When I considered becoming a Friend of the Ontario Woodlot Association, a flood of memories filled my mind. My father had many talents, one being as a sawyer, owning his own sawmill. He purchased woodlots and in turn, taught my brother and I how and why it was important to log responsibly, not only so the forest could renew itself, but also for the animals and birds that inhabited these areas. I'm proud to be a Friend of the OWA; keep up the good work.
Joan Wood-Brant; Deseronto, On.
I planted my first tree as a Junior Forest Ranger in the summer of 1957, at Windy Lake Provincial Park. Sixty years later I am still planting trees. I have planted as a volunteer for the Watershed Committee in Uxbridge and as Chair, Rouge Park Alliance, and for other volunteer groups. With my wife, Anne, and our family we have planted at least 12,000 trees over 40 years on our 27-acre property in Uxbridge. Our home property had a five-acre mixed hardwood bush when we moved in back in 1975, and we have gradually turned 20 additional acres of hayfields into a forest that has a conservation easement and MFTIP.
We have a hobby maple sugar operation of 100 taps and harvest our own Christmas trees. Our forest plan includes a meadow for our feathered friends, including bluebirds and bobolinks.
I have learned a great deal since joining the OWA, through workshops and literature, but mainly from talking and working with fellow members.
