AROUND THE COUNTIES WITH SYLVIE. On September 26th, I attended a Trail Opening ceremony at Osnabuck Forest in Newington, hosted by the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) and the Counties of SDG. The property, purchased by the Counties in 1938 and planted four decades ago, is a 6-acre demonstration forest created to highlight the benefits of ecological restorations. According to the new sign it is the “smallest forested property of the SDG Community Forest.” The George Velema Interpretive Trail, a 470-metre trail through the property, was named after Gerrit (George) Velema posthumously to honour his legacy in the forestry industry. According to Tyler Harbers, President of OWA – SDG Chapter, George was a driving force in restoring the Osnabruck Forest and was involved in a lot of other forestry initiatives in the region. He was also a strong advocate for roadside tree planting. Jim Hendry, Field Advisor for Forests Ontario in Eastern Ontario, described George as being very principled and passionate about the environment. “The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life,” he said, quoting poet-philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore. “I think that quote describes George to a T,” he continued, describing a man who grew, planted, tended, lobbied for, and stood up for the protection of tens of thousands of trees. He was depicted as a true outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, canoeing, and hiking. As well as being a world traveller, he had many talents, including ballroom dancing, painting, and building or renovating structures like barns or log cabins. He was above all a devoted family man. Celebrating the Trail Opening were George’s widow, Hennie, along with sons, James and Derek who travelled from the United States to be there. It was evident in speaking with them that they also share a passion for the environment. In addressing the attendees at the forest, James Velema, visibly touched by the occasion, reflected on the power of community partnerships: “I think this is a great testament to what volunteer organizations partnering with municipal and local government can do, and what we can accomplish with some great community members who are willing to offer support.” For Phil Duncan, SDG Counties Forestry Coordinator, being able to provide education and recreation to nature enthusiasts is a passion. He hopes to show children the value of having these natural spaces available and inspire future generations to appreciate and protect them. He then invited everyone to attend a guided walk on the trail pointing out several interpretive signs providing information about the trees on the property. The opening of the George Velema Interpretive Trail ensures that his passion for forestry and environmental stewardship will not be forgotten. While the trees he helped plant and protect continue to grow, visitors to the Osnabruck Forest will have an opportunity to learn from his example and enjoy the natural spaces he worked so hard to preserve.Os
Originally posted by Sylvie O'Rourke on Facebook. Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/localseekergroup
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