Earth Matters by Jacqueline Milner – The Magic of The Cooper Marsh Conservation Area – March 25, 2012

CFN – One of the first wonderful areas that our family discovered when we moved to this area was “The Cooper Marsh Conservation Area”.  We were absolutely taken with the boardwalk and trails throughout the area, the visitor centre, areas for picnicking and this wonderful wetland area which is home year round and seasonally to a multitude of flora and fauna.  A sanctuary fit for animal and man.

According to Nature Conservancy Canada Wetlands are a vital part of our environment that sustains a rich diversity of life and many species at risk for at least part of their lives.  You may be surprised to know that 70% of the    wetlands of Southern Ontario have been drained since 1900.  Wetlands play a vital role in our lives too.  They filter our water of contaminants, protect inland areas from floods and guard against erosion.

The boardwalk is in need of replacement and a new fundraising effort is underway to replace the current boardwalk with a composite material that is earth friendly and will last for years to come.   The Cooper Marsh Conservator volunteers are planning to rebuild the aging boardwalk at the Marsh, one board at a time.  They are inviting you to “Get on Board” by helping them to raise the $ 311,000.00 needed to restore, upgrade and widen the Boardwalk to make it wheelchair accessible.  The goal of the project is to make the Marsh a safer and more comprehensive outdoor experience for all.  New boardwalk boards are now for sale.  Each investment of $10 will purchase a length of recycled plastic composite board that will take Cooper Marsh one step closer to a new boardwalk.  (Note: Image below taken on boardwalk at Cooper Marsh 2007 during an Invitational Envirothon. You would not normally see so many people on the boardwalk at the same place, at the same time.)

Individual and group partners will be recognized for their contributions to rebuilding the Cooper Marsh Boardwalk in a number of ways.  All donations of $10 or more will be acknowledged as a partner on a special Cooper Marsh Partnership Honour Roll in the Visitors’ Centre.  A donation of $25 will buy one board bearing a plaque engraved with your name.  A partnership donation of $1000 or more of money, goods or services will be honoured with an engraved plaque marking a section of boardwalk (name and logo) as well as acknowledgement on a Partnership Tree Sculpture at the Cooper Marsh entrance.

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A special feature of the improved Cooper Marsh Boardwalk will include three new purpose-built viewing “Towers” linked to the boardwalk. Contributors will receive recognition for their contributions to “Get on Board with Cooper Marsh” through recognition plaques on the interpretive signage at the “Tower” identifying the individual or sponsoring group.

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This is an initiative that will insure that this beautiful space will continue to be accessible to the general public for all to enjoy for many years to come.  Please consider supporting this initiative.  Cooper Marsh is accessible year round and entrance is FREE.

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Cheques may be made payable to the “Cooper Marsh Conservators” and mailed to:  Sandy Crites  C.M. C.  Inc. Treasurer, c/o Raisin Region Conservation Authority, 18045 County Road 2, Cornwall, Ontario K6H 5T2  Kindly contact 613-938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca for further details.

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Your commentary is always appreciated and welcome below or to earthmatters@cornwallfreenews.com

1 Comment

  1. Thank you. 🙂

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