Community Events

From litter cleanup events, to policy discussions, to tree planting, and much more. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tree Planting at Lathrop Nature Preserve

Saturday Oct 19, 2024 9am - 12:30pm, or Rain Date Sunday Oct 20, 2024

Address: Marlene Stewart Streit Park, 55 Park Ln, Fonthill, ON

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

To assist in planting over 300 trees in Lathrop Nature Preserve

               

 Join us as we plant native tree saplings at the Lathrop Nature Preserve. Physical activity will involve walking approximately two kilometres over uneven terrain, bending, crouching, carrying one- to two-gallon potted shrubs, and digging holes using shovels. Please bring your own shovels and gardening gloves if you have them. Snacks will be provided, but please bring your own water bottle and bag to carry necessary items in. 


More Details and Register here: https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/ontario/events/tree-planting-at-lathrop-nature-preserve.html

Canada Tree Day Hike

Wednesday, September 25,  4:00 pm

Location; Woodstream Park on Spruceside Crescent

 We’ll embark on an easy and short educational hike along the Steve Bauer Trail behind the south side of the park. We stop to discover the old-growth Trees along the trail. After the hike, we will return to Woodstream Park for a small ceremony.


PATH is hoping to see you there.

Significant Tree Photo Challenge!

Challenge Details

Our Goal: Post at least 200 pictures of September 22 and 28. 

What is PATH's definition of a significant tree?

Evergreen Trees: Any evergreen tree (excluding holly) with a diameter of at least **15 inches (38.1 cm)** measured at Designated Standard Height (DSH), which is 4.5 feet (137.6 cm) above ground level (Breast height).


Deciduous Trees: Any deciduous tree that is at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) at breast height, excluding poplar or Box elder (Manitoba Maple, Ash- leaved maple, scientifically known as Acer Negundo), should be excluded as a significant tree.


How to Participate


1. Take Photos: Capture images of significant trees on your property.

2. Identify the Species (Optional): If you know the species, please include

it; if not, we'll help identify it.

3. Share Your Stories: If you have a short story about your tree, we'd love

to read it.

4. Post on Facebook: Upload your photos and stories to our Facebook group page, Pelham PATH, during National Forest Week.


Stay Tuned: Once we've met the Town's requirements for tree registrations, we'll share the details on our website, Facebook page, and in a future newsletter.

PAST  EVENTS

PATH's Family Picnic in Peace Park

Saturday, August 10, Rain Date: Sunday, August 11, 2024 

3:00pm, 7:30pm 

Address: Peace Park Fonthill, 20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill  - Behind Town Hall

To Members, Friends, and Supporters,

               

 With great excitement, PATH's Event Committee is holding a Family Picnic at 20 Market Square, behind Pelham's Town Hall. 

 
To attend is event; you must register for our picnic on Saturday, August 10, by emailing pelhampath@gmail.com  by Thursday, August 8, at the latest.

 

 PATH will provide BBQ Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Veggie Burgers and drinks. We are asking attendees to make posters explaining why the Provincial Significant Wetlands and Woodlands on the Undeveloped Merritt Road must be saved (a minimum of one poster per Family) or make a donation to PATH to help offset the cost of this event.


We plan to have a guest speaker, Poster Contest, games, door prizes, music and free BBQ. 

Here is what we need to know:

1) Your names

2) Number of people attending from your family

3) Number of hamburgers, dogs or veggie burgers

  

Please bring your reusable plates and cutlery. Due to our restrictions, Path cannot have potluck salads or desserts. Please bring your dishes for family consumption. PATH looks forward to meeting and greeting you and your families at our first picnic and hopes this will be the first of many.


Remember, the deadline to register for our Family Picnic in the Park Thursday, August 8, by emailing  pelhampath@gmail.com
Check out the pelhampath Facebook page or our website, pelhampath.ca , for information on this event and other events in the near future.


Follow the PATH,

Mike Jones

PATH's Annual Membership Meeting

Thursday, May 23, 2024 Doors at 6:30pm, 7pm Start 

Accursi Room, Meridian Community Centre, Fonthill

PATH's AGM will include a PANEL DISCUSSION on the MERITS of Saving our NATURAL HERITAGE (Region of Niagara, Proposed Development of Merritt Road)


Click here for more details:

PATH’s Annual Membership Meeting to take     place after our Panel Discussion.

            Doors open 6:30 p.m. and 7 pm Start. 

