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By Jamie Smith, tbnewswatch.com
A new sign marks the learning trail at Mission Marsh Wednesday morning.
Visitors to the Mission Marsh can learn while they walk thanks to the opening of a unique, new trail.
The Mission Marsh Learning Trail was officially opened Wednesday morning. Lakehead Region Conservation Authority chair Bill Bartley said the self-guided walk will feature interpretive panels explaining the features of the trail and the surrounding ecosystem.
"This is going to be one where people can go along and actually learn something about flora and fauna in the area," Bartley said.
New vegetation, from red maple trees to Evan’s cherry trees have been planted along the trail to spruce up the area and attract wildlife.
The $20,000 tab was picked up by Ontario Power Generation. OPG’s Northwest program manager Jane Todd said the trail will also be used in the local school system curriculum starting next June.
"We’re very excited to be welcoming our first students to the formal part of this," Todd said, standing near a new trail sign Wednesday morning.
The marsh is a significant wetland in the province. Todd said it’s important for OPG to partner with groups like the LRCA to help protect wildlife areas and get people back to nature.
"There’s something a little bit wild about the Mission Marsh area that is just something that’s disappearing a lot," Todd said, adding the company, with its nearby coal plant, wants to be a good neighbour.