E-news - May 2013
May 7th, 2013
With the warm weather now (hopefully!) here to stay, we encourage you to turn off the tv, put down your phones and ipads, and get outdoors! We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful part of this country, where outside opportunities abound. Take to the trails for a hike...getting outdoors for adventure doesn't need to always mean something extreme. A hike with an unplanned destination, a picnic in the park, a bike ride along the waterfront. Studies have shown that connections with nature make us healthier and happier – life is richer for time spent outdoors!
In the SHOPPE: All Outdoor Body Care Products - 20% off
Time for sunscreen! Celebrate the arrival of SPRING with 20% off all outdoor body care products (bug spray, sunscreen, etc.) We carry Green Beaver Sunscreen, for both adults and children, as well as Badger sunscreen, and many different SPF lip balms and face creams. In our outdoor line, we have a number of different options for natural bug protection including outdoor lotion, citronella bug sprays and solid soaps, and after sun lotions.
EcoLawn - 25% off
Conserve water! Plant an Eco-Lawn. The Ultimate Low Maintenance Lawn Seed. Eco-Lawn is a lawn grass that grows in full sun, part shade and even deep shade! Eco-Lawn is a blend of carefully selected fine fescue grass seeds developed by Wildflower Farm in Orillia. Highly drought tolerant Eco-Lawn has a beautiful deep green grass colour. Eco-Lawn requires less fertilizing and can be mown like a regular lawn or left un-mown for a free-flowing carpet effect.
Urban Harvest Seeds - 25% off
A variety of 100% certified organic & heirloom vegetable, herb and flower seeds. At Urban Harvest, they are dedicated to providing their customers with organic seeds, seedlings and garden supplies that promote ecological diversity and preserve the health of our planet. All organic and heirloom varieties are specially chosen for their unique qualities by seasoned urban gardeners. All of the seedlings are grown in or near the Greater Toronto Area to support the economies of Toronto, Ontario and Canada.
Be Well Aware
Spring is an important time to test your well water, but with the recent flooding in nearby areas and the heavy snow melt, it's even more important this year. Even though your water may appear to be fine, you can not always taste, smell or see bacteria or other contaminants. Don't rely on the test results of a nearby neighbour – wells only a few meters away may have drastically different results.
How to test your well water:
Well water testing is a free service through local health units. Water sample bottle can be picked up and dropped off at most local heath units. Please be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle – they are very specific! Contact your local health unit for more information.
For more information please follow these links:
Groundwater Basics
New Wells
Existing Wells
Unused Wells
Testing your Water
Educational Materials
Sunset Point Park Update
The Town of Collingwood is in the process of reviewing and updating the design and function of Sunset Point Park, so that it best supports community health, well being, and a high quality of life.
Members of the community are invited to participate in a special workshop on May 15th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (Library, 3rd Floor Community Rooms). This Public Workshop will be memorable, engaging, inspiring and informative to the participants and community. Please visit the website for more information and to sign up as spaces are limited. https://www.smore.com/7rnu-you-are-invited?ref=email
Explorations Green Summer Day Camp
Kids are longing to have more adventure in their lives, but a 2010 UK poll said that 50% of children had never taken any part in any adventure sports and 40% of parents said that they didn't have time or money to partake in adventure activities with their children. Gasp! Adventure doesn't need to be "fancy," and if you have a child looking for adventure, our Explorations Green Camp might be just the thing.
Our campers spend their days in the sunshine, every day! They spend their days hiking and biking and exploring the local trails that the area has to offer.
Camp is available on a daily and a weekly basis, from June 1st through to August 30th.
Sign up before May 15th and receive last year's rate of $160 per week. Prices go up May 16th!
To qualify for early bird please register online by clicking here
Girlfriends
This time of year is always bittersweet for me. It’s the time of year that GIRLFRIENDS is winding down and we are just finishing up our last few weeks. However when I reflect on all the amazing things we did and discussions we had I just realize that we are simply wrapping up another successful year. I want to extend a heartfelt and HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that makes this program possible. It is that time of year again when we head back to the drawing board and begin writing proposals and searching for sponsorships so that we can continue to deliver this awesome program. Thank you to our current sponsors, our volunteers and our volunteer guests from the community, you enrich this program more than you know. If you are interested in getting involved or sponsoring a program please contact the Environment Network. GIRLFRIENDS looking forward to seeing you next year!
- Stephanie Hardy, Program Coordinator
Feature Volunteer
This month we would like to thank Natalie Bull for her volunteerism with the GIRLFRIENDS program. Natalie has been a mentor for the past two years with the program in multiple schools. She has the ability to connect with the youth immediately and make them feel safe and comfortable. Natalie’s personality is magnetic and her smile warms your heart. Natalie has recently moved out West to British Columbia and we miss her dearly but wish her well with all her future endeavours. We are truly grateful to have had her as a mentor. The GIRLFRIENDS program is lucky.
Program Proudly Supported by the United Way Agency & The Collingwood Optimist Club
Thank you, from our Girlfriends Program This lovely group of most inspirational women collected their pennies and donated them to Girlfriends. Many thanks to all who are pictured here and those who were unable to be there for the photo.
World Fair Trade Day
Hearts and Crafts: Ethical Imports, Elephant Thoughts and the Collingwood BIA present World Fair Trade Day: Collingwood 2013, taking place at the Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday May 11, 2013 from 11-4pm.
World Fair Trade Day: Collingwood 2013 will be an interactive event involving local businesses, Elephant Thoughts and the Collingwood BIA. Activities will centre on the Fair Trade Headquarters, located in front of Town Hall.
This area will feature the following:
-Creemore Coffee samples
-Information about fair trade provided by our Fair Trade Ambassadors
-A Gyroscope (by donation $2-5) provided by Elephant Thoughts
-An exhibit of products from local businesses that support fair trade - the initiative will include a special Fair Trade Passport program to promote local business. Passports will contain a map with locations in town where fair trade products are sold. They will be available from May 1st to May 15th at: Creemore Coffee Studio, Global Expressions, Awear Eco Boutique, Café Chartreuse, and the Collingwood Community Food Coop. The passports must be stamped by each business and then returned to any one of the locations to be entered in to a special draw to win prizes. Winners will be contacted by May 18th. Participating businesses will also feature in-store promotions and displays.
Grand Opening May 17th-18th
The Collingwood community food co-op is having their Grand Opening on May 17-18. Mayor Cooper will be cutting the ribbon at 1pm on Saturday the 18th and you are invited to join us on this milestone occasion! See you there!
Collingwood Community Food Co-Op 65 Simcoe Street, Studio 5 Collingwood, Ontario
www.ccfcoop.ca
Free Spirit Gardens Upcoming Workshops
Saturday May 11th - Raise the Paddle - a fundraiser for community and school gardens
Starts at 10am at free spirit tours (Heathcote)
$40 per person in a kayak or canoe ($20 12yrs and under)
2hr paddle epping to Heathcote
$60 gets you in the 23ft voyager canoe
Warm Chili Lunch included.
Please call 519-599-2268 or email freespiritgardens@gmail.com to book your spot.
Sunday May 12th 11am-3pm - Edible Landscaping: Working with Nature to create Low-Maintenance Food Gardens with Ben Cesar $20
Sunday May 19th 2-4pm - Cook Garden Spring Opening - Free!
Sunday May 26th 1-4pm - Wild weed walk edibles and medicinal. Make a salad, and or tincture at the Cook garden with Heather $55
June 8 & 9th - Herb Workshop at the Northern Lights Centre with Heather Approx $254
June 23rd 1-4pm - Wild weed walk edibles and medicinal at the Cook garden with Heather $55
Sunday July 7th 2-4pm - Organic Pest Prevention with Kim $20 Sunday
July 28th 11am-3pm - Edible Landscaping: Working with Nature to create Low-Maintenance Food Gardens with Ben Cesar $20
Click here to check out their website for more information www.freespiritgardens.org
Invasive Species - Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard is an invasive species, originally brought to North America from Europe. Garlic mustard appears where soil is disturbed, such as in logging areas and along the edges of trails. Humans and other animals distribute the seeds or soil containing the seeds by accidentally carrying (via clothing, footwear or fur) and relocating seeds. Garlic mustard is now common in urban areas and is prominent in backyards, alleys and parks in Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford, and surrounding areas.
Garlic mustard reproduces by seed which can remain viable in the soil for five years or more. Seeds germinate in the spring and form low growing rosettes of purple to green, kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Young leaves smell of garlic when crushed; the intensity of the odour may decrease as plants grow older. The second year plant has a 1 to 4 foot stalk with triangular to heart-shaped coarsely toothed leaves. The 4 petal flowers are small and white. The mature seed capsules burst open and can throw seeds several metres. Management strategies for controlling garlic mustard are dependent on the location and the characteristics of a particular patch. If the plant is in its first year, simply pulling them out and leaving them on the ground will be enough to kill the plant. There are no seeds on these plants, thus no danger in spreading. Another Strategy is to concentrate on the second-year plants as the flowers aid in identification. To ensure the seeds are killed, it is necessary to bag and seal the plants in black garbage bags and leave them under the sun for several weeks. Yard waste can also be taken to the Simcoe County dump to be converted into compost. Simcoe County assured that the organic waste matter is processed at a high enough temperature that it would kill the garlic mustard seeds. An alternate strategy is to cut the flowers off the garlic mustard plants, thereby preventing the production of seeds, and take these flowers out of the woods.
The strategy of eradicating garlic mustard should be based on time of year, stage of development, terrain and degree of infestation. Garlic mustard has the ability to produce 60 000 seeds per square metre. Each plant removed can eliminate the spread of 150 to 850 seeds. Future infestations can be prevented by focusing on small localized patches.
Farewell to Foleys
A piece of Collingwood history is coming to and end. After 86 years in our community, Foleys furniture store is closing down. The Foley family have been long time supporters of our organization and good friends. We appreciate your vision, support and friendships. We look forward to watching them move onto their next adventure. We wish you happiness, health and prosperity.
All the best, from everyone at The Environment Network!
Are you a young professional interested in municipal government?
You are invited to attend a Youth panel and reception free of charge, if you are less than 35 years of age. It will be an excellent chance to network with potential employers in the municipal sector. Click here to RSVP by May 24. Please feel free to pass this invitation along to your contacts who would be interested in attending. Thank you!
Like us on FACEBOOK for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate in the Shoppe!
Click here now!
Environment Network
44 St. Marie St., Collingwood,
Ontario, Canada, L9Y 3Y9
Hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 705.446.0551
Toll Free: 866.377.0551
Fax: 705.446.0561
info@environmentnetwork.org
www.environmentnetwork.org
With the warm weather now (hopefully!) here to stay, we encourage you to turn off the tv, put down your phones and ipads, and get outdoors! We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful part of this country, where outside opportunities abound. Take to the trails for a hike...getting outdoors for adventure doesn't need to always mean something extreme. A hike with an unplanned destination, a picnic in the park, a bike ride along the waterfront. Studies have shown that connections with nature make us healthier and happier – life is richer for time spent outdoors!
In the SHOPPE: All Outdoor Body Care Products - 20% off
Time for sunscreen! Celebrate the arrival of SPRING with 20% off all outdoor body care products (bug spray, sunscreen, etc.) We carry Green Beaver Sunscreen, for both adults and children, as well as Badger sunscreen, and many different SPF lip balms and face creams. In our outdoor line, we have a number of different options for natural bug protection including outdoor lotion, citronella bug sprays and solid soaps, and after sun lotions.
EcoLawn - 25% off
Conserve water! Plant an Eco-Lawn. The Ultimate Low Maintenance Lawn Seed. Eco-Lawn is a lawn grass that grows in full sun, part shade and even deep shade! Eco-Lawn is a blend of carefully selected fine fescue grass seeds developed by Wildflower Farm in Orillia. Highly drought tolerant Eco-Lawn has a beautiful deep green grass colour. Eco-Lawn requires less fertilizing and can be mown like a regular lawn or left un-mown for a free-flowing carpet effect.
Urban Harvest Seeds - 25% off
A variety of 100% certified organic & heirloom vegetable, herb and flower seeds. At Urban Harvest, they are dedicated to providing their customers with organic seeds, seedlings and garden supplies that promote ecological diversity and preserve the health of our planet. All organic and heirloom varieties are specially chosen for their unique qualities by seasoned urban gardeners. All of the seedlings are grown in or near the Greater Toronto Area to support the economies of Toronto, Ontario and Canada.
Be Well Aware
Spring is an important time to test your well water, but with the recent flooding in nearby areas and the heavy snow melt, it's even more important this year. Even though your water may appear to be fine, you can not always taste, smell or see bacteria or other contaminants. Don't rely on the test results of a nearby neighbour – wells only a few meters away may have drastically different results.
How to test your well water:
Well water testing is a free service through local health units. Water sample bottle can be picked up and dropped off at most local heath units. Please be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle – they are very specific! Contact your local health unit for more information.
For more information please follow these links:
Groundwater Basics
New Wells
Existing Wells
Unused Wells
Testing your Water
Educational Materials
Sunset Point Park Update
The Town of Collingwood is in the process of reviewing and updating the design and function of Sunset Point Park, so that it best supports community health, well being, and a high quality of life.
Members of the community are invited to participate in a special workshop on May 15th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (Library, 3rd Floor Community Rooms). This Public Workshop will be memorable, engaging, inspiring and informative to the participants and community. Please visit the website for more information and to sign up as spaces are limited. https://www.smore.com/7rnu-you-are-invited?ref=email
Explorations Green Summer Day Camp
Kids are longing to have more adventure in their lives, but a 2010 UK poll said that 50% of children had never taken any part in any adventure sports and 40% of parents said that they didn't have time or money to partake in adventure activities with their children. Gasp! Adventure doesn't need to be "fancy," and if you have a child looking for adventure, our Explorations Green Camp might be just the thing.
Our campers spend their days in the sunshine, every day! They spend their days hiking and biking and exploring the local trails that the area has to offer.
Camp is available on a daily and a weekly basis, from June 1st through to August 30th.
Sign up before May 15th and receive last year's rate of $160 per week. Prices go up May 16th!
To qualify for early bird please register online by clicking here
Girlfriends
This time of year is always bittersweet for me. It’s the time of year that GIRLFRIENDS is winding down and we are just finishing up our last few weeks. However when I reflect on all the amazing things we did and discussions we had I just realize that we are simply wrapping up another successful year. I want to extend a heartfelt and HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that makes this program possible. It is that time of year again when we head back to the drawing board and begin writing proposals and searching for sponsorships so that we can continue to deliver this awesome program. Thank you to our current sponsors, our volunteers and our volunteer guests from the community, you enrich this program more than you know. If you are interested in getting involved or sponsoring a program please contact the Environment Network. GIRLFRIENDS looking forward to seeing you next year!
- Stephanie Hardy, Program Coordinator
Feature Volunteer
This month we would like to thank Natalie Bull for her volunteerism with the GIRLFRIENDS program. Natalie has been a mentor for the past two years with the program in multiple schools. She has the ability to connect with the youth immediately and make them feel safe and comfortable. Natalie’s personality is magnetic and her smile warms your heart. Natalie has recently moved out West to British Columbia and we miss her dearly but wish her well with all her future endeavours. We are truly grateful to have had her as a mentor. The GIRLFRIENDS program is lucky.
Program Proudly Supported by the United Way Agency & The Collingwood Optimist Club
Thank you, from our Girlfriends Program This lovely group of most inspirational women collected their pennies and donated them to Girlfriends. Many thanks to all who are pictured here and those who were unable to be there for the photo.
World Fair Trade Day
Hearts and Crafts: Ethical Imports, Elephant Thoughts and the Collingwood BIA present World Fair Trade Day: Collingwood 2013, taking place at the Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday May 11, 2013 from 11-4pm.
World Fair Trade Day: Collingwood 2013 will be an interactive event involving local businesses, Elephant Thoughts and the Collingwood BIA. Activities will centre on the Fair Trade Headquarters, located in front of Town Hall.
This area will feature the following:
-Creemore Coffee samples
-Information about fair trade provided by our Fair Trade Ambassadors
-A Gyroscope (by donation $2-5) provided by Elephant Thoughts
-An exhibit of products from local businesses that support fair trade - the initiative will include a special Fair Trade Passport program to promote local business. Passports will contain a map with locations in town where fair trade products are sold. They will be available from May 1st to May 15th at: Creemore Coffee Studio, Global Expressions, Awear Eco Boutique, Café Chartreuse, and the Collingwood Community Food Coop. The passports must be stamped by each business and then returned to any one of the locations to be entered in to a special draw to win prizes. Winners will be contacted by May 18th. Participating businesses will also feature in-store promotions and displays.
Grand Opening May 17th-18th
The Collingwood community food co-op is having their Grand Opening on May 17-18. Mayor Cooper will be cutting the ribbon at 1pm on Saturday the 18th and you are invited to join us on this milestone occasion! See you there!
Collingwood Community Food Co-Op 65 Simcoe Street, Studio 5 Collingwood, Ontario
www.ccfcoop.ca
Free Spirit Gardens Upcoming Workshops
Saturday May 11th - Raise the Paddle - a fundraiser for community and school gardens
Starts at 10am at free spirit tours (Heathcote)
$40 per person in a kayak or canoe ($20 12yrs and under)
2hr paddle epping to Heathcote
$60 gets you in the 23ft voyager canoe
Warm Chili Lunch included.
Please call 519-599-2268 or email freespiritgardens@gmail.com to book your spot.
Sunday May 12th 11am-3pm - Edible Landscaping: Working with Nature to create Low-Maintenance Food Gardens with Ben Cesar $20
Sunday May 19th 2-4pm - Cook Garden Spring Opening - Free!
Sunday May 26th 1-4pm - Wild weed walk edibles and medicinal. Make a salad, and or tincture at the Cook garden with Heather $55
June 8 & 9th - Herb Workshop at the Northern Lights Centre with Heather Approx $254
June 23rd 1-4pm - Wild weed walk edibles and medicinal at the Cook garden with Heather $55
Sunday July 7th 2-4pm - Organic Pest Prevention with Kim $20 Sunday
July 28th 11am-3pm - Edible Landscaping: Working with Nature to create Low-Maintenance Food Gardens with Ben Cesar $20
Click here to check out their website for more information www.freespiritgardens.org
Invasive Species - Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard is an invasive species, originally brought to North America from Europe. Garlic mustard appears where soil is disturbed, such as in logging areas and along the edges of trails. Humans and other animals distribute the seeds or soil containing the seeds by accidentally carrying (via clothing, footwear or fur) and relocating seeds. Garlic mustard is now common in urban areas and is prominent in backyards, alleys and parks in Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford, and surrounding areas.
Garlic mustard reproduces by seed which can remain viable in the soil for five years or more. Seeds germinate in the spring and form low growing rosettes of purple to green, kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Young leaves smell of garlic when crushed; the intensity of the odour may decrease as plants grow older. The second year plant has a 1 to 4 foot stalk with triangular to heart-shaped coarsely toothed leaves. The 4 petal flowers are small and white. The mature seed capsules burst open and can throw seeds several metres. Management strategies for controlling garlic mustard are dependent on the location and the characteristics of a particular patch. If the plant is in its first year, simply pulling them out and leaving them on the ground will be enough to kill the plant. There are no seeds on these plants, thus no danger in spreading. Another Strategy is to concentrate on the second-year plants as the flowers aid in identification. To ensure the seeds are killed, it is necessary to bag and seal the plants in black garbage bags and leave them under the sun for several weeks. Yard waste can also be taken to the Simcoe County dump to be converted into compost. Simcoe County assured that the organic waste matter is processed at a high enough temperature that it would kill the garlic mustard seeds. An alternate strategy is to cut the flowers off the garlic mustard plants, thereby preventing the production of seeds, and take these flowers out of the woods.
The strategy of eradicating garlic mustard should be based on time of year, stage of development, terrain and degree of infestation. Garlic mustard has the ability to produce 60 000 seeds per square metre. Each plant removed can eliminate the spread of 150 to 850 seeds. Future infestations can be prevented by focusing on small localized patches.
Farewell to Foleys
A piece of Collingwood history is coming to and end. After 86 years in our community, Foleys furniture store is closing down. The Foley family have been long time supporters of our organization and good friends. We appreciate your vision, support and friendships. We look forward to watching them move onto their next adventure. We wish you happiness, health and prosperity.
All the best, from everyone at The Environment Network!
Are you a young professional interested in municipal government?
You are invited to attend a Youth panel and reception free of charge, if you are less than 35 years of age. It will be an excellent chance to network with potential employers in the municipal sector. Click here to RSVP by May 24. Please feel free to pass this invitation along to your contacts who would be interested in attending. Thank you!
Like us on FACEBOOK for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate in the Shoppe!
Click here now!
Environment Network
44 St. Marie St., Collingwood,
Ontario, Canada, L9Y 3Y9
Hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 705.446.0551
Toll Free: 866.377.0551
Fax: 705.446.0561
info@environmentnetwork.org
www.environmentnetwork.org
