Planting Trees for the Future Health and Well-Being of our Community
The Russell Environmental Advisory Committee has formed a sub-committee who are concerned about the tree coverage in Russell Township. We need 30% just to sustain wildlife and Russell Township is sitting around 12%. We could be heading back to desert-like conditions. Trees are essential to the environment, community well-being, provide oxygen, prevent soil erosion, provide homes for birds, wildlife, increase property value, are aesthetically pleasing, are calming to the soul and good for human well-being, cool the earth, help to decrease global warming, decrease carbon dioxide, increase pollination, provide shade and so much more. The Russell Environmental Committee is looking for community groups to partner with them and invite local developers to come on board. They also need to preserve the trees we already have in order to keep Russell Township green.
In the Spring of 2013, the Committee will be planting 10,000 trees. They have partnered with South Nation Conservation Authority and this collaborated effort will ensure that trees are here for generations to come. For further info you can contact Councillor Eric Bazinet at: EricBazinet@Russell.ca or Cindy Saucier at 613-445-3852 or email dandycin@hotmail.com.
Emerald Ash Borer - An Unwelcome Guest
Ryan Starnaman came to our meeting to talk about the effects that the emerald ash borer is having on the trees in North America. These very invasive insects have now made their way into our area of Prescott-Russell and the damage they cause can already be seen. These bugs kill ash trees very quickly. If you are interested in learning more about the emerald ash borer, how to identify if your trees are affected and what you can do, here are some links to read.
Information from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Map of Eastern Ontario showing affected areas (CFIA)
Information from the City of Ottawa
Celebrating National Tree Day
September 26, 2012 - It was National Tree Planting Day Wednesday and District #1 chose to plant the Jubilee Tree the same day to coincide with commemorating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the 60th year of her accession to the throne. OHA gave District #1 the Oak Tree, the NAV CENTRE was the favoured chosen site and horticultural members were royally treated. Everybody was there except the Queen.
16 of 19 Districts planted trees yesterday to coincide with National Tree Day. The remaining 3 in the north will plant their trees in the spring, when the weather is more favourable.
The NAV CENTRE held a reception in the Roberta Bondar Lounge after the ceremony where we
were please to meet the staff and executive of the NAV CENTRE. They are looking forward to
having our OHA Convention in July 2014.
Patricia Stachon
DD#1
OHA
To read a little more and see some photos, here is an article from The Cornwall Daily.
Another Successful Living Locally Fair
January 27, 2012 - Again this year, everyone had a great time at the Living Locally Fair. It just keeps getting bigger and better each year. Here is a list of links for you to have a look at.
Article in the Cornwall Free News
Rain Barrels for Sale
The RDHS is going to create a Children's Fantasy Reading Garden at the new Russell Public Library. To help to raise funds, we are selling rain barrels. You can go to www.rainbarrel.ca/Russell/ to learn more and even place an order right on-line.
New Flower Bed at the Russell Public Library
July 31, 2011 - If you frequent the new Russell Public Library you will notice that a new flower bed has been installed between the building and the parking lot.
The bed is a gift to the people of Russell and the township from the Russell and District Horticultural Society and Beyond the House. Each year Beyond the House chooses one community project to support, in the past it has often been MacDougall Park. This year they generously donated the garden design, discounted the cost of the plants and volunteered hours to weed and plant with the members of the Horticultural Society.
Part of the monies the Horticultural Society used was donated to them in memory of former Russell Mayor Michael McHugh. This garden represents a gift of approximately $3000 in garden design, plant material, wages (had they not been volunteered) and mulch.
The Russell & District Horticultural Society and Beyond the House are proud to make this contribution and add to the beauty of the town of Russell.
Plant Sale
May 20, 2011-The weather looks good for tomorrow's plant sale in MacDougall Park at the corner of MacDougall and Craig Streets in Russell. Starting at 8:30am there will be heritage vegetables, plants from members' gardens and a yard sale.
Looking for Our Photos?
April 15, 2011-All of our photos can now be found on Flickr.com. You can also check our our videos on our YouTube channel and while you're at it, why not go to our Facebook page and become a fan. Who knew that social networking could be so horticultural!
Launch of New RDHS Web Site
March 21, 2011-Today was the launch of the new RDHS web site.
Living Locally Fair 2011
January 23, 2011-Another successful year! Again this year the Living Locally Fair was the place to be on a chilly January Saturday. This year's event attracted more vendors, producers and visitors than ever before. There were speakers and demonstrations of many different kinds. For a full list of vendors/producers and their contact information, go to www.livinglocallyfair.ca.
News from the General Annual Meeting
November 23, 2010-At this year's General Annual Meeting held on November 22, 2010, the fabulous potluck dinner was followed by informative info sessions on a variety of topics. Pegi Holtz gave us a run down of how to start paper whites and told us her secret ingredient - gin! She also shared information and tips for poinsettias and amaryllis. Next up was Louise Houle who gave us some excellent advice on decorating for the holidays. Louise had lots of very creative ideas which I'm sure many members who were there plan to use. After that Marilyn MacMillan gave us a rundown of how to make and decorate your very own grapevine wreath.
After the presentations there was a door prize draw for prizes including an amaryllis and some poinsettias from Pegi, a wooden goose decoration from Louise and a big wreath from Marilyn. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to the three ladies for sharing their knowledge and donating the gifts.
Our favourite Past President, Pat Stachon, presided over the official part of the meeting. Pat told us that all the members of last year's board have kindly agreed to stay on for another year. They will be joined by three brand new board members, Tina Lachance, Catherine Italiano and Marcel Beauchamp.
Trillium Award - and the Winner is ...
September 20, 2010-The Russell and District Horticultural Society is very proud of our President Lindley McPhail who deservedly won the prestigious Trillium Award from the Ontario Horticultural Association of Ontario. Lindley was presented with her award at the 104th Annual OHA Convention which was held on August 13 & 14, 2010 in Barrie, Ontario.
