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Moraine Continued from pege 2 species, 166 bird species, 51 different species of mammals, and 74 different kinds of butterflies. butterflies. Scientists have classified classified more than 80 plant and animal species on the Moraine provincially and nationally rare. The Moraine is known for it's forests, but tall grass prairies and oak-pine-savan- nahs once covered significant portions of the Moraine and southern Ontario. Now, they are globally threatened--and we have lost 99.9 percent of this prairie habitat on the Moraine. The Moraine plays a crucial role in protecting the quantity and quality of water resources in southern Ontario. Its wetland wetland and springs are the source for 60 watersheds. Its thick sands act like a giant rain and snow collection system - a natural natural rain barrel that slowly releases clean water to 65 rivers and streams,and to wells that supply over a quarter of a million people. It also acts like a huge sponge, holding back storm water and protecting urban areas in the Greater Toronto Area from flood and erosion damage. We know this because the Moraine's ground- water and aquifer system is probably the most studied in the province, and governments have been aware of it's critical importance for more than 50 years. How do we protect and preserve preserve such an important part of our province? We protect the Moraine by enforcing the legislation and regulations now - the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act and plan - which place restrictions and guidelines on every hectare of the Moraine, particularly it's most important natural features, and restrict urban development to designated designated settlement areas. While any plan can be improved, and stakeholders have lots of suggestions, suggestions, the first priority should be to implement what was promised. We protect the Moraine by remaining vigilant for unwanted unwanted intrusions, by being clear on what is and is not acceptable development, and by understanding understanding the real message from the current Richmond Hill land dispute -, that degradation of vulnerable lands is no longer acceptable. Most importantly, each one of us can help protect the Moraine - by learning about and appreciating it's remarkable remarkable features and by supporting the many efforts of Moraine landowners, conservation authorities, governments, citizen citizen groups and educators who know the landscape and offer practical solutions for it's protection. protection. They are the ones who really really know what doing 'good' for the Oak Ridges Moraine means for our future. * .41 .jL * <§)hop ^ OW(zr3 ^ We're Celebrating our 20th Anniversary! 20% OFF all our Christmas Tree Ornaments Orono 983-9155 • Oshawa 433-2515 www.appleblossomflowers.com Come in and enter our free draw for a holiday centrepiece CHOCOLATE LETTERS ARE HERE • GiNqEttbREAd Houses start! Nq at $5.25 • Dessert & Party T ra Y s • COME UpSTAÎRS f0R SEATÎNq or ]ust T0 bROWSE ThROUqh OUR UNÎÇUE qih ■ " > 7 idEAS: boXEd choColATES, MARZÎpAN, ' n . . ffiUiTCAkE ANd Much MORE. Proprietors Gary & Carol Vreeker • OpEN MoNdAys ÎN ÜECEMbER | É ^ Main St., Orono • 905-983-9779 </i, wi • Pcdicurcs/Manicurcs • Waxing Brigitte Brown *** Nail Extensions v v G//t Air Brushing ESTHETIC STUDIO Certificates Eyelash Tinting J Electronic Muscle Stimulate (EMS) Available Paraffin Wax 15% DISCOUNT with coupon 171 Mill Street, Orono, ON LOB 1M0 • 905-983-8169 ^ The bride' and groom, played by Jenna Gerald and Andrew Gaboury, and preacher, Chris Kerr some of the leads in St. Stephen's production of " Our Town" December 3, 4, and 5. St Stephens' presents "Our Town" "Appreciation of the Ordinary" is the theme of the play presented by St. Stephen's Secondary School in Bowmanville on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 7:30 p.m. each evening. "Set during the early 20th century, "Our Town", by Pulitzer Prize winner Thornton Wilder, represents any place, all places, any time and all times," says Nora Green, grade 10,11, and 12 English Teacher at St. Stephen's. "The play is divided into three acts depicting depicting daily life, love and marriage, marriage, life and death, and reinforces reinforces the idea that our hopes, despairs and loves begin and end, not with things but in the mind and soul." Over forty students, along with eight staff members, including cast and backstage personnel are involved in the production of this timeless story of ordinary people involved in ordinary lives and the importance of each individu ual. Reservations can be made by calling the school at (905) 623-3990: