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| { | a\y 26 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, June 30, 1992 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" B¢ Julia Dempsey "Port Perry Star pok may be out for the 8 spbut there is still a lot of life left ft R. H. Cornish. Public School. Frogs; toads, and birds have taken oyer at least one portion of the y@ird where teachers and studentg@built a wildlife habitat during t§e school year. The ida was the brainchild of teacher:ob Ferguson. "The #ildlife habitat is at a finisheghtage for this year," Mr. Fergusdp told the Port Perry Star. "Ilooks complete." But hi& did note that a project of its nafure is never really com- plete. Infilling with annual plants, iiseparating perennial bulbs, aid maintaining the hab- itat malges it an ongoing project 3 x $ Fo « EX story for details.) . for years to come, he said. "Now that it is established it won't be so hard in the future to continue," Mr. Ferguson said. The habitat includes a large frog pond, numerous shade trees, shrubs and evergreens, along with an assortment of per- ennial and annual plants and flowers including lupins, asters, marsh marigolds, common mar- joram and geraniums to name a few. - "This was abigjob,"" Mr. Fegu- son said. "I was worried about it because it was publicized in the papers and it is situated on a major street." But all of the worry was for nothing. The school has re- ceived numerous compliments on the project. Kudos also came in from at least one set of parents. In a let- ter to Mr. Ferguson, Blackstock residents Ron and Ellen Martyn thanked him for challenging "the creative thought processes" of their children. "Congratulations on the spec- tacular habitat garden at R, H. Cornish," Mrs. Martyn wrote. "And, more significