When LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni requested members to tell us about volunteer work, Adele Pierre CLD of Adele Pierre Landscape Design in Caledonia, responded by writing that it was a great idea to let others know about members’ volunteer efforts.
Pierre told about two projects she was involved with over the past year or two. “I organized a summer adventure camp at Central Presbyterian Church in Hamilton for kids aged four to 12. The theme was Re:New – Caring for Creation.” The group learned about making compost, rainwater management, recycling, planting bulbs, and about the benefits of trees. The group also brought in a worm composter, hatched chicks, and had a couple of frames of honey bees.
“The week was an absolute blast. Over the past three or four years I have also been working with a team of volunteers to turn the church property into a lovely garden for the neighbourhood. The master plan for the property was actually part of my submission for CLD,” said Pierre.
Adele Pierre also volunteered her time on a project at Crieff Hills community. “This is a fascinating property, originally owned by Colonel Maclean (founder of Macleans magazine), and designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. There has been a recent addition to the conference centre and I have worked with a team of volunteers with plantings. Of particular interest was woodland that had been completely overgrown with buckthorn. The buckthorn was dug out and we replanted with all-native plant material. I am currently consulting with Peter Mitchell of the Centre for Land and Water Stewardship (University of Guelph) to discuss further projects.”
