| 1997 SOS Annual Greening History, Ecology Met on the Seine On June 7th, 1997, SOS was very privileged to have the participation of the youth ambassadors of the "Let's Root for Canada" national tour commemorating the 500th anniversary of John Cabot's arrival in Newfoundland. Many thanks to City Forester Mike Allen and the Manitoba Forestry Association for hooking up this group to ours during our greening at the Lagimodi�re and Fort Gibraltar sites June 7th. Befitting such an occasion, much local Manitoba colour was offered in the form of a canoe flotilla that floated down the Seine. A group of students from Ste-Anne joined the Lt.Governor and voyageurs while soldiers of the Des Meurons waited on the shore. A ceremonial planting took place in the form of twelve trees (one for each province and territory) lining the Seine River Trail by the National Historic Sites Lagimodi�re / Riel plaque set just south of the Homestead. While the gesture may remain only symbolic, it is but one of many underway for the full recognition of the roles the Lagimodi�re / Riel families have had in the development of the Red River Settlement and Western Canada. "John Cabot may have discovered Newfoundland, but it took 500 years and SOS to discover Manitoba," offered one anonymous volunteer. Species used in the making of Pemmican were planted around Fort Gibraltar and a bonfire wrapped up the days activities. All in all it was a great event and many thanks go out to the many volunteers and sponsors that made the day such a success. Two days later, SOS's Urban Green Team were joined by two dozen participants from Manitoba Eco-Network Youth Caucus and tackled a much maligned site at the end of Plinquet. In blistering heat they planted 6 - 8 foot trees with not so much of a peep of discontent. Workshops were offered by City Naturalist Cheryl Hemming and water quality expert Sharon Gurney . 1997 Cleaning A group from the Youth Caucus showed up at our annual cleanup in the fall, and proved once again that their environmental convictions run deeper than words. Watching them wrestle with embedded tires in the riverbank, one could only conclude - this group kicks serious butt! SOS is fortunate to have the Youth Caucus of the Manitoba Eco-Network assist our Green Team once again this time for two full days in July this summer. Our next Greening - Kavanagh, June 6, 1998. As compared with the colour and hoopla of previous greenings, the 1998 event may come off as rather plain - the colour and hoopla is being reserved for the Governor's Derby to be held later in June. As sites go, the wide open and gentle slope of the Kavanagh site makes it perfect for families with young tots or groups of scouts / guides to get out and do their part. With this greening, SOS will be restoring a section of riverbank at the end of Kavanagh that was reinforced by the City's Waste & Water Dept. In the process, all of the natural vegetation on the bank was destroyed. A special invitation will be made to the residents of the neighborhood to come out and to get involved in local stewardship. While you are there, you must check out the SOS trail that stretches just to the north of Kavanagh. This short walk is guaranteed to amaze, refresh and energize you. The beauty of this trail speaks volumes and justifies in an instant the years of dogged persistence SOS has shown in 'saving the Seine'. Volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring boots, work gloves, a pail and shovel. |
 |