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Heritage forest protected forever in Beeton

October 4, 2019   ·   0 Comments

By Wendy Gabrek

A 108-acre section of forest just outside of Beeton has been converted into a Nature Reserve through donated by the Town of New Tecumseth to the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT) to ensure that the forest remains intact, protected and healthy.

On September 28, the community came together to celebrate the donation and meet the forest on a guided hike. 

The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, a registered charitable organization, was formed in 2000 by citizens interested in protecting the Moraine. The Land Trust ensures significant Moraine, Greenbelt and Simcoe properties are protected for future generations through agreements with landowners, protection of lands and on-going stewardship. To date, the Trust has secured over 1,784 hectares (4,409 acres) of land on 59 properties.

The Beeton Nature Reserve is a diverse ecosystem which will help to clean air and water, including the Beeton Creek. With the help of the Beeton Heritage Forest Preservation Society, the forest will be cared for and maintained as a protected Nature Reserve. 

“A forest grows bigger and more beautiful every day. I can’t imagine what this forest will look like in just 200 years, but it will be amazing, full of hundreds-year-old trees that will be there for future generations,” said Neal Arbic, Society President. “Everyone in this town put the best part of themselves forward and that is why we should be so proud of this place. We all said yes.”

“The Town is extremely pleased to donate this land to the Trust to ensure it is preserved and protected for generations to enjoy,” said Town of New Tecumseth Mayor Rick Milne.  

“It really is a combination of the community, the Trust, and the government coming together to protect these forests and wetlands,” said Susan Walmer, Executive Director of the ORMLT. “We couldn’t have done it without our amazing supporters who each care about the health of the land and future generations. We are thrilled to have protected our first property in Beeton and look forward to the connections we can continue to build between our environment and community.”

The forest represents much more than the ecology; it’s cultural history as former village for local indigenous communities is also protected. 

The celebration was joined by Dr. Ron Williamson, who shared a greeting from the Huron–Wendat Grand Chief Konrad Sioui.

“The Huron-Wendat Nation is delighted to see that one of our villages is to be completely protected,” said Williamson on behalf of Sioui. “The Beeton site is a significant and important ancestral Huron-Wendat village dating back to the 16th century. It is comforting to see the landscape and forest returned to its original grandeur. Today, people can enjoy this precious land acknowledging our culture, history and heritage.”

If you are interested in the future of the forest email landtrust@oakridgesmoraine.org or call 905 853-3171 ext. 30 or visit oakridgesmoraine.org

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