Celebrating 200 Years with 200 Trees in Port Stanley by Peri Hayes The 200 Trees Bicentennial Project is growing through the dedicated efforts of an incredible team of volunteers, in partnership with Central Elgin’s Council and staff, Kettle Creek Public School’s staff and students, the Port Stanley Village Association and more. Proud representatives, Allen Slater and Nancy Moore, express their gratitude for the donors, partners and beyond 135 contributors. Allen exclaims, “What an enormous community success already!” Through the widespread enthusiasm for this project, human hands have joined together to plant a Carolinian vegetation zone which celebrates community, recognizes the history of Port Stanley and strives to sustain the natural environment. Most recently, truckloads of soil were sculpted by Second Nature into nine mounds on the berm, followed by the planting of 60 sizable trees and the overlaying of mulch. Allen enthuses, “On November 29th, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by over 150 people, including 27 students from the ECO Class of Kettle Creek Public School, the Mayor, Councillors and staff of Central Elgin, Superintendent of the Thames Valley School Board, the Principal and Teacher from Kettle Creek Public School, representatives from the hundreds of individual donors, businesses, grantors and supporters. There were smiles and even tears, and a real sense of accomplishment felt by all.” An anonymous participant eloquently declares, “I am so proud of this community, our partners and our Project Team for all the hard work that’s been put into seeing this project come to fruition. It’s been a real journey and we have learned so much about the history of Port Stanley, the berm, what it
takes to put trees on reclaimed land and so much more. I really can’t put into words the friendships and relationships that have been cultivated too, along with tree planting.” Students in the current Grade 7 and 8 ECO class at Kettle Creek Public School generously provided descriptions regarding their connective experience, as well as what they are looking forward to: “Watching the trees become more than just an idea has been truly fulfilling,” Aubree E. presents. “Being a part of something that not only helps our ecosystem, but also the wildlife around us, has been a blessing.” Meanwhile, Briar R. outlines, “There are quite a few things I’m looking forward to in the years to come. However, I am most excited to plant the trees. When I am an adult and I visit the berm, I will try to find the tree I planted,
KAREN.VECCHIO@PARL.GC.CA KARENVECCHIOMP.CA • 519-637-2255 KAREN VECCHIO MP ELGIN—MIDDLESEX—LONDON 2025 Happy New Year!
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Page 6 Port Stanley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
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