-prepared by Debbie Thomas- in absence of Secretary
Program called to order 7pm by Pres Debbie Thomas. A warm welcome to everyone
attending and acknowledgment of the many new faces that came out. A brief overview of
Housekeeping, importance of sign in sheet followed.
A surprise visit from Dunnville Councillor Bernie Corbett, he was introduced and gave an
overview of past and ongoing projects DHS is partnering on with Haldimand County.He gave
Heartfelt words of gratitude on behalf of himself and Haldimand County to DHS membership for all their community contributions, their hard work, the special projects and beautification of Dunnville.
Sharon Slack Pres. of Haldimand Horticultural Society was in attendance to night, and thanked for attending and bringing along information on their up – and -coming Seedy Saturday. It was mentioned that DHS and Hald Hort share some members, and the importance of sharing information and having a strong relationship as both societies represent Haldimand County residents.
DHS business was kept to a minimum tonight, highlighting the Silent Auction for gardening books, Early Bird membership draw, Ways and Means table, Volunteering opportunities available within the society. Volunteer sign- up sheets were circulated..
Deb Zynormiski thanked Barb Whyte, Bev McLean, Marie Bak, Florence Zynomirski and Marlene Link for providing tonight’s delicious refreshments. Deb Z requested volunteers for April’s program. Thank you to Beth Powell, Jenny Elgersma, Susan Milligan, Sandra Gill and Joan King for volunteering.
7:20 Break was called for 10 minutes, giving everyone time to grab refreshments, and final opportunity for draws and book auction.
7:30 called to order. VP Deb Zynomirski introduced Adam Chamberlin, Project Manager Forestry for Haldimand County. Adam gave an overview of the tree canopy within Haldimand County. He discussed current tree health, importance of diversification going forward, the devastating effects such as the ash trees, the current high component of Maples within Haldimand towns in need of trimming and removing.They have currently documented 13,674 trees as of March 7th within Haldimand streetscapes and noted 80% of trees in good health. The hope is that all of Haldimand’s parks, cemeteries and public lands will be documented. So going forward Haldimand will have a maintenance program in place for the trimming, cutting, replanting of appropriate species with an emphasis on native trees to ensure a strong healthy diversified canopy, providing health benefits, aesthetics and cost effective management.
A new memorial tree planting program will be available, contact Adam. 905 318 5932 ext 6512 achamberlin@haldimandcounty.on.ca Q&A followed.
Following Adam, Pres Debbie Thomas introduced DHS newest member Dan Mckay who will be leading DHS newest project for 2018. Dan gave an overview of his involvement with the Thompson Creek revitalization project that began in the 80’s along with plans to continue and complete some of the items that had been on the wish list. Dan will be working closely with Adam Chamberlin identifying the Carolinian trees previously planted. DHS plans to have markers attached with QR codes, and establish paths throughout the Carolinian forest along both sides of Thompson creek and through the tall grass area. This will provide the public with a natural educational setting to walk and enjoy. This is a continuation of last year’s successful partnership with Hald County that saw improvements made to Centennial Park. Improvements included pathways linking Lions Park and Centennial Park, infrastructure improvements and accessibility to the bridge over Thompson Creek which benefitted everyone. Dan will provide DHS membership with updates as project progresses. Q&A followed.
Next up, DHS member Nick Huitema made a surprise announcement. He acquired some very special tomato seeds that had been in space. A small quantity of seeds were given to 3 DHS members Beth Powell, Lester Fretz and Jan Loots. They have been asked to nurture & grow these very special seeds along with using a very special blend of nutrients and report back to our group on the progress. Maybe even a taste test?
Early bird draw was tabled till April, draw will include memberships purchased by March 15.
Silent Auction book winners were called, everyone thanked for participating.
Closing remarks included how DHS gets information out through website, emails, Facebook, bulletin board and acknowledged Tamara Botting from the Sachem for coming out tonight. The important role our local papers play, in helping us to get information out to public. DHS member Sandi Marr writes a monthly gardening column in the Sachem. DHS member Lester Fretz has a monthly gardening column in the Haldimand Press and DHS Pres. Debbie Thomas has a monthly DHS Hort Udate in the Haldimand Press.
Everyone thanked for coming out and asked to please come again, always welcome.
April’s speaker is Jim Lounsbury of Vineland Nurseries, presenting on “The Art of Pruning”.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30
Ways & means followed.