On June 12/08 at the Niagara Region's
Environmental Awards Night, Dan Bouwman received a Lifetime Achievement Award commemorating
"his struggle to protect and preserve one of Niagara Region's most
pristine nature areas"
Dan is accomplishing one of the most significant
environmental achievements in the entire Niagara Region. To date 93
acres of slough forest in Niagara Falls have been re-classified as an
Environmental Protected Area and rescued from development. In addition
there have been two wonderful goals that are constantly being achieved.
The forest and all facilities are being designed and built to be
universally accessible. This allows all people, including those with
mobility difficulties, access to the amazing flora and fauna that is
being preserved. The other main focus is to provide facilities and
programming that enhance environmental education within the
region.
To ensure the goals of forest protection,
universal access, and environmental education happen, he has invested
thousands of hours of his time and thousands of dollars of his own
money. As well he helped initiate a not-for-profit organization called
Heartland Forest Nature Experience. Up to 100 volunteers and donors have
been involved in the growth and development of Heartland Forest. The
most recent development was the building of a 1,000 square foot tree
house that will be used for education, relaxation and connecting with
nature. It took a 120-foot ramp to make this tree house accessible for
wheelchairs and walkers to give people a unique view of the forest and
the bird feeding station that is within view. This feat was accomplished
in 3 weeks with most work done on a volunteer basis.
Plans For 5th Annual Pumpkinfest Made, Date Chosen
In co-operation with Tender Wishes, Heartland
Forest will once again host the Pumpkinfest Activity on October
25th, 2008.
It is the fifth time the two organizations have
joined together to host the event.
"Joe Dinely Award" Given Founder
Dan Bouwman was awarded the March of Dimes
"Joe Dinely Commemorative Award" for
his “exceptional leadership and commitment to furthering
integration and accessibility of persons with disabilities in the
Niagara Region.”
His efforts to
always construct the facilities at Heartland Forest with the
principle of Universal Design have displayed his feeling that all
people regardless of their ability or mobility should have access
to whatever Heartland Forest provides.
Making all the
trails accessible to wheelchairs and walkers, providing ramps to
both the school house and treehouse are prime examples of the
efforts. Currently he is working to provide a "Fishing
Bridge" over the fish pond under construction so that the
handicapped may fish and further enjoy the outdoors and the
facilities.
HEARTLAND
FOREST NATURE EXPERIENCE
Reserve a spot now for any
of the following special programs, as
availability is limited!Other
programs will be highlighted in our September notification.
Sciensational
Sssnakes (www.scisnake.com) is
participating in the 2nd annual FrogFestNiagara
(April 27th to
May 2nd, 2009
).This week is exceptional
for amphibian studies, so special activities are being planned.Jeff Hathaway from Sciensational Snakes (known throughout
Ontario
), along with our resident naturalists will be delivering a program you
won’t want to miss.
Trees
Please
Although available all year, October is an
ideal time for this study, as leaf collections can be made and used for
further investigation in the classroom.Students will compare the leaves of various trees, discover how to
identify different species, and learn about their importance in the
natural world.
Water
Creatures
Use water creatures that we will deliver to
your classroom, to enhance your environmental initiatives.Life cycles, animal classification, and relationships in the food
chain will all be highlighted.Classes
will be able to access this programming in September, and October.
Heartland
Forest
Facilities
Heartland
Forestis
a local treasure which is available for use by educators. A
2.5 km trail system provides an opportunity for everyone, even those with
mobility challenges, to access 93 acres of provincially significant
Carolinian
Forest
.View up to 20 tree species,
9 amphibian species, over 40 bird species, as well as deer, raccoon, and
dragonflies.A nature centre,
event tent, treehouse (with its 40 meter ramp), and butterfly garden, all
help make nature more accessible.Let
our certified teachers and well known local naturalists lead your
adventure.
For
further information, bookings, or to receive notification of programs as
they become available, contact:
