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$100,800 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Revitalizes Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre’s Display Hall

May 19, 2023, Midland, ON – On Friday, local MPP Jill Dunlop visited Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre to recognize the work of Friends of Wye Marsh (FOWM) in revitalizing their Display Hall, thanks to the $100,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant awarded in 2022 by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Three completely new exhibits have been installed this spring, providing new and hands-on educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

“This OTF funding for Wye Marsh has contributed to revitalizing their onsite Display Hall, allowing for valuable and interactive new exhibits, important signage, and educational opportunities for visitors to engage in environmental stewardship outside of the centre with what they have learned during their visit,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North.

The three new exhibits highlight key areas of focus for Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre: the importance of pollinators; the beauty and wonder of eggs and nests; and the way nature interacts with fallen trees. The latter is particularly important, given that FOWM have recently had to manage the aftermath of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation, resulting in many felled trees on the property.

“We are so grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this funding to be able to bring new life and learning opportunities to our Display Hall,” said Kim Hacker, Executive Director, FOWM. “For the first time we are able to translate signage into not only French, but also Anishinaabemowin and Michif, the local Métis language, creating a more inclusive environment for our visitors and community. As a nonprofit organization, we would never have been able to take on a project of this magnitude without the assistance of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.”

Friends of Wye Marsh Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization responsible for operating the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Their mission is to be a center of wetlands research, interpretation and education based on the principle of stewardship and the importance of environmental awareness. Over 30,000 visitors come to Wye Marsh year-round to hike, snowshoe, canoe and kayak; and more than 6,000 students take part in experiential, curriculum-based educational programs.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

By Heather Keery

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I would like to thank the readers and supporters of the Springwater News that have reached out to me recently. I am flooded with emails, texts and calls of support and disappointment in Township of Springwater Council’s decision on the change of communication methods with residents. I could have filled the whole paper with the letters and comments.

A common misconception by some members of council is that the Springwater News is not being read by residents in the south. How can this be backed up factually? Is there a way to know this for certain? The advertising in the paper from business, non-profits and community groups in the south tells me that this is wrong.

Cindy Stone Schutt of Phelpston has started a petition to “Keep communication in the Springwater News! I do not want a direct mailer!.”  The Canadian government is funding in part, small community papers to keep democracy alive. Our government at the provincial and federal levels continues to support Springwater News and I am grateful for that.

As of May 22, 2023 there were 351 signatures on the petition. I know council members email in boxes are inundated. I emailed council but have not received a response as of May 23, 2023.

The Springwater News is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Federal Government’s grant application for special measures for journalism. Thank you for recognizing our community and supporting small business!