We retain news and notices to maintain our collective memory of our rich neighbourhood.
Park Squirrels Adopt Plastic
A friend of Dufferin Rink tells us that he' s been noticing a design change in squirrel's nests over the past few years. David Cotes says that the squirrels have begun to work with plastic bags more and more. Sometimes they tear them into strips and weave them in to the nest; occasionally they slip a bag over the whole nest. One assumes that they like the waterproofing as well as the softness. David says he's seen this novel use of plastic bags at Trinity Park as well as in five squirrel's nests at our park.
Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation Publishes Calendar
The Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation, which gave us a grant to make our park web site two years ago, has published a 2005 desk calendar. It's called "Toronto Tree Portraits," and it has black and white photographs of some wonderful old giants, mainly in winter, all of them growing in public space (parks, cemeteries, along the lake). The photographs are by Geoffrey James. The text by Pleasance Crawford is full of lore about who planted some of the giants in the pictures, which trees do well in urban conditions, and so on. Leslie Coates, the Parks and Trees Foundation's director, says the calendars can be ordered by calling 416 397-5178. All proceeds will go to planting more trees and funding other greening projects in public space.
We've just found out that Geoffrey James, the photographer, lives in this neighbourhood. Leslie has given us a book of his photographs for the rink house library -- astonishing photos of light in landscapes, parks, derelict buildings, even in a Thornhill housing development under construction on the moon (or so it appears). The book is on the bookshelf near the wood stove in the main change room.
The calendars ($15) will be available at the rink house -- at the park bread booth during the farmers' market, the Arts and Crafts Fair on Dec.12, and the zamboni cafe.
See the brochure for the calendar: Read more >>
Event
The National Information Network for Organic Farmers,
Gardeners, and Consumers.
Organic Composting For Gardeners
October 30, 2004, 1:30 - 4:00, by the bake ovens
From the brochure:
A workshop held by Canadian Organic Growers in conjunction with the Friends of Dufferin Grove Park.
Something for both the experienced composter and novice. Topics to be covered include different methods of composting, adjusting to the seasons (ie. fall leaves and cold weather), where the new green box fits in, and hands on composting the the teaching garden.
Canadian Organic Growers has a detailed and well-organized website at www.cog.ca.