Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee

Purpose

The Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee is a group of volunteers appointed by the Municipality of Clarington to assist the Municipality and the Ministry of Natural Resources in managing the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area. The Committee is also dedicated to preserving and improving the condition of the Nature Area for the benefit of the wildlife that resides there and the enjoyment of the residents of Clarington. The Committee plays an educational role for residents and visitors by organizing public presentations, events and activities related to nature and the environment.

Terms of reference

• View the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (PDF)

Composition

The Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee is comprised of 12 voting members appointed by Council and one non-voting member, including

• Eleven citizen members
• One member of Council
• A representative from Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (non-voting)

Committee requirements:

All members must be residents of Clarington, should possess various skills, and participate in the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The required skills are as follows:

• Technical – interpret the EMP, recommend the annual work plan and provide leadership during the implementation of projects and monitoring.
• Public Relations – create a public relations strategy focusing on public awareness, education, and promoting the site.
• Fundraising – create a fundraising strategy aimed at soliciting private funds, donations-in-kind, and investigating charitable status.
• Volunteer support – responsible for soliciting volunteers and organizing work programs.

The Committee shall be supported by volunteers, who can be any individuals from the public who possess various skills or who have an interest in the site and are willing to participate in protection/enhancement projects or other aspects such as fundraising, writing, leading walking tours, tree planting, collecting litter, trailblazing, etc. 

Term length

Members of the Committee serve the same four-year term as Council or until their successor is appointed.

Frequency of meetings

The Committee meets a minimum of four times per year and establishes a meeting schedule that includes the time and place for meetings.

The Committee also arranges several on-site events on weekends throughout the year including planting projects, site cleanup, special events and presentations. These occur approximately eight to 10 times per year.

Remuneration

This is a volunteer position.

Committee vacancies

There are no current vacancies. To apply for future vacancies, fill out the Appointments to Boards and Committees Application Form.

Committee contact

Brian Reid, Committee Chair

Ken Mercer, Parks and Cemeteries Supervisor
905-260-7430

Agenda

• View Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee agendas

Minutes

• View Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee minutes

Documents and publications

For more information on the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area:

• SWNAMAC Presentation (PDF)
• WordPress Blog
• Waterfront Trail Map (PDF)

History

The Nature Area is comprised of 77 hectares of stream valley lands and wetlands on the shore of Lake Ontario. It is located between the CN Railway and Lake Ontario, Toronto Street to the east and Cobbledick Road in Newcastle, to the west. The Waterfront Trail traverses the property and walking/hiking trails provide access to shoreline, Newcastle Marsh and Wilmot Creek.

Wilmot Creek and the marsh are both significant components of the ecosystem of Lake Ontario's north shore. In recognition of the environmental significance and recreational values of Wilmot Creek and the Lake Ontario waterfront, the Municipality of Clarington has set goals for establishing a Nature Area on these lands, preserving them for ecological benefit and the health and enjoyment of Clarington residents.

On March 23, 1998, Council approved the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area, which establishes a management approach and action plan for the future development of the site.

Report PD-64-98 outlined the options for the impetus of the SWNAMAC.