The Friends of Laurier Woods is a non-profit charitable organization that is committed to preserving the area in the City of North Bay known as Laurier Woods. The group is community-based with its membership made up of concerned citizens from the North Bay area.
Our goal is to preserve the Laurier Woods ecosystem in its natural state. In order to accomplish this, Laurier Woods should be designated as a passive recreational nature park so that the area's recreational and ecological values can be protected.
Our main objective, at this time, is to obtain the 200 acres of wetland and forested upland known as Laurier Woods and secure it under public ownership.
The case for preserving Laurier Woods in its natural state is strong. Ecologically, the Laurier Woods' marshlands are part of the Parks Creek Wetland Complex. The Parks Creek Wetland is an extensive area of linked wetland habitats situated south of Highway 17 in the City of North Bay. These wetland habitats maintain water quality, aid in flood control and support a tremendous variety of wildlife and vegetation.
For years, residents of North Bay have enjoyed Laurier Woods' aesthetic, recreational and educational qualities. People of all ages regularly use the informal trail network to hike, ski and birdwatch. If purchased and placed under public ownership, we would be able to:
If managed as a nature park, Laurier Woods could provide excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, aesthetic appreciation, wildlife viewing and outdoor education.
Years ago, members of the Nipissing Naturalists Club discovered Laurier Woods' superior birdwatching qualities and took an initial interest in the area. These individuals realized that unless action was taken to protect the woods, its unique ecosystem and recreational opportunities would be lost.
The small group of naturalists began promoting the importance of Laurier Woods and encouraged the City of North Bay, the Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Nipissing University to take an interest in the area. They gave seminars about its values, circulated petitions and, in 1991, drafted the by-laws to formally form the Friends of Laurier Woods.
Since forming in 1991, the Friends of Laurier Woods has:
You can help by joining the Friends of Laurier Woods. Every new member contributes by strengthening our community support and by providing membership dollars that can be used for the future purchase and maintenance of this unique habitat. For information on "how you can help", please contact:
Every bit counts!
URL of this page: www.venturenorth.com/home/lwoods.htm
Last modified: October 11, 1996
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