Following the completion of bank stabilization at Carruthers Memorial Park in Avening, the Friends of the Mad River and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority are organizing a volunteer work session this month.
A vegetated rock buttress pilot project was completed in September when large granite boulders were installed on the bank of the Mad River along with 100 potted dogwoods and willows in the spaces between the rocks, stabilizing the bank, promoting habitat and creating shade for the river.
On Oct. 15, a tour of the site will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with an opportunity for volunteers to plant additional vegetation between the rocks and on the top of the bank, including silky dogwood, swamp milkweed and willows, plus wildflower seedlings to plant on the top of bank and in a small pollinator garden patch.
The bank stabilization project was funded with donations from Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fund, and a private foundation for a majority of the costs plus funds raised by the Friends of the Mad River. Fundraising continues for related projects upstream.
Donations can be made by cheque to NVCA or online at www.canadahelps. org/en/charities/nottawasaga-valley- conservation-authority. Please select “Mad River Enhancement” to direct funds to the project.