Joan Bell, Hamilton Conservation Authority

Joan Bell, Executive Director of the Hamilton Conservation Authority outlined several opportunities for the club to consider if it decides to support the Dundas EcoPark. The Dundas EcoPark is part of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System that will connect 4700 acres of land already in the system and restore the former Veldhuis property on the Desjardins Canal.

Joan suggested that the club consider supporting Pod 6 and/or Pod 7 in the drawings of the Veldhuis part of the project. Pod 6 includes the chimney swift viewing shelter and Pod 7 is the hardwood forest and meadow. The estimated costs are $80 000 and $64 000 respectively. 

She also suggested that the club might apply for an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $75 000 for a community planting event on the property.

The Hamilton Conservation Foundation has raised $800 000 of the $2 million needed to purchase the connecting lands for the EcoPark System and needs to raise $2 million to complete the Veldhuis Landscape Restoration Plan.