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.
Neil grew up on the edge of Etobicoke in the 1950s and 1960s, and always had access to fields, forests and creeks. His involvement in the Scouting movement gave him some exposure to woodcraft, and he has enjoyed wetlands for as long as he can remember.
In 2001, Neil and his wife, Kathy, bought 17 acres, which is part of the Oakland Swamp complex of provincially significant wetland in Brant County. A lifetime educator, Neil has always enjoyed observing and learning about nature, as well as increasing his woodcraft skills from hands-on experiences.
Neil says, “Being part of the Ontario Woodlot Association has given me a whole new avenue of learning as I rub shoulders with amazing members, many of whom have decades and even centuries of family experience in the forest.”
