Background
John and Rosemary Dunsmore are farmers near Shanty Bay, a community which lies along the western shores of Lake Simcoe in the Township of Oro-Medonte. In recent years, they have seen greater urbanization and development in their region and feel a deep concern for the preservation and conservation of the wetlands and forest around them.
Taking action
The Dunsmores led a number of stewardship activities in the community and at their home to maintain the rich diversity around them:
- Paid for the protection of two acres of lakeshore and wetland in Kempenfelt Bay through the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
- Collaborated in the donation of a 114-acre woodlot to the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority for ecological protection
- Participated in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Butternut Recovery Program
- Planted almost 20,000 trees along the water course on their property and in the Nottawasaga Conservation Area as part of the Trees Ontario Program
- Constructed a pond on their farm which captures and filters the rainwater runoff before draining into Lake Simcoe
- Installed solar panels on their property and are financially credited for the extra electricity they generate through net metering
- Volunteer as weather observers for Environment Canada for the last 38 years
- Collaborated with the Township of Oro-Medonte and other individuals to obtain an abandoned CNR rail line and convert it into a recreational trail, connecting Barrie to Orillia
Achieving results
- Preserved 550 feet of shoreline in its natural state, including several cold water springs
- Improved water quality
- Assisted in preventing the butternut tree from becoming extinct
- Improved stormwater management and reduced flooding hazards through reforestation which slows snow melt
John and Rosemary Dunsmore have committed personal time and resources towards protecting the environment. They have been awarded for their environmental stewardship by various organizations, including the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association.
