Peterborough and District Wapiti Metis Council and Otonabee Conservation Plant Trees to Rehabilitate Gravel Pit in Ennismore

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Volunteers from the Metis Nation of Ontario (Peterborough & District Wapiti Metis Council) planted 450 native trees with Otonabee Conservation at a gravel pit in the Township of Selwyn on Sunday.

A variety of native species were planted, including Eastern White Cedar, White Spruce, Tamarack and White Pine. These trees will enhance habitat and increase biodiversity as part of ongoing rehabilitation of a site currently used for aggregate extraction. 

“This is a really great opportunity for Metis citizens and families to collaborate with Otonabee Region Conservation Authority and the community” said Christa Lemelin, president of the Peterborough and District Wapiti Metis Council. “Many of our citizens live in urban areas outside of their traditional territories, so this is an opportunity for them to connect with the land, to give thanks for the important resources that this property once provided to this area, and to get their hands dirty to help rehabilitate the property for future generations.”

Students from Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) and Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNCCDSB) planted 750 trees at the same site last week, bringing the total of trees planted at the gravel pit site to 4,556.

The tree plantings were funded by Tree Canada and One Tree Planted, in partnership with Otonabee Conservation and the Township of Selwyn.

“We are pleased to work together on efforts to rehabilitate and naturalize this site while also collectively contributing to climate change mitigation efforts in our watershed,” said Janette Loveys Smith, CAO/secretary-treasurer at Otonabee Conservation.

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