Plenty of stewardship for the environment going on
By Julie Hordowick Stewardship Department

Toronto and Region

Conservation Authority

As a newcomer to Caledon, I can barely keep up with the many things to explore in this busy community. Whether it's shopping at a local farmer's market or entering my homemade mittens in the fall fair, it seems that every Caledonite has a favourite activity to recommend. With so much going on, it is easy to understand the pride that locals feel for this beautiful area.

One part Niagara Escarpment, one part Oak Ridges Moraine, Caledon's rolling hills, forests, and farmlands are more than just a lovely view out the back window. Sandy soils on the moraine act as a sponge, absorbing and filtering precipitation and slowly releasing it into groundwater, wetlands and rivers. Any angler will tell you that the resulting cold, clear streams are great for brook trout. This landscape also provides homes for a variety of animals, and water, food and recreation for many people.

Caledon is fortunate to have a strong rural community with many private landowners, farmers and businesses active in conserving its natural assets. These environmental stewards are people who care for their land and water through sustainable choices in their everyday lives.

Stewardship can take many forms, from conserving energy around the house to planting trees and creating homes for wildlife. Gathering the information to make the right choices can be a daunting task.

Join us once a month as this column looks at the ideas, resources and funding available to help you practice environmental stewardship.

Toronto and Region Conservation works with community groups, individuals, businesses and other government agencies to provide expertise and resources to projects that protect our land and water. Readers interested in environmental stewardship are invited to submit questions, comments or suggestions for this column to Julie Hordowick at (416) 661-6600 ext. 5644 or jhordowick@trca.on.ca