Schomberg’s Dufferin Marsh Committee celebrates 25 years

November 5, 2014 · 0 Comments

A citizen effort to preserve a local natural resource is marking a special anniversary.
Located in the heart of Schomberg, the Dufferin Marsh is a five-hectare wetland.
Comprised of a high diversity of wetland habitats (marsh, swamp and wet meadow), it supports more than 50 species of birds, 8 species of frogs and toads, 2 turtle species as well as many other wildlife and plant species, a number of which are classified as threatened.
While the marsh was healthy, in the 1980s former resident Fay Stonehouse became concerned for its well being as Schomberg grew and developed. She observed this sanctuary, where kids discovered nature in the summer and played hockey in the winter, become more and more threatened. Driven by this concern, Fay felt the marsh needed protection and started to engage fellow residents.
In 1989, after numerous consultations and informal conversations, community members gathered in a local church basement and the Dufferin Marsh Committee (DMC) was born.
It was a multi-year effort to bring the rest of the community on board. Failing to understand the benefits of the marsh and its impact on water quality and flood control, many residents considered the marsh to be a mosquito-ridden eyesore and a barrier to development.
Some wanted to see the marsh filled. Undaunted, the committee continued in its efforts to protect the marsh and during the development of the Schomberg Community Plan secured the recognition of the area as open space.
A huge breakthrough occurred when the committee helped establish the Dufferin Marsh Management Plan. The plan recognized the marsh as an “integral component of the community of Schomberg and centrepiece of the local open space system, providing opportunities to realize a range of ecological, recreational and educational objectives to the benefit of the community.” This document gave direction for the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland and defined its value in the community and as a habitat.
From the beginning, the Dufferin Marsh Committee has been comprised entirely of volunteers. Coordinator Mary Asselstine has been the driving force behind the committee since Fay stepped back. In partnership with King Township, Mary helped secure an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant of $233,000 in 2001 to enhance the space. The grant further convinced residents that the marsh was important and worthy of protection.
The Trillium money, as well as other grants and in-kind donations, have helped make it possible for the DMC to assist with the construction of facilities (including a learning centre and look outs); organize numerous tree and shrub plantings; embark on restoration projects (pond, habitat features and a weir); monitor water quality, frogs and Chimney Swifts; deliver dozens of education programs to both schools and the general public and organize countless community activities and events for people of all ages.
These projects involve many volunteers and are enjoyed by hundreds of participants.
The DMC has won multiple volunteer awards and forged partnerships with many other community groups and businesses. Without the support and assistance of many partners, the committee could not have managed these achievements. The group is especially grateful to the Township of King.
Today the Dufferin Marsh is surrounded by development and is under constant stress and environmental pressure, however, it continues to thrive. In spring, the calls of the Common Snipe, Wood Duck, Chimney Swift, Chorus Frog and Spring Peeper are common. Fireflies glow in the cattails through the early summer and wildflowers put on a colourful display through the summer and fall. Turtles bask, swallows perform magnificent aerial feats and people appreciate the opportunity to stop and enjoy.
And now, at 25, the Dufferin Marsh Committee has reached a momentous anniversary which they will celebrate at their AGM to be held at Port Soirée on Nov. 8. There the next 25 will be plotted out. For more information on the Dufferin Marsh Committee and how you can get involved visit www.DufferinMarsh.ca.