Marmora and Lake — The municipality has devised a plan to preserve local wetlands for future generations.

Council here recently approved the Naylor’s Common Wetland and Trails Long-range Plan. Put together by the municipality’s environmental advisory committee and economic development committees, in partnership with the parks and recreation department, the plan sets goals to upgrade, maintain and promote the wetlands as a safe and ecologically diverse environment for the use of both Marmora residents and visitors, said economic development officer Typhany Choinard in a report submitted to council.

Choinard said the wetlands and trails will be developed "in a responsible way that is respectful of the fine line between conservation and the development of the property for educational and recreational purposes."

Another objective of the plan is to develop educational materials designed to expand knowledge of the plant and animal species to found on the 20-hectare site, located just south of Highway 7 in Marmora.

Naylor’s Common was named after John William Naylor, who purchased the property in 1898 and opened a brickyard. The two-story Naylor residence was purchased by the Village of Marmora in 1920 and converted into the Marmora Continuation School.

The Village of Marmora purchased the property around the brickyard in 1993, and Naylor’s Common Wetland and Trails was officially opened March 16, 1994.

Choinard said the forested area of the property contains the three hiking trails and is the most suitable area for recreation. The wetland portion contains a beaver pond, marsh and swamp, fed by a number of small creeks. And a small one-acre meadow contains a mixture of wildflowers, and requires minimal maintenance.

Choinard said the environmental advisory committee wants to develop strong partnerships to ensure the success of the long-range plan; develop structural and physical improvements to the site; and develop a land management partnership to ensure the site is looked after.

Other goals include marketing and promoting the site as a asset to Marmora and Lake and developing a plan to involve town residents in the ownership of the property.

Choinard stressed the need to develop the site in a way that does not damage the sensitive wetland ecosystem. "This will be resolved by ensuring that observation boardwalks are installed to minimize impact," she said

via Wetlands preservation will benefit residents and visitors – Community Press – Ontario, CA.