cktimes.ca Archives for Ecowrappin'
Ecowrappin'
And the "Get Involved" Oscar goes to......
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
People who live along the St. Clair River don't have the same advantages as those on a quiet crescent or cul de sac in a suburb. Neighbours are stretched out at greater distances and crossing the highway can become a mine field. Even allowing your child to ride their bike to the neighbours a few doors down is risky.Then there are the gawkers. Translation: those who drive with one eye on the road and
the other along the river. Rule of highway living: Always look at the eyes of the
driver if you're walking along the highway. Needless to say, this lends itself to a certain amount of stress for the river residents who wish to go for a walk with a friend (as
opposed to single file along the shoulder), a roller blade or bike ride.
"In creating, the only hard thing's to begin; a grass-blade's no easier to make than an oak."
James Russell Lowell, 1819 - 1891
The answer is a trail.
It was time to take action and that's what some residents of the river did, by forming a committee of people with similar goals. How do you make a trail happen?
In 1996-7, they requested Ken Buck, a consultant, to assist them in the initial stages. Currently, in 2002, the trail spans from north of Corunna to Cathcart Park, some paved, some gravel. Two bridges had to be built, the Shell Bridge, over Talfourd Creek and Terra Bridge, over Clay Creek appropriately named after their donors. Both bridges were constructed by Eagle Construction Inc. of Kitchener and installed by Sterling of Sarnia, who donated their expertise.
"It's not the destination. It's the journey that matters."
Anon
Along the way, the Trail committee came away with a wonderful learning experience. Raising money is not easy and trails do not come cheap. New friendships have been formed, whether it's selling T-shirts and hats during Sombra and Gala Days or a friendly wave or chat with a fellow traveller during a walk. Litter along any roadside is a problem but the St. Clair River residents have taken the challenge by picking up litter during their daily excursions.
According to Janis, one of the committee members, there is a sense of pride in its creation and a sense of accomplishment in watching people travel along in a safe manner.
And then there are people like Mildred Beggs (in her 80's, it's been rumoured). Ms. Beggs was the first to walk on the Shell Bridge. She was often seen around the Parkway in her Trail T-shirt, fund raising at every possible opportunity.
Here's how you can make Mildred and others like her happy. Buy a brick. By purchasing a brick for $100, you can have it engraved with a personal message or name of a family member or friend. This helps to extend the trail and makes a great gift for that someone who has everything.
When the Shell Bridge was installed some eager beaver fishing enthusiasts were standing on the bridge with their poles in the water even before the final bolts were in place.
According to members of the Trail Committee, there were sceptics but those voices are now diminishing as the Trail becomes part of their life style.
It's recreation in its purest form, inexpensive, personal and best of all it belongs to everyone who appreciates the outdoors.
To find out more about the St. Clair River Trail go to http://www.xcelco.on.ca/~stclair/main.htm
"If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk." – Raymond Inmon
Kris Lee is a high school science teacher in Wallaceburg, Ont. She is working hard to bridge the gap between industry and community, with a major goal of reducing harmful effects to the environment. For over 10 years Kris has been an active member of several national industry and government advisory panels.
