Please RSVP by September 16th, 2015 to:
Stephanie.Allison@ltvca.ca or Lindsay.Bennett@ltvca.ca

Tour happens rain or shine; please dress suitably with appropriate shoes for walking.

Itinerary:

9:00 – 9:15 Welcome and Check-In
Rondeau Provincial Park (18050 Rondeau Park Road Morpeth, ON, N0P 1X0)

9:30 Opening Remarks, Departure (by bus)
Speaker: Don Pearson, General Manager of Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA)

Stop 1: Keith McLean Conservation Lands
In 2013 Keith McLean donated his 130 ha farm to the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation. The property includes wetlands, tallgrass prairie and farmland but is best known for its lotus ponds. In 2007 this site became a pilot project for invasive Phragmites control in a provincially significant wetland. Earlier this year a meteorological station was installed on the property to monitor soil moisture/temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, precipitation levels and air temperature.
Speakers: Lindsay Bennett (Land Stewardship Technician, Greening Partnership, LTVCA); Colin Little (Agricultural Specialist)

Stop 2: Thompsons Limited Variable Rate Application Demonstration at John Ern Farms
Soil sampling and application equipment for variable application demonstration by Thompsons will show how important applying the right amount, in the right place, at the right time is.
Speakers: Mike Wilson and representatives (Thompsons)

Stop 3: Shrewsbury Boat Launch
The perfect view of Rondeau Bay with discussion about the phosphorus target reductions and a history of Rondeau Bay.

12:00 LUNCH – Bayside Brewing Company (970 Ross Lane, Erieau, ON N0P 1N0)
Buffet lunch is provided! Please let us know of any dietary concerns.
Alcoholic Beverages not included. Welcome to take brewery tour at own expense.

Stop 4: McGeachy Pond Conservation Area
Frank Letourneau will discuss his methods to eliminate invasive phragmites and restore habitat.
Speakers: Frank Letourneau, Dover Agri-serve

Stop 5: Myslik Wetlands
A demonstration of how landowners and various organizations are partnering to transform flood prone areas into productive wetland habitat.
Speakers: Steve Myslik (landowner), Dave Richards (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry), Darrell Randell (Ducks Unlimited)