The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed will be having a ribbon cutting this week.
Friday will be the grand opening of the organization’s offices at 216 Kimberly Street in Bracebridge.
The FotMW received a Grow Grant to launch a wood ash recycling program. It is being done to help solve the problem of calcium decline in Muskoka’s lakes and soils.
In 2017 the FotMW got a seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to seek answers to why calcium levels were falling in the watershed.
Currently wood ash is being sought to be used in experimental applications at a number of area maple sugar bush facilities.
“We are excited with the hiring of this team that is overseeing the ASHMuskoka project and the new offices,” states Doug Clark, Board Member of Friends of the Muskoka Watershed and oversees the ASHMuskoka Project.
The organization has been progressing through various stages of development receiving support for its work from various government agencies.
Led by Dr. Shakira Azan, two new staff members are now in place to support the program. Communication/IT expert Paul Grinnell and Audrey van Petegrem who heads marketing efforts are also working to advance the ash recycling program.
The open house is this Friday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm with a ribbon cutting by Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith happening at 4:30pm.
There will be slideshows and a presentation on the goals of the ash recycling program. Buckets for ash storage will be given away the opening.
