Capture the Change: New Chronolog Stations at Ojibway Prairie Invite You to Witness Nature in Motion

The Friends of Ojibway Prairie are transforming the way we connect with nature by introducing two new Chronolog stations in the heart of the Ojibway Prairie Complex.

These innovative tools allow visitors to play an active role in documenting the ongoing transformations of one of Windsor's most treasured natural landscapes.

Located in west Windsor, the Ojibway Prairie Complex serves as a sanctuary for an array of rare and endangered species. The strategic placement of Chronolog stations along the Wildlife Loop Trail and the Savanna Loop Trail empowers community members to contribute to a visual database that illustrates the park's dynamic ecological changes.

Strategic Stations for Ecological Monitoring

Savanna Loop Trail: This station is vital for tracking the regenerative effects following controlled burns, crucial for maintaining the prairie's health and diversity.

Wildlife Loop Trail: Positioned in a sandy, open area of the park, this station captures images of the unique plant life and bustling animal activity, making it an ideal spot for observing rare plants and wildlife.

A Community Effort in Conservation

The introduction of these Chronolog stations is more than just a technological installation; it is an invitation for the community to engage directly with environmental science and conservation efforts. Visitors can participate by scanning a QR code, snapping a picture, and uploading it to the Chronolog website, where it contributes to a growing time-lapse video of the area's natural progression.

"By engaging with these Chronolog stations, community members become part of our conservation story, capturing fleeting moments that together weave the ongoing narrative of the Ojibway Prairie," explained Dylan Kristy, Friends of Ojibway Prairie board member. "These photos help us capture the pulse of the park, educating and inspiring stewardship within the community."

Dedicated to Education and Ecological Health

The Friends of Ojibway Prairie's dedication to this cause is reflected in their continuous efforts to educate and involve the public in the preservation of the park's rich biodiversity. Their initiatives aim to foster a knowledgeable community that values and actively participates in the preservation and enhancement of the local environment.

As each season unfolds, the images collected at these Chronolog stations will build a visual chronicle of change, celebrating the collective effort to nurture and protect this vital ecological haven.

Keep an eye on our website or follow us on social as we install more of these Chronologs throughout the Ojibway Prairie Complex!

The Friends of Ojibway Prairie to testify on Bill C-248 at ENVI Committee

The Friends of Ojibway Prairie has identified four key pillars it would like to see implemented during the creation of an Ojibway National Urban Park.

After months of engaging with local experts, stakeholders and rightsholders in their traditional territory, the Friends has been selected to testify on Bill C-248 at the House of Commons’ environment and sustainable development standing committee this Friday.

“We’re thrilled that there has been unanimous support in parliament for creating the Ojibway National Urban Park,” said Friends of Ojibway Prairie President Bill Roesel.

“The Ojibway Prairie Complex and surrounding area is truly a precious gem well worthy of the highest levels of protection.”

The committee began discussing the private members’ bill last week and will continue this week with testimony from various stakeholders including the Friends. Accompanying the testimony will be a joint written submission from the Friends of Ojibway Prairie, Citizens Environment Alliance, Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club, and Wildlife Preservation Canada.

“We believe we’ve identified four key areas that should be considered when creating this park and urge a collaborative approach where all parties and processes are working together to achieve an outcome that is best,” said Mike Fisher, national urban park committee chair for the Friends of Ojibway Prairie.

The four key pillars are legislation that makes ecological integrity the top priority, maximizing the park boundaries for increased ecological preservation and habitat, meaningful consultation and partnerships with Indigenous communities, and robust community consultation and supporting mechanisms.

"Thanks to public support, there is a tremendous opportunity to protect and enhance lands around those currently being preserved in the Ojibway Complex as part of a National Urban Park,” said Derek Coronado, Coordinator of the Citizens Environment Alliance.

“The CEA looks forward to continuing to collaborate with FOOP and other groups and individuals to establish and enhance the Ojibway National Urban Park.”

Read the Friends of Ojibway Prairie submission to the environment and sustainable development standing committee.

Friends of Ojibway Prairie voices support of study to extend wilfelife overpass

Friends of Ojibway Prairie President Bill Roesel recently spoke to various media outlets voicing the organization’s support for a wildlife crossing that would extend over Ojibway Parkway and the adjacent railway tracks.

The City of Windsor had previously funded an environmental assessment that looked at a crossing over Ojibway Parkway, stopping just shy of the tracks.

“Connectivity between the natural areas that make up the Ojibway Prairie Complex is crucial for wildlife, including the many species at risk that make their habitat within the ecosystem,” Roesel wrote in a submission to Windsor City Council. “We strongly support working toward a solution that provides the best connectivity between Black Oak Heritage Park, Ojibway Shores and the rest of the Ojibway Prairie Complex.”

The previously proposed wildlife crossing — a 50-metre-wide green bridge over Ojibway Parkway just south of Broadway Street — is estimated to cost upwards of $15.3 million.

For more information about the proposed crossing and to see the Friends of Ojibway Prairie’s statements read the Windsor Star, CTV News and AM800.

Friends of Ojibway Prairie partners with RARE Apparel

RARE Apparel co-owners Tam Nguyen and Scott Bisson pose with the Friends of Ojibway Prairie President Bill Roesel during the Earth Day celebrations at Malden Park on April 22, 2018.

RARE Apparel co-owners Tam Nguyen and Scott Bisson pose with the Friends of Ojibway Prairie President Bill Roesel during the Earth Day celebrations at Malden Park on April 22, 2018.

The buzz is growing about a new collaboration between the Friends of Ojibway Prairie (FOOP) and Windsor's RARE Apparel.

FOOP approached RARE Apparel earlier this year looking to partner on a line of t-shirts, long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts that would help introduce the volunteer organization to a wider audience while promoting the unmatched beauty of the Ojibway Prairie Complex.

The partners from RARE Apparel loved the idea from the start and enlisted the help of a local graphic designer to come up with the beautiful design you see below.

Each species represented in the design is one found in the Ojibway Prairie Complex.

Along with helping to spread the word about Ojibway, $5 from every sale is donated to the Friends of Ojibway Prairie to help provide assistance with educational programs, special events and restoration projects.

To buy one of your own, please visit www.rareapparel.ca!

PRESCRIBED BURN MARCH 2017

Burning is an essential component to keeping the prairie healthy. Without it invasive species would take over, destroying what little Tallgrass Prairie remains. Only about 1.5 million hectares remain from an estimated 90 million hectares due to agriculture and urbanization. This Tallgrass Prairie is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, some found only here in all of Canada. Fire is important to ensure these species survive. Click here for more information on prescribed burns. 

EARTH DAY

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and Join us to celebrate Earth Day 2017 on Sunday, April 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Malden Park (4200 Malden road).

This event is free for the public. There will be over 40 environmental exhibits; The Friends of Ojibway Prairie will be hosting a wildflower planting; there will also be arts and crafts; a nature scavenger hunt; and many more environmental activities!

Fun for the whole family!