Our Panelists:

  Lauren Vanderlingen, Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council (Wildlife and Stewardship Technician, Land and Resources)


  Liz Benneian, Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara

 (Inaugural Winner of 2024 Niagara Impact Environmental Award)


 Anne Yagi, President of 8 Trees (40 years Professional Biologist with 35 years working for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry)


Graham Pett, Treasurer and Chair of the Singers’ Drain Committee for Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat



                                 LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

PATH Annual Steve Baurer Trail Cleanup Week

Kickoff April 15 At Quaker Road Trail Entrance (Across from The Country Corner Deli)

  PATH is holding its Annual Week to clean up the 22 kilometres of the Steve Baurer Trail in Pelham from April 15 to April 21.

The official kickoff date and time is April 15 at 10 am at the Quaker Road Entrance. We are inviting the Pelham Environment and Climate Adaptation Advisor

Committee, Pelham Active Transportation Committee, Pelham Councillors, and Regional Councillors to come out and show their support for this initiative.

3rd Annual Earth Day Call For Action (AREA)

Saturday April 20, 2024 1pm - 3pm -  Peace Park, 20 Market Square Fonthill (behind Pelham Town Hall)

The 3rd Annual Rally on Earthday call for Action (AREA) will be held on Saturday, April 20, from! to 3 pm at Peace Park, 20 Market Square Fonthill (behind Pelham Town

Hall), RAIN or SHINE!


Click here for more details:

This year's theme is "Act Now to Preserve the Future," emphasizing involving the

younger population and protecting the Singer Drain, which contains the Province's

significant wetlands and woodlands in the undeveloped Merritt Road. Join us at this

Rally as we welcome the following participants:


Niagara's own Songwriter and Singer, Jamie Snider


The Green Herons, a youthful group of environmental activists from St.Catharines.

Jackie Oblak, Chair of Pelham Environment and Climate Adaptation Advisory

Committee.


Anne Yagi from 8 Trees is an environmental organization that conducts scientific

research.


Albert Garofola, a field Biologist for over twenty years and an instructor from Niagara

College.


Our Guest Speaker is none other than Pelham's own Adam Shoalts, the explorer,

historian, archaeologist, geographer, and author of bestselling books, including his

latest, "Where the Falcon Flies."


For more information on these events, email pelhampath@gmail.com or call Mike

Jones at 905-658-3330 or Roger Demers at 905-933-8343.

PATH Facilitates The Town of Pelham N.C.F. Environmental Grant - Part 4 Educational Seminar

March 26 at Fonthill, Meridian Community Centre

In the Accursi Room, Doors Open at 6:30 pm

  The Value of our Natural Heritage (Trees & Wetlands) Seminar Starts at 7:00 pm

Albert Garofalo is a well known Field Biologist for over twenty years, working with many Conservation Authorities, the Provincial Government as a Wetland Evaluator, and Environment Canada Researcher on Ocean Wetlands and continues his work as an Instructor at Niagara College in Welland.

 

Albert is an exciting orator and his seminar is a must for all ages concerned with our Natural Heritage in the Town of Pelham, surrounding area, and Climate Change

Albert’s seminar will delve into the value and interconnection of trees and wetlands.

He will be highlighting the human benefits that comes from our natural environment.

Town of Pelham through the Niagara Community Foundation Grant and Facilitated by PATH Presents:

The Study of Trees in the Urban Forest Seminar, by Ivan Fredette

February 13, Accursi Room at the Meridian Community Centre 

Doors open at 6:30. Seminar 7-8 pm. 

PATH General Membership Meeting 8-9

  Ivan Fredette is a certified arborist and the owner of Safe Tree. He believes in maintaining the balance between humans and trees, ensuring our community thrives harmoniously with Nature. Through expert care and compassionate commitment, we safeguard our planet’s invaluable arboreal assets for future generations to cherish.

Ivan will share his insights and knowledge of our urban forest and how to safeguard your tree from invasive insects and other hazards. This seminar will change your outlook on trees in private properties and how they intertwine within the natural environment. Through care and commitment, residents can safeguard invaluable assets for future generations to cherish.

There will be a Questions & Answers period after Ivan’s presentations.

Community Tree Planting

Join the community tree planting!

When: Friday, November 24, 2023 11:00 a.m.

Where: Marlene Stewart Streit Park, 55 Park Lane, Fonthill

All are welcome; no pre-registration is required.

To participate in this family-friendly event, bring a shovel (if you have one), gardening gloves and lots of energy; we will supply the rest - the trees, and forestry specialists. The event is held rain or shine, and appropriate outdoor clothing including sturdy shoes (steel toe if possible) are recommended.

