Earth Day celebrated

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The Chippewas of Georgina Island celebrated Earth Day a little late this year because ice conditions delayed spring, but that didn't stop more than 100 people who showed up for the celebration.

Fun was had by all on April 30, as community members and the Georgina Island band staff split into groups to clean around their community buildings and along the ditches of the island road.

Community member Lenora Charles was one of the workers who showed up to help. "I think it's excellent to see everyone here, and everybody is doing such a wonderful job," Charles said.

Georgina Island's environmental co-ordinator, Rachel Fournier, thought the turnout was great. "It's super seeing everyone show up this year, compared to last year's total of around 30 people."

The clean up began around nine o'clock in the morning, so the volunteers were good and hungry by noon, when they were treated to a hot-off-the-grill, hotdog and hamburger lunch.

A small Eco-fair was arranged too. Participants included Hospice Georgina, the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources, Windfall Eco-works out of Newmarket, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, and the Lake Simcoe Fisheries Assessment Unit. The Island Daycare and Georgina Island School made bird feeders and "trash art" out of recyclable items to contribute to the fair.

Hospice Georgina sold flowers, and cottager Nena Wilcox gave gardening tips.

First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's environmental officer, George Chenyetski, came out to explain how to avoid the West Nile Virus on Georgina Island.

The Ministry of Natural Resources' fish and wildlife technical specialist. John Almond, brought a wild turkey display to Earth Day celebrations. At least 20 wild turkeys were released on Georgina Island two years ago, and the population has grown to around 50.

"I think the first wild turkey hunt over here on the island will probably be next spring," Chenyetski said.

The school children ended the day with poetry and songs about Earth Day. They had also purchased a few trees which they planted in their schoolyard.