Letter: It Takes a Community
A donation of native trees sparked a fast-moving collaboration between NeighbourWoods North, Georgian Bluffs, RF King Excavating, and Brightshores hospital, showing what's possible with cooperation.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
How does a community volunteer organization take advantage of an opportunity and go from a project idea of significant magnitude to project completion within three weeks?
With community generosity and collaboration, with a dash of good luck.
“Alone we can do little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller
It was only weeks ago that Riel Warrilow, Environmental Initiatives Officer for Georgian Bluffs, contacted NeighbourWoods North in Owen Sound, informing us of an amazing tree-planting opportunity.
Connon Nurseries in Ancaster were willing to donate free trees to any municipality that could provide the nursery with a donation tax receipt. Trees that are considered seconds, due to minor visual defects, but otherwise healthy and viable.
Initially, despite being free, we were reluctant because the trees are 10’ to 15’ tall behemoths with 300 to 400 lb. root balls, requiring heavy machinery to plant, plus it was late in the planting season.
However, not willing to miss out on a deal, we decided to go for it, planning to bury the trees in mulch over winter and sort out the planting logistics by the Spring.
Like children in a candy store, we excitedly scoured Connon’s list of native trees, eventually ordering 24 that would best suit the conditions of the Brightshores hospital. They came with a retail value of over $13,000.
Some, such as red maple, cedars and river birch, that will hopefully thrive in wet areas, and others are natural forest dwellers such as basswood, aspen, and keystone species such as various oaks and maples.
Here again, we are grateful to Georgian Bluffs, which swiftly provided the tax donation and, within a week, a tractor-trailer of these giants was at our hospital doorstep.
In the meantime, through Gord Edward’s initiative, Darren King of RF King Excavating, upon hearing of our planting challenge, offered their services and topsoil at no cost. We are so fortunate and thankful. Within days, employees Peter and John had their skid steer and front-end loader parked on the hospital property.
To add to this cycle of collaboration, hospital engineer Peter Koevoet quickly approved and guided the planting locations, while groundskeeper Glenn Cook opened up the facilities.
However, we still needed a team of volunteers to complete the plantings. With only one day’s notice, 10 of our tree friends were able to roll up their sleeves, assist with planting, and mulch, water, stake, and wrap the trees. This process took over 10 hours, but what a positive environmental impact!
When a community rallies and collaborates, it is truly impressive what can be done. Not letting red tape get in the way, we took advantage of our volunteers' contributions and collective knowledge and skills.
We had good weather, but most importantly, we are thankful for the role of Georgian Bluffs and the remarkable community contributions and positive spirit of RF King Excavating.
The final word goes to Riel Warrilow, who stated, “This is an example of what’s possible when people and organizations come together to enhance the environment.”
Sincerely,
Lloyd Lewis
NeighbourWoods North Chair
Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.
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