The Town of Pelham gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

TOWN OF PELHAM PRESENTS THE SECOND FREE EDUCATIONAL EVENT “AN EVENING WITH ADAM SHOALTS"

Facilitated by PATH

Saturday, October 21, from 7 to 8:00 pm at Ridgeville Old Town Hall on 491 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville

Adam Shoalts is an author, historian, archaeologist, geographer, and Westway Explorer-in-Residence at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Adam grew up in Fenwick and holds a PhD from McMaster University.

Adam will give an educational talk on the Carolinian Forest of Pelham and speak on his newest book, “Where the Falcon Flies.”

Novels from Adam will be on sale.

Limited seating, don’t be late!

Please send an email to lphillips@pelham.ca to confirm your seat.

This event is made possible by a grant from the Niagara Community Foundation.

8-9 pm. Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat holds a General Membership Meeting after the Town’s special event.

Adam Shoalts will present PATH with a $300 donation at the meeting.

Membership applications will be available before the meeting.

PATH’s T-shirts will be available for sale.

PATH Hike Through The Lathrop Preserve

September 30, Rain-day October 7 - Marlene Stewart Streit Park
10:00 to 12pm & 1:30 3:30 pm

Hike through the Lathrop Preserve. PATH is facilitating this educational hike for the Town of Pelham's grant from the Niagara Community Foundation.

Well-known Niagara Field Biologist Albert Garofalo will lead an educational forest tour.

This will be a two-hour hike with talks about the significance of the Lathrop Preserve and its vegetation. The value of correct restoration and the care of trees will be topics.

Twenty-five maximum participants pre-registration is a must. Two hikes will be arranged if we need to. Morning 10 am - 12 pm and 1:30- 3:30 pm for the afternoon, a total of fifty. We will gather at the Marlene Stewart Streit Park by the Pelham Public Pool (at the PIT).

You must register with the Town Of Pelham. by calling the Culture and Community Enhancement Programmer, Lauren Phillips, at 905-732-7888

Please wear proper footwear for hiking, hiking poles or walking sticks, bug repellent and dress according to the weather. Remember, Lathrop Preserve is part of the Short Hills.

PATH At Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club Parade 

May 26, Friday, Bethany Reform Church
6:00 pm

Friday Night, May 26, at 6:00 pm, PATH will gather at Bethany Reform Church on Balfour St. for the Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club Parade. You are invited to help make this Parade a big success for PATH. We hope you and your family will join us for the march or ride on the float. Everyone is welcome, including your well-behaved pets.

The Parade will end at Fenwick Centennial Park on Church St. Participants will be ferried back to the Church to pick up their vehicles.

PATH 2nd Annual Earth Day Rally

April 22th, 2023 Saturday, Meridian Community Centre
Rain or Shine, 1:00 to 3:00 pm

PDF Notice

We will be joined by Indigenous “Strong Water Women” Singers
Main Guest Speakers- Liz Benneian from Biodiversity and Climate Action Change, and Joe Shawana, Indigenous Youth Activist

Bring your Family and Friends with Lawn Chairs

Silent Auction By PATH

April 15 -16, 2023 Tuesday, Meridian Community Centre
Accursi Room, 7:00 to 9:00 pm

PDF Notice

Painter, Krista McMillan has graciously donated this magnificent acrylic painting of a cherry tree that once stood at Balls Falls.

This painting will be on display at the Pelham Home Show April 15-16.

Bid in person at the Home Show or email your bid to pelhampath@gmail.com 

PATH Annual General Membership Meeting

April 4th. Tuesday, Meridian Community Centre
Accursi Room, 7:00 to 9:00 pm

PDF Notice

Special Guest Speaker: 7:15 to 7:45 pm
Herb Sawatzky from the Group 50x30
Visit our Website: pelhampath.ca or Facebook: pelhampath

Notice of Public Meeting - Kunda Park Phase 4 

Monday, February 13, 2023  -  5:30PM

Notice of Public Meeting

PDF Notice

PLACE:   This hearing will be held remotely by Zoom Webinar

Town Council approved Public Hearings to be held remotely via By-law No. 4505 (2022).  The Town of Pelham will be livestreaming this Public Meeting at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TownOfPelham/live

File Numbers:    26T19-020-02 & AM-03-2020

Subject Lands:  Part of Thorold Township Lot 173 (Kunda Park Phase 4) 

Read More

Rally At the Fonthill Legion - Jan 14, 2023 

Press Release

December 6th, 2023

Protesters to greet MPP Oosterhoff at levee

Citizens will gather on Saturday, January 14, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in front of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch at 141 Highway 20 East, Fonthill, where Progressive Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff will be holding a New Year’s levee to protest the Ford government’s Greenbelt land removals, forced municipal boundary expansions, “strong mayors” legislation and other recently introduced legislation that is against sound planning, effective environmental policy and good governance.

