Green Legacy to celebrate millionth tree planting

Wellington County's Green Legacy program will plant its millionth tree next month.
Now the largest municipal tree planting program in North America, the Green Legacy regularly plants more than 156,000 trees every year.
On Sunday, Oct. 3, the one-millionth tree will be planted at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, during the museum's Harvest Home Festival.
“The one millionth tree honours and celebrates the individuals, organizations and companies who have made this milestone possible,” said Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “Much of the Green Legacy program’s success is made possible by our partners and volunteers, who are committed to enhancing the environment.”
The one millionth tree will be planted on the lawn of the Wellington County Museum and Archives adjacent to the first Green Legacy tree planted in 2004.

Well Aware program a success

The Well Aware program has been a big hit in the area.
The Elora Environment Centre had Environment Ministry funding to do 100 free, confidential well-checkups through the program - and all 100 spaces have been booked.
"It's unfortunate that we didn't get funding for more than that ... because public response for this has been great," said program co-ordinator Sara Lin Barron.
During a well check-up visit, a well guide spends up to two hours with the homeowners teaching them how to identify and address potential risks to the water supply.
The program teaches about soil and bedrock and how they impact groundwater. It shows how to perform routine checkups and maintenance on wells, gives information on water testing, septic system care and maintenance, and info on upgrades.

10th anniversary threshing bee biggest and best

The 10th anniversary Bellamy-Griffin Threshing Bee, held Aug. 28 at the Bellamy Farm, midway between Fergus and Belwood, was about as good as it gets. The perfect weather we have experienced all summer continued through the classic antique equipment showcase bringing out a bonanza of restored beauties.
The Jim Bellamy and Gary Griffin families held a one-time threshing bee in the 2000 millennium year as a reminder of our hard-working forefathers and their methods of the day. The event was so popular it has continued on ever since.
The 10th edition was, by far, the largest to date with nearly 100 tractors of all colours on display and 45 of them showing their brawn on the non-competitive pulling track.

Movie series brings in food

The summer's Movies in the Park series has generated 831 pounds of food for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
Sponsored by Cherry Hill Entertainment, the movie series featured Alvin in the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel, Avatar, and Shrek III. The movies were run in the field behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.

For more on these, and other stories, pick up your Sept. 8 edition of the Fergus-Elora News Express today!