Back to Search

Sparling Bush Open House

Contact Us

The Town of St. Marys and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) are hosting an Open House to discuss the continued preservation of Sparling Bush.

This is an opportunity for the public to speak with staff, share concerns and ask questions about the future of this invaluable natural amenity.

Sparling Bush Open House

Thursday, October 26, 2017
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Municipal Operations Centre
408 James St. South, St. Marys

Additional information

Sparling Bush provides residents and visitors access to a variety of plant and animal life, and recreational trails. The continued preservation of Sparling Bush is crucial as it provides immense ecological and recreational value, and is, therefore, an integral Town asset.

In late 2014, the Town of St. Marys requested that the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) complete an inspection and prepare a report regarding the condition of the bush along with recommendations to improve its health and overall management.

UTRCA identified several key issues that threaten the conservation of Sparling Bush and provided recommendations to reduce these threats. A copy of the report, titled “Sparling Bush: Management Recommendations for the Town of St. Marys” can be found through the Town’s website at: https://stmpublishing.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=4167.

How to preserve Sparling Bush

The Town of St. Marys and the UTRCA are asking for the public’s help to preserve Sparling Bush as there are a number of key issues that threaten the conservation of this natural amenity.

DO

  • Be mindful of native and non-native plants. Placement of invasive alien species in gardens located near Sparling Bush can easily outcompete native species and lead to a decline in native biodiversity and reduced ecosystems.
  • Use official entry points. The creation of personal access points into Sparling Bush damages both the density of the bush and the interior through soil compaction. Using Town established entry points protects off trail vegetation.
  • Carry in/carry out your trash. Do not leave anything in Sparling Bush. Help out by picking up any litter that you find and dispose of it properly.
  • Enjoy! Sparling Bush is a shared space and should be enjoyed. Take photographs and use the trail regularly.

DON’T

  • Create encroachments. Mowing, gardening, or installing structures such as sheds or fences within the Sparling Bush boundaries is illegal. Encroaching into the edges of Sparling Bush reduces the size and threatens the integrity and value of the bush.
  • Dump yard waste. Dumping yard waste may inadvertently transport alien plants or animals into Sparling Bush, which can wreak havoc on the native ecosystem, while also preventing natural regeneration. Please use the Town’s bi-weekly curbside pick up to dispose of yard waste materials.
  • Have open fires or smoke. Open fire within the confines of Sparling Bush is dangerous as the potential to spread is very high.

The Town of St. Marys also has a role in protecting the integrity of Sparling Bush, including:

1. Removal of non-native species, as time allows

2. Continued development of existing trail paths, which involves wood chip placement to improve the surface

3. Annual inspection of trees adjacent to internal trails

4. Improved local signage at trail entrance points to Sparling Bush, including an official trail map of the bush interior

Downloads

Sparling Bush Newsletter

Contact

Morgan Dykstra
Public Works Coordinator
519-284-2340, ext. 213
mdykstra@town.stmarys.on.ca