Click to read more


Recent polls have indicated that there is broad public opposition to Greenbelt land removals. As well, the government’s own report on submissions to the Environmental Registry showed there was strong support for continued Greenbelt protections and broad opposition to any removals or redesignation of lands under the Greenbelt Plan or Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.

Many submissions noted that the proposal is contradictory to the vision and goals of the Greenbelt Plan and requested the proposal be withdrawn. The protest will be the 5th demonstrations held against the Ford government’s policies organized by Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara (BCAC), a collective of 22 citizens’ organizations, nature clubs, environmental groups, and affiliated individual members from across the Region of Niagara.

BCAC has also made written submissions to the Environmental Registry on changes to various Acts; sent letters to local, provincial and federal politicians and; encouraged local citizens to make their concerns known to their elected representatives. As well, BCAC is working with other organizations throughout the Province to oppose the recent moves by the Ford government, which threaten food security, action on the Climate Crisis, heritage protection and protection of drinking water sources, among many other detrimental impacts.

“More affordable housing is definitely needed. Unfortunately, developing on Greenbelt land and conservation lands will not provide it. Many municipalities have plans for accommodating future growth within municipal boundaries. What’s needed is a smart urban planning and for the Provincial and Federal levels of government to get back into the business of building truly affordable housing,” says Liz Benneian, chair of BCAC.

For more information, please contact Liz Benneian at bcacniagara@gmail.com or call her at 905-562 3819.

Canada Day Grand Parade 

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022  -  3PM

The Town of Pelham is putting on a big Canada Day celebration and parade, and Pelham PATH is participating. We have our very own float and are looking for participation. Wear your "Green T-shirts" and come on out. Contact Mike Jones to participate. For more information about the festivities, visit the Town's website

Fenwick Lions Grand Parade

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

Pelham PATH is participating in the Parade. Members and friends are invited to join us at 6 PM at Bethany Christian Reformed Church on Balfour Street. The Parade starts at 7 PM. Wear your green t-shirts. Free 'Friends of the Steve Bauer Trail' t-shirts for the first 25 participants who sign up. View the official facebook event page for more information. Contact Mike Jones to participate. 

Earth Day Rally

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022

PATH's 1st Annual Earth Day Rally. Meet at Peace Park at 1PM, rain or shine! The Strong Water Women from the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre will be in attendance as well as local musicians. After the speakers, those who are able will take a short walk around the community. Bring your signs! Show your concern about the climate crisis and other local issues. This is an election year. There is no better time to demonstrate to politicians that citizens want action on these issues. All of Niagara's environmental organizations, nature clubs and citizens are encouraged to attend!

Earth Week in Pelham

APRIL 17 - 25, 2022

Earth Week in Pelham from April 17-25, 2022, will focus on green initiatives within the community that include a clean-up day and new rain barrel program.

Part of the "Go Green" events include an opportunity for Pelham residents to purchase subsidized rain barrels. Rain barrels can be used to catch chlorine-free water from property downspouts and are an eco-friendly way for seasonal watering for gardens and landscaping. 

Click to read more

As part of the National Pitch-in week initiative, the one-day Pelham community clean-up invites area residents to Pitch-in and volunteer to assist in removing litter from neighbourhood streets, parks, and playgrounds. Participants in the Pelham event will receive clean-up materials and are invited to register to attend the kick-off ceremony at the Meridian Community Centre on April 23, 2022.

Residents can also participate in the Pelham Earth Week Challenge offered on the free app GooseChase. From April 18-25, 2022, the digital scavenger hunt style event will have activities and challenges for participants to complete. Earth week challenges will focus on environmentally friendly activities, and it is free for participants to join.

For more information, including eco-tips and to purchase a rain barrel, visit  www.pelham.ca/earthweek

Art Show and Reception

APRIL 2, 2022    1-3PM 

Krista McMillan Art, in collaboration with PATH and Adam Shoalts, invite you to attend an art show and reception at the Meridian Community Centre located at 100 Meridian Way in Fonthill.

