(Contributed by Theresa Jobateh on 19 August, 2007; re-issued as a 'Comment' by Erwin Dreessen)
Jumping in on the introductions and keeping the forums lively...
My name is Theresa Jobateh and I have been a member of the Alliance since early 2003. I am currently occupying the role of co-Secretary where I spend most of my available time as loyal messenger and humble scribe.
When I moved to Ottawa from Muskoka in 1986, I was impressed with the amount of parks, water ways and bicycle paths. We are fortunate to have the preserved areas of grass, fields and parks dotted throughout this city of concrete, glass and steel. I feel it is very important that we monitor activities affecting greenspace in our beautiful city and to preserve it for future generations. Reference: http://www.ottawa.ca/city_services/planning/master_plans/gmp/index_en.html
I believe in the importance for all citizens to connect with nature, to enjoy the shade of old trees, to see things grow, to hear birds sing, to feel the grass and soil under their feet. The beauty of the natural surroundings inspired the early settlers; it can still be a source of inspiration and spiritual comfort for our contemporaries.
As my "Our Team" bio states, I was first lured to the Greenspace Alliance in the fall of 2002 due to a theatrical performance called "The Poets' Pathway". At first I thought it was to be a symbolic representation of the spiritual pathway for one who strives to be poetic. It turned out to be a dream project to create a 30 km pathway or "necklace" that would pass through various urban forests, fields and other green spaces represented in the works of confederation poets. A great idea but a lot of work! Kudos to the committee past and present for the dedication and progress made so far.
Reference: http://greenspace-alliance.ca/node/122
Even with my responsibilities as a working parent, I still try to attend meetings, volunteer at events and perform various tasks. I have even tried to get my teenagers involved which is a challenge in itself due to competition from more stimulating, electronic activities. I hope that they and their friends will appreciate the work of the Alliance and other concerned groups and that they will participate in the achievements of some endeavours. I am sure they will at least value the results in the future when they want to enjoy green spaces with their own children.
(Contributed by Bill Royds on 29 July, 2007, re-issued as a 'Comment' by Erwin Dreessen)
Hello. Since nobody has written anything for this forum yet, I thought I would break the ice and start.
My name is Bill Royds and I have been a member of the Greenspace Alliance since its inception in 1997. I have also in the past been chair and vice-chair. I value the natural environment of Canada's capital because of its diversity. We live at the boundary between two of the major ecological regions of Canada, so we have a rich choice of ecosystems to enjoy. But the pressure to expand the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau is threatening this unique habitat and we must work to ensure that our unique habitat is preserved.
An example of our richness I have found recently is the are around the Bayview O-train station. There are a number of rare species in the scrub lands just north and east of the station . Here is a picture of some Teasel (Dipsacus sylvestris), that is growing north of the station. This is a southern Ontario plant which was used by cloth makers to "tease" the nap of newly woven cloth.
Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital
Introducing Theresa Jobateh
(Contributed by Theresa Jobateh on 19 August, 2007; re-issued as a 'Comment' by Erwin Dreessen)
Jumping in on the introductions and keeping the forums lively...
My name is Theresa Jobateh and I have been a member of the Alliance since early 2003. I am currently occupying the role of co-Secretary where I spend most of my available time as loyal messenger and humble scribe.
When I moved to Ottawa from Muskoka in 1986, I was impressed with the amount of parks, water ways and bicycle paths. We are fortunate to have the preserved areas of grass, fields and parks dotted throughout this city of concrete, glass and steel. I feel it is very important that we monitor activities affecting greenspace in our beautiful city and to preserve it for future generations. Reference: http://www.ottawa.ca/city_services/planning/master_plans/gmp/index_en.html
I believe in the importance for all citizens to connect with nature, to enjoy the shade of old trees, to see things grow, to hear birds sing, to feel the grass and soil under their feet. The beauty of the natural surroundings inspired the early settlers; it can still be a source of inspiration and spiritual comfort for our contemporaries.
As my "Our Team" bio states, I was first lured to the Greenspace Alliance in the fall of 2002 due to a theatrical performance called "The Poets' Pathway". At first I thought it was to be a symbolic representation of the spiritual pathway for one who strives to be poetic. It turned out to be a dream project to create a 30 km pathway or "necklace" that would pass through various urban forests, fields and other green spaces represented in the works of confederation poets. A great idea but a lot of work! Kudos to the committee past and present for the dedication and progress made so far.
Reference: http://greenspace-alliance.ca/node/122
Even with my responsibilities as a working parent, I still try to attend meetings, volunteer at events and perform various tasks. I have even tried to get my teenagers involved which is a challenge in itself due to competition from more stimulating, electronic activities. I hope that they and their friends will appreciate the work of the Alliance and other concerned groups and that they will participate in the achievements of some endeavours. I am sure they will at least value the results in the future when they want to enjoy green spaces with their own children.
T. A. Jobateh
Alliance member since 2003
Introducing Bill Royds
(Contributed by Bill Royds on 29 July, 2007, re-issued as a 'Comment' by Erwin Dreessen)
Hello. Since nobody has written anything for this forum yet, I thought I would break the ice and start.
My name is Bill Royds and I have been a member of the Greenspace Alliance since its inception in 1997. I have also in the past been chair and vice-chair. I value the natural environment of Canada's capital because of its diversity. We live at the boundary between two of the major ecological regions of Canada, so we have a rich choice of ecosystems to enjoy. But the pressure to expand the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau is threatening this unique habitat and we must work to ensure that our unique habitat is preserved.
An example of our richness I have found recently is the are around the Bayview O-train station. There are a number of rare species in the scrub lands just north and east of the station . Here is a picture of some Teasel (Dipsacus sylvestris), that is growing north of the station. This is a southern Ontario plant which was used by cloth makers to "tease" the nap of newly woven cloth.