Sunday, May 20, 2007

Great North American Wilderness Clean-up - A Success

Photo by Lynn Robinson


Algonquin Park Clean up - A Success

On Saturday May 12th the 2nd Great North American Wilderness Clean up was held across North America. Approximately 170 people particiapted in places like Fort Mcmurray Alberta, Kawartha Lakes, Durham, Parry Sound and here in Algonquin Park

"From those who submitted results to me, together we took 92.5 bags of various sizes out of our wilderness, and 12.5 bags of recycling items, 10 of which were large industrial-sized bags. That totals 105 bags. That's a nasty amount, and I'm so very glad it's outta there!

People found lots of other items, too, such as the usual tires, socks (I actually found a matching pair of socks in a fire pit!!), gloves... Also found were some nasties like used diapers, feminine hygiene products, used condoms, those ever-so-popular white flowers around campsites, on portages and around put-ins and access points. Let's see, what else? A tar bucket, toilet seat, a full propane tank, a car battery (who would have a car out there?), a child's play kitchen set, an old & rotting cedar strip canoe, pots & pans (enough to make a complete set), an old half-filled gallon tin of linseed oil, stubby beer bottles (I remember those!!), a broken flute, an outdoor eletrical junction box (huh?), a cigar box, lots of folding patio chairs, plastic pails, a flourescent tube light, an umbrella, rusty grills, a large tent, and a disposable fuel tank in a fire pit...

...So that's how much more beautiful our wilderness is now". Nancy Maddock, Event founder and co-organizer

Here at the Wolf Den we organized a group of 27 of to beautify Algonquin Park
.
Some went via canoe (provided free by Algonquin Outfitters ) up Joe Lake. Some to Guskawaa Lake and Maple Leaf Lake on the Western Uplands backpacking trail. The last group to Provoking Lake on the Highland Backpacking Trail. Very pleased to say for the most part we didn't find a whole lot of garbage. Most of it came from just a few sites and in some parking lots. We also hit the Oxtongue River Picnic area (lots of garbage) and Ragged Falls (dido)


After a full day of cleaning we held a free BBQ provided by M+M meats.

Sunday morning those who were interested were invited to partake in a free ecology hike provided by Ernie Silhanek, a Fleming College Professor, avid natualist and Wolf Den friend. It was amazing to see that all on the hike also continued to collect garbage. Participants received 1/2 price accommodation at The Wolf Den

Total: 10 large industrial sized garbage bags of recycling, 27 small ON park bags of garbage, 2 tires, a kids play kitchen set, a pile of metal and an old rotting cedar strip canoe.

It was a day about Stewardship, care, and respect for the land and water that supports each and everyday.

Special Thanks to :

Algonquin Outfitters for graciously providing free canoe rentals.

Algonquin Park For donating free day passes to the Park

M+M Meats for providing a free BBQ.

The Outing Club of East York for their continued support.

Joey Gill of hi concept productions For generating a lot of media publicity

CBC Radio for interviewing Robin Golloher co-owner of the Wolf Den on Saturday morning

Huntsville Forester and Vitality Magazine for running the story

Last but not least Kevin Callan and Nancy Maddock who dreamed the dream of the Great North American Wilderness Clean-up and made it a reality and all who participated in making our world a bit more beautiful.

Thanks to all for you made this event a success!!!

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