Krista McMillan is an acrylic artist who works in a loose impressionistic style. She paints a variety of trees and landscapes inspired from time spent in nature. She works and lives in the Niagara area of Ontario Canada. 

Named one of the “greatest living explorers” by Canadian Geographic, and declared “Canada’s Indiana Jones” by the Toronto Star, Adam Shoalts is a professional adventurer and the author of four national best-selling books.  

Additional thanks to the Town of Pelham and the Pelham Arts Advisory Committee.

New Logo Contest

UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2022

Seeing our name has been changed and this is a truly grass movement, I believe we need a logo. I have created an sample that I came up with. You do not have to use mine, improve or design your own. By looking at mine it is obvious that I am not a great artist. I am hoping that you can come up with something that will be much better. Your reward is having your design on our website, Facebook group page, and next T-shirt  with acknowledgment. Hoping that all ages will enter. Contest runs to February 28th. Good Luck to all participates. 

Mike Jones

'National Tree Day' Walk 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Wednesday September 23rd we are celebrating the 10th Annual Tree Day in Canada. To commemorate this day, the Pelham Tree Conservation Society will be hosting a walk from Merritt Road entry of the Steve Bauer Trail to Peace Park. The walk starts at 4:30 sharp!! Please wear your Friends of the Steve Bauer Trail T-shirts if you have one. If not don’t worry, maybe you could find something of Green.

At the end of the walk, we are going to present to the Town a signed T-shirt from Steve Bauer. I have been told by our Mayor that it will be placed in the Meridian Community Centre for public viewing next to the Marlene Stewart Streit Display!

Feel free to bring your whole family and friends, just dont forget to bring your masks and maintain safe distances.

Hope to see you all there!

Youth Art  Contest

POSTERS DUE BY APRIL 24, 2021 

Calling all young artists between the ages of 10-19 yrs. who are also budding environmentalists – this Youth Art Challenge should be right up your alley!! Check it out!! The Pelham Art Festival’s theme for 2021 is OUR PLANET, OUR FUTURE. When we heard about the Rotary Club’s Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup initiative, we thought it was a great idea to promote their awesome event by doing a poster contest for that purpose and while we were at it, an art contest for the May Online Festival too!

Zoom Meeting

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2021

This Thursday from 7:00 to 8:00 pm we will be having our first Zoom Meeting. I am really looking forward to hearing from you and providing as much information that I have available. The purpose of this meeting is to update everyone on what has been going on since December, when our first major campaign on trying to preserve the Steve Bauer Trail and what has transpired since the Town Council has reported to having received our information and petitions. We are currently working on a game plan to go forward and hoping for your input on our direction. Also the topic of Earth Day has came been brought up. Suggestions and getting volunteers will be on the agenda. Anyone who would like an invite to the meeting, email pelhamtreeconservationsociety@gmail.com OR send Mike Jones a message via Facebook Messenger. Hope to see you there!

Poster Contest

DECEMBER 15, 2020 - JANUARY 2, 2021

ATTENTION TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN PELHAM. WE HAVE STARTED A POSTER CONTEST! Event details

ATTENTION TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN PELHAM. WE HAVE STARTED A POSTER CONTEST!

FOUR PRIZES WORTH TOTAL OF $250.00. GRAND PRIZE $100.00 COUPON FROM SOBEYS. THREE PRIZES OF $50.00 GIFT CARDS FOR PETER PIPERS PUB HOUSE, 111 HWY 20 EAST IN FONTHILL.

ALL POSTERS MUST PUT A POSITIVE REASON WHY THE TRAIL IS IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE, OR PICTURES SHOWING HOW YOU USE IT OR NATURE ON THE TRAIL, ETC.

NAME, AGE, CONTACT,SCHOOL & GRADE MUST BE ON POSTER

THE CONTEST RUNS FROM DEC. 15 TO JAN.2, 2021

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN !!!

JUDGING WILL BE DONE ON JAN.4

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON “PELHAM TREE CONSERVATION SOCIETY” FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE

AT THIS MOMENT THERE ARE ONLY THREE DROP OFF LOCATIONS

ALL POSTERS MUST PUT A POSITIVE REASON WHY THE TRAIL IS IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE, OR PICTURES SHOWING HOW YOU USE IT OR NATURE ON THE TRAIL, ETC.

NAME, AGE, CONTACT, SCHOOL & GRADE MUST BE ON POSTER

THE CONTEST RUNS FROM DEC. 15 TO JAN.2 2021