The Giant's Rib
DEVOTED TO INCREASING AWARENESS AND PROTECTION OF THE NIAGARA ESCARPMENT WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVE
September 2007 Volume 1, Issue 8
Giant’s Rib Discovery Centre Board of Directors - 2007
Dr. Michael Brand, John Bryden, Michael Cox, Leo Deloyde, Joseph Hollick,
George Koblyk, Dr. John MacRae, John Mills, Robert Morrow, Stan Nowak,
Gordon Perrault, Sandra Root, Sue Vajoczki
Executive Director: Kenneth Hall
Board Advisors: Josephine Meeker Ben Vanderbrug
The Giant’s Rib presents
The Bruce Duncan Memorial Lecture Series
The Giant’s Rib Discovery Centre proudly resumes the inaugural Bruce Duncan Memorial Lecture Series, named in honour of the former General Manager of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, who died tragically last year. This series is dedicated to promoting the Niagara Escarpment as an internationally-recognized World Biosphere Reserve, as well as being a truly unique topographic feature of our natural
and cultural heritage.
This month, two presentations for the month of September:
September 9, 2007
Celebrating 40 Years of Development - The Story of the Bruce Trail
Beth Kummling of The Bruce Trail Association presents a history of Ontario's famous trail system. Ms. Kümmling has been Executive Director of the Bruce Trail Association (BTA) since July 2004. She became a volunteer with the BTA Environment Committee in 1993, and was Chair of the committee for 4 years. Her involvement included review and preparation of environmental policy for the BTA, as well as coordination of environmental education efforts. From April 2001 to July 2004, Ms. Kümmling served on the BTA Board of Directors. Since September 2003, Ms. Kümmling has been conducting hikes to explore the geology of the Niagara Escarpment, and in 2005 was awarded the BTA’s Calypso Orchid Environmental Award for her work in this regard. Prior to taking on the role of Executive Director of the BTA, Ms. Kümmling worked for 15 years in the field of toxic chemical impact and management. Ms. Kümmling holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Guelph.
September 30, 2007
Birds of the Dundas Valley
Robert Curry is a retired high school teacher. He has passionately pursued birds in the Hamilton area and across the world for more than 50 years. He has been president of the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, Chair of the Long Point Bird Observatory and Chair of the Ontario Bird Records Committee. Bob has authored numerous articles on bird identification and distribution. His other interests include reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, butterflies and moths, opera and his book club.
His book Birds of Hamilton and Surrounding Areas is an authoritative study of all 385 bird species ever to occur in the study area of the Hamilton Naturalists’Club. From the archaeological record to the early 21st century this 40 km circle radiating from Dundurn Castle has been home to hundreds of breeding bird species, and a major migratory stop for birds heading to and from their northern summering grounds.
Bob will discuss a history of birds and bird study in the area.
Next Month: October 21, 2007
The Cultural Development of the Escarpment Edge from Mt. Albion to Ancaster - Robert Williamson
All presentations will be held at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 650 Governor’s Road, Dundas. Park entrance fee is a $2.00 per person, or a maximum $5.00 per car.
There is no admission fee for children under 12.
All presentations will be held Sunday afternoons of the noted date starting at 2:00 p.m. There is no charge for the lectures, but donations are welcome and appreciated.
For further information: Kenneth Hall (kenjoan75@sympatico.ca), Stan Nowak (basil.cottage@sympatico.ca).
Everyone is welcome - we look forward to seeing you !!
The Giants Rib presents:
Art and Photography of the Heritage of the Niagara Escarpment
Celebrating ‘the art’ of the natural and cultural heritage of the Niagara Escarpment at the Dundas Valley Escarpment Centre featuring a new local artist every month
Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This Month’s Artist: Barry Cherriere - "Birds of Dundas"
During the month of September at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre the Giant’s Rib will feature the work of Barry Cherriere a nature photographer with a special interest in birds.
Barry has been photographing birds since 1974. He does a lot of photography work for the Hamilton Naturalists Club. Many of his bird photographs appear on their web site. Barry was a major contributor in the recently-published book Birds of Hamilton, edited by Robert Curry. His photos will be on display at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 to 3:30.
Barry can be contacted at 905-560-7476.
Farewell to Ray Lowes
The Niagara Escarpment has just lost one of its greatest promoters and supporters. On August 29th, 2007 Ray Lowes, a father of the Bruce Trail, passed away at the age of 96. In 1959, Ray proposed the establishment of a trail along the length of the Niagara Escarpment as a means of giving people an opportunity to walk through its wilderness and enjoy the natural environment that the Escarpment provided. His hope was that there would be a ground swell of support to protect this natural treasure. Throughout the rest of his life Ray and other volunteers worked tirelessly to turn his vision into a reality. They helped form the Bruce Trail Association (BTA) and by 1967, a route for the Bruce Trail was complete from Queenston to Tobermory. Ray served as a Director and Secretary of the BTA for twenty years. and saw the BTA grow to over 8,000 members. In 1983, Ray was made Honorary President of the BTA.
In 1973 Ray was appointed a founding member of the Niagara Escarpment Commission
(NEC) and served with distinction for over 10 years.
His contributions have been recognized through numerous honours and awards including Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Brock and McMaster Universities. He received the Medal for Good Citizenship and Corps d’Elite Award from the Province of Ontario.
Unfortunately, at his death the Niagara Escarpment is still under development pressures and half the land through which the Bruce Trail passes remains in private hands. However, the bright side is that the Niagara Escarpment is now a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and the BTA has a 15 year plan in place to acquire sufficient lands to secure a permanent trail.
Throughout the years, Ray was always there to lead the way with his vision and determination. Now the torch is passed on to others. As a tribute to Ray, let’s continue his efforts to ensure that his legacy is fulfilled.
The Friends of the Giant’s Rib
Your assistance would be welcome in helping the Giant’s Rib Discovery Centre to increase awareness and protection of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve; or you may wish only to be kept informed of upcoming DVEC activities and events. We hope to hear from you.
For more information, please contact:
Ken Hall 905-627-1320
Gord Perrault 905-648-8041
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