Now that the Balkwill Conservation Agreement has been registered on title, planning for the long term monitoring of the Balkwill Lands is underway.
In preparation for the upcoming monitoring, a volunteer's manual has been prepared which includes material of interest to monitors as well as monitoring forms especially prepared for the negative restrictions that have been placed on the Balkwill Lands.
The Land Trust would like to arrange a Saturday morning orientation session at the Balkwill Lands to familiarize volunteers with the Conservation Agreement, the Baseline Documentation Report, the Plan of Reference (the survey of the Balkwill Lands) and the monitoring forms. Monitors will be introduced to the manner in which the monitoring forms will be completed.
Following the workshop, a date will be selected to begin the long term monitoring of the Balkwill Lands.
A volunteer monitor should have the following characteristics. A volunteer monitor should possess an interest in natural heritage but need not be an expert. The volunteer monitor should have a willingness to learn i.e. the characteristics of the Lands. The volunteer monitor should be willing to sign on for a one year commitment to monitor natural heritage on a specific property. The volunteer monitor should be willing to donate three hours quarterly for monitoring. The volunteer monitor should develop a personal attachment to the lands which the volunteer is monitoring.
Each volunteer monitor will have the opportunity to monitor in the Balkwill woodland, to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and to learn about the woodland, including identification of plant species.
Call Betty Learmouth at 519-944-0825 to indicated your interest to be a volunteer monitor.