CEE EE LH Conservation Area Oft-leash Dog Trail Becomes More Popular An off-leash dog trail created at the Quinte Conservation Area in Quinte West in September has everyone panting with excitement. The idea of an off-leash trail was the brainchild of Belleville resident Jim Moore who also spearheaded the popular 3-acre dog park at East Zwick's Park. After expressing concern to Quinte Conservation about conflicts between dog owners, hikers and cross-country skiers, and excessive amounts of fecal matter along the trails at the popular conservation area west of Belleville, a separate trail was designed just west of the main network. It is here where dog owners are permitted to let their pets run free. Elsewhere in the conservation area, dogs must be on a leash. Moore contributed toward the placement of a trail sign, SEER appropriately titled the "Pooch Path." Additional signage was donated by Kim Taylor Signs of Belleville, and Quinte Waste Solutions of Trenton provided a "digester," similar to a home composter, into which dog owners can deposit their dog's waste. Quinte Conservation Naturalist and Special Events Coordinator, Terry Sprague, initially expressed concern whether staff would have enough time to maintain yet another walking trail. "We needn't have worried," laughed Sprague. "Traffic on this new trail is so heavy that summer grass cutting should never be a problem, and volunteers with the Quinte Dog Park Association do a wonderful job in maintaining other aspects of the trail." Volunteers are also ensuring the trail remains free of snow during this winter. The staff member says, now that winter has arrived there have been more people walking on the new trail, resulting in less damage to the cross-country ski trails. He says the trails are remarkably clean and has nothing but praise for the dozens of dog owners who visit the area on a daily basis. He says Pooch Path brochures and Continued on page 19 Even Better with Age - Continued from page 14 "Old Tractor Is Worth Every Cent" A couple of piles of rusted steel, A rotted tire, a broken wheel - All the old parts were there in the grass Till one day when I happened to pass. That "junk" reminded me of "52---" Pa brought home the same model, only spankin' new. The wheels were orange and so was the rad; It was the slickest tractor we ever had. For this old wreck the price I'd pay Was to get my truck and haul it all away. Some pieces were broke, others just bent... Sorting and cleaning was time well spent. The pistons I soaked, but strain as I might, They wouldn't budge and stayed frozen tight. Finally the rods moved and I felt some slack. Freed up the engine? Nope ---pulled out my back! Parts that were needed were not to be found. On trips we shopped every scrap yard around. My wife was patient, but I'd tell from her frown, She'd rather have been on the good side of town. Little by little, things fell into place... Our yard was cleaned up, no more disgrace. A new radiator and gears moving free, And once again I got to bed before three. My records don't indicate all that I spent--- Boy, if they did, I'd be forced to repent. Now that it's finished and looks, just like new, I've started to seek one more tractor to do. This first one was worth every cent that 1 paid--- Now I'll be leading the Christmas parade. (Domeny/Jamieson) Tractor restoration is now a flourishing winter hobby for many farmers in the Mt. Zion area thanks to people like our friends Rob and Don and Shirley and Kenny. That shining "new" '44 Model 'H' Farmall nicknamed "The Boss" which rolled out of the barn last year brings back loving memories of the day that Kenny's dad first brought it home. It is now a real momento and constant reminder of the good years on the family farm. "But Don, what are you going to do when the restoration is finished," I asked? "Well......." And then came a long pause. "I might just find another one to restore," was the reply. Don by the way, did find his second one, a '52 Case Model VA, finished it and is now quietly looking for a third to restore. I wonder if Shirley knows....??? - Pastor Ian Robb.