MORE OF "GEORGE'S PARK CRITTERS" (George Raikou)

FOSS MEMBER WINS ETOBICOKE GUARDIAN "URBAN HERO" AWARD

Last night, the Etobicoke Guardian awarded the "Urban Hero" award for the Environment to Terry Smith, a founding member of Friends of Sam Smith Park.
In a quote from the Guardian article, Terry affirms a conviction of his and, in a way, restates one of the core guiding principles for FOSS ...........

"The more high tech and built-up our city becomes, the more we need the restorative power of nature for our physical and mental well-being," said Smith, who works with Friends of Sam Smith Park, the Lakeshore Planning Council and Good Air, Safe Power (GASP). "Our communities and parks need lots of quiet natural spaces where we can see wildlife, where we can escape from the pressure, the rush and the concrete."

PLANTING NATIVE GRASSES IN PARK

Indian Grass

On Saturday, members from FOSS (Friends of Sam Smith Park), LEGS (Lakeshore Environmental Gardners) and CCFEW (Citizens Concerned for the Etobicoke Waterfront) planted Ontario prairie grasses around the skating trail.  Species included Indian Grass, Maiden Grass and Switchback.  These are all native, extremely hardy, colourful in late Summer and hosts to butterflies and other insects.  Some wildflowers were also planted in what remains of the meadow.

NEW CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A GO

The "Guardian" is reporting that the province has approved $10.25 million for the new elementary school on the Lakeshore Grounds (south west corner Lakeshore and Kipling).   Architects will be appointed at the August Board meeting and they expect construction to be completed in less than 3 years.   It will be for 536 pupils.  The building will have three stories and have approximately 40 ground level parking spots.  The plan says that there will be “proposed orchard rejuvenation with new specimens” south of the school.

SATURDAY - NATIVE SPECIES PLANTING AROUND SKATING TRAIL

Please join us for a planting of native species around the skating trail.  We need lots of volunteers to help naturalize this area.

The skate trail planting is this coming Saturday (June 25), from 10-12.  Janette Harvey from the City will be bringing gloves (although feel free to bring your own gardening gloves if you prefer), trowels, and all the plants.  The event runs rain or shine (with the exception of lightening/thunder), so everyone should come prepared with rain gear or sunscreen and hat depending on the weather.

We'll be planting according to the landscape plan for the skate trail area and Janette will also bring additional native wildflowers and grasses for the adjacent areas.  

SAM SMITH BIRDWALK ON SATURDAY

KITE FLYING IN TORONTO'S PARKS

Kite flying in Toronto parks is currently being dealt with by Toronto City Council.

In order to ensure the health and safety of park users, staff, and wildlife in City parks, the Parks and Environment Committee recommends that…:

• City Council prohibit kites with strings made out of hazardous materials in City parks.
• City Council authorize competitive kite flying activities in City parks through the Parks, Forestry and Recreation permit process.
• City Council prohibit competitive kite flying in parks that have significant bird activity.

This motion passed at the parks committee and now goes on to city council.

For a background to this issue, read this Globe and Mail article and the City’s own report.

Friends of Sam Smith has requested that Sam Smith Park be designated a “park that has significant bird activity”.

ETOBICOKE GUARDIAN - BIRD FESTIVAL

ART AND PHOTOGRAHY SESSIONS IN THE PARK START NEXT TUESDAY

Art in the Park sessions will start next Tuesday. June 7th. Meet in the parking lot around 9:00 a.m.  Everyone is welcome.  Please bring your own art materials.
 
We're also going to try a photography workshop on the 14th starting at 7:00 pm - again meeting in the south parking lot area.


Questions?  E-mail Don McClement or call him at 416 259 5856.