During National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) celebrated the vital role of volunteers who give so much of their time to nature.
In 2017, over 2,500 volunteers contributed almost 6,300 hours to conservation and enhancing watershed health.
While the GRCA’s greatest need for volunteers occurs during the April/May tree planting season, volunteers also make significant contributions throughout the year through workdays and park events. Community organizations, faith-based groups and, increasingly, corporate teams are playing an essential role in advancing GRCA’s conservation priorities, the authority states.
“Even a half-day commitment can make a big impact, because each event is designed to address key priorities,” stated GRCA volunteer program coordinator Bronwen Buck.
“We are thankful for the many groups who have reached out to us and helped carry out tasks related to naturalizing the nature centre learning grounds, mapping bird boxes, maintaining trails, boosting tree survival rates and even creating turtle nest protectors as part of a pilot program to prevent turtle egg predation.”
Interested groups and individuals can subscribe online at www.grandriver.ca/volunteer or visit the GRCA’s online calendar to learn about volunteer opportunities or receive updates when new events are listed.
In 2017, GRCA volunteers:
– planted 15,392 trees and shrubs;
– collected 1,000 pounds of litter and removed it from parks and shorelines;
– removed 133 cubic metres of invasive species; and
– 60 volunteer workdays/events.
GRCA officials gratefully acknowledged the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Grand River Conservation Foundation for supporting the volunteer program.
