PROJECT MAP
This is an overview of past and current environmental projects being carried out on the foundation property, current to the June of 2001 (summer 2001 newsletter). Click on the map graphic below to view an enlarged version.
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1997 (A) — We planted over 100 Red Elder shrubs along the creek's shoreline to prevent further erosion. The shrugs also provide shaded areas for the marine life (minnows, frogs, and salamanders) that inhabit the creek. The Jane Goodall Institute donated 200 pine saplings that were also planted along the shoreline.
1998/1999 (B) — In 1998 we created a 50x60 metre wetland in a humid zone of the southwest pasture. The following summer Red Elder shrubs and shoreline hay seed was planted to ensure cover and vegetation for the nesting ducks. Last summer, the vegetation grew and the shrubs established themselves. Several ducks took refuge and rested over the summer months. A group of us watched as a mother Mallard and seven little ducklings made their way down a large pasture to the main pond. This summer (2001) we will add protected duck nesting platforms and expect a full house!
1999 (C) — Over 100 participants in the 1999 Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Youth Summit spent one day at Fauna completing three projects. A butterfly garden of over 50 perennials was planted on a sunny mound outside the Chimp House. Another 150 shoreline shrubs were planted along the main pond. Under the supervision of Albert McArdle, also known as Chief Top Leaf, the day was wrapped up by mounting 30 birdhouses to fence posts surrounding grazing pasture. Three families of Easter bluebirds took residence last summer (2000) and are expected to return with their young again this year.
2000 (D) — Along the east side of the main pond at Fauna a garden dedicated in memory of Vanne Goodall, was established under the guidance of Quebec culinary author Ann Gardon and volunteer Gina Roitman. This garden consists of over 300 perennial native flowers and wild vegetation. The garden was planted in the early months of the summer so we expect few casualties.
2001 (E) — April 1st was a special volunteer day just for Champlain College's Project Chimp group. Organized by student Jamie McDonald, a total of 13 students came to the farm to paint 50 birdhouses made by Fauna handyman Andre Bechard. We knew that the students would be able to accomplish this job in the few short hours that they had, but we never expected how much creativity they would put into their painting tasks! The students returned to put the birdhouses up all around the Fauna property, encouraging local species to make a home at Fauna this year. Another wetland project, Butterfly Marsh, is also in the works. It is home to an abundance of native wild roses. Land between the bush and the pasture has been designated for a field of corn and sunflowers.
