Local naturalists and nature lovers are set to mark a milestone on Sunday, May 1.
Lambton Wildlife Inc. is inviting the public to a ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the purchase of the Mandaumin Woods Nature Reserve, at 1 pm
In 1972, members of Lambton Wildlife Inc. bought the 25-acre woodlot – which lies on Mandaumin Road between Churchill and Confederation Lines – which features a Carolinian forest home to a number of unique species. Since then, Lambton Wildlife volunteers have maintained and managed the property, supporting biodiversity and helping the environment, as the woodlot sequesters over 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Lambton Wildlife Inc.’s Wanda Brown-Maxfield said the May 1 event will include the planting of a native Maple Sugar tree (donated by DeGroot’s Nurseries), a few words from long-time member Gerry Clements, as well as walking tours.
The event is meant to shine a light on the importance of the nature reserve, she said, as well as the people who have cared for the property.
“It is a significant milestone for a number of reasons,” she said. “In terms of woodlot protection it’s huge, but also just the work that the original group did to retain this woodlot and the fundraising that went into it and the work that’s gone into it since has been pretty phenomenal.
“Gerry Clements will be speaking at the event – he is the last original member of Lambton Wildlife and was quite instrumental in the work that went behind purchasing this land,” Brown-Maxfield added. “We also have a couple of naturalists who will be taking people on walks through the woods, explaining the significance of it all. We’re hoping the spring flowers will be out – Mandaumin is renowned for its spring native plants that are in bloom at that time of the year.”
Attendees will also get the chance to go home with a native plant of their own, Brown-Maxfield said.
“There are native plants available for those who come, to take home a commemorative gift, something they can plant in their own backyard or front yard.”