ‘Donate with PayPal’ or to ‘Donate with Debit or Credit Card.’ If you would like to donate by credit card or debit card, please select the second option provided after you click the link).
Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy, 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3, Exeter, ON N0M 1S5
Make cheque payable to: Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy
(When paying by e-Transfer, please provide us with your contact information so we are able to provide you with a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes. Be sure to let us know, in the e-Transfer message box/field, that the donation is for the Bayfield River Flats Walkway.)
Donate by e-Transfer
You may donate easily, to the Bayfield River Flats Walkway, by e-Transfer using the email address donations@abca.ca
Be sure to let us know, in the e-Transfer message box/field, that the donation is for the Bayfield River Flats Walkway.
If you would like to receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes please be sure to include your mailing address and/or email address in the e-Transfer message box.
Donate in person
You are welcome to come into our office to donate.
We are located at 71108 Morrison Line, two kilometres east of Exeter, just south of Highway 83.
You can also provide a cheque, to Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy, to one of the members of the fundraising team.
Donate by PayPal
You may also donate through PayPal at the link below.
(If you click the link, there are options to ‘Donate with PayPal’ or to ‘Donate with Debit or Credit Card.’ If you would like to donate by PayPal, please select the first option provided after you click the link).
However you choose to donate, we thank your for your support of your community.
It really makes a difference.
Join us on this walkway to the finish line of the Bayfield River Flats project.
The Bayfield River Flats is owned by HTLTC and is protected permanently as a habitat for wildlife. “The Flats is a natural gem only a short walk from Bayfield’s Main Street,” said HTLTC Chair Max Morden. “Home to eagles and ospreys and species at risk, it’s a place where people can both appreciate and preserve nature.” Volunteers from the Trail Association manage the property at no cost to the public.
The land trust’s Chair encourages local people to watch for announcements about the fundraising campaign and for details on the December 13 evening in support of the project. Updates, and opportunities to donate, are posted on the Bayfield River Flats web page.
(Scenic photo, at Bayfield River Flats, by Jack Pal)
Roger Lewington is Past Chair of HTLTC. He thanks the trail association for leading the fundraising initiative to make the walkway possible. The new walkway will connect to an existing under-the-bridge walkway at the Bayfield River Flats site. This new feature will make it safer and easier for people to reach and enjoy this special riverbank nature area.
“The trail association and the community had a dream to buy and preserve the Bayfield River Flats,” Lewington said. “The creation of the new pedestrian walkway will safely link people and nature and it will make it possible to fully realize the dream for this site.”
Bayfield River Valley Trail Association led a fundraising campaign, in 2017, to purchase the Bayfield River Flats site. Community support was overwhelming, with donations of more than $70,000 to buy the property. The trail association manages the property and donated it to the land trust so the property will be preserved permanently.
The project team is excited to announce the proposed walkway has received the permissions required to make it happen and now the team will turn its attention to mobilizing the public support needed to make it reality.
A concept for the new pedestrian walkway.
Thanks to generous and visionary public donations of land and money, the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy protects these important nature areas: Warner Preserve (2023) in Grand Bend, donated by Peter Warner and his late wife Esther; Heaman Tract (2019), near Ailsa Craig, donated by Janet Heaman in memory of Jack Heaman; Woodburne Farm (2018), near Goderich, donated by Ilse Elliott and her late husband William Elliott; Bayfield River Flats (2017), donated by Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and community donors; and Mayhew Tract (2015), near Holmesville, donated by the Mayhew Family, in memory of Jack and Iris Mayhew.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) was founded in 2006. The association maintains seven recreational trails in and around Bayfield, Ontario. The volunteers from the association schedule more than 20 guided hikes each year. This gives residents of all ages and fitness levels the opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Bayfield River Valley Trail Association is an all-volunteer, registered non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting a healthy and environmentally conscious community.
Volunteers from Bayfield and area, working with planting crews from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), have been busy planting native-species shrubs at the Bayfield River Flats, a nature area preserved by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC).
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association’s Trail Blazers works crew, led by Works Manager Peter Jeffers, and ABCA staff worked together to enhance the Bayfield River Flats through shrub planting on June 14, 2023. There were nine community members who helped with the June 14 planting.
The community members planted 445 pollinator plants and shrubs. Some of the wet-tolerant plants are nearer the Bayfield River and some species favouring drier conditions were planted on the flood plain flats.
Angela Van Niekerk is Wetlands Specialist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation. She said the plants planted at Bayfield River Flats will add habitat for species, help to filter water during flooding, and hold the soils in place.
Earlier, a tree planting crew in May of 2023 also planted 200 Sandbar Willow shrubs along the river embankment to help reduce bank erosion. The Sandbar Willow is a shrub willow that forms thickets, helping to hold together and protect the riverbank.
The planting is possible thanks to federal, provincial and county funding partners. The Government of Canada’s Canada Nature Fund (CNF), to protect species at risk, provided funding that supported the streambank planting. The Government of Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks provided funding in support of the streambank planting. The County of Huron’s Huron Clean Water Project also provided grant support that made the planting possible.
