Dr. Mark D. Black

ARE YOU A BEE HERO?

Bee City Kawartha Lakes and the Kawartha Lakes Environmental Action Committee (KLEAC) have launched the fourth annual Bee A Hero Garden Challenge.

The Bee A Hero Garden Challenge is an opportunity for people across Kawartha Lakes to help improve the quality and abundance of habitats for native pollinators in the municipality.

“Every year we’re excited to welcome new and returning gardeners to the Bee a Hero Garden Challenge,” commented Deborah Pearson, Chair of KLEAC. “The more people we have participate in this great initiative; the better life will be for all pollinators in Kawartha Lakes. From experienced gardeners to youth groups learning the importance of pollinator friendly gardens, we’re always excited to see what our pollinator friendly community in Kawartha Lakes is capable of!”

The contest is open until September 15. All you need to do to enter is provide a before picture of your garden or container prior to it being planted, an after picture of your garden once it has grown, and a brief write-up telling us about your garden and why you chose to be a Bee Hero. You can find a link to the application at www.kawarthalakes.ca.

Winners will be chosen at the end of the submission period and they’ll be recognized and honoured for their great work by the Mayor and Council at a future Council meeting.

For more information, planting tips, and a native plants list, please visit the Kawartha Lakes Bee City website. Contestants are required to include at least one of the pollinator aids listed under pollinatorfriendly gardens on the website.

Prizes will be awarded across a few categories, including:

• Children’s Garden (12 and younger)

• Adults Garden (13 and older)

• Container Garden

All participants will receive a certificate of recognition for their great work helping pollinators in Kawartha Lakes. Participant’s before and after pictures of their gardens, along with the write-up about their garden, will be included in a presentation at a future Council meeting.

Trail Upgrades Complete

From explorefenelonfalls.com

Just in time for active summer trail use, the upgrade and paving of 1.6 km of Omemee section of the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail is now complete and accessible for all public non-motorized use.

This much-anticipated enhancement includes a three-metre-wide paved trail, installation of bollards and barriers plus new signage. Accessible to all -seniors and children on foot, cycling, and youth in-line skating and skateboarding -- everyone will benefit from this significant trail upgrade. This new trail experience is here for all Omemee residents, all trail users and visitors passing through.

Funded by the Trans Canada Trail Foundation and the Government of Canada Active Transportation Fund, this upgrade on the 1.6 km section of the trail from Sibley Avenue to Emily Street provides smooth paved access for a variety of non-motorized use. This trail improvement initiative has contributed significantly to the municipality’s Active Transportation Plan currently being developed.

John Hagarty, Acting Executive Director, Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association says,“I am honoured to celebrate with you as we inaugurate this new paved trail right here in Omemee. This project is as a result of the vision and dedication of Al MacPherson, our Trail Volunteer/Executive Director who recently passed away. These improvements will ensure children, youth and seniors will have a safe and accessible space for their daily activities. This asset is now an integral part of this growing community. Our thanks to our funders who have made this trail enhancement possible. The ongoing support and partnership is much appreciated.”

The entire Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, which stretches 53.8 kilometres from Simcoe Road south of Manilla to Fowlers Corners, relies on volunteer and benevolent sources to manage and maintain the trail on behalf of all Kawartha Lakes residents. Volunteer stewards of the trail rely on contributions for maintenance, enhancements, and promotion.

Without government funding and kind contributions received through funding, donations, and sponsorships, trail maintenance and enhancements would not be possible. Contributors and donors are integral to the volunteer management of the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, as it is not municipally funded. Volunteer stewards of the trail rely on contributions for maintenance, enhancements, and promotion.

Wheels On The Bus

The City of Kawartha Lakes Libraries are teaming up with Lindsay Transit for a unique experience for the kids.

It’s the “Wheels on the Bus Storytime,” as Lindsay Transit takes you on a special ride to enjoy stories and songs about things that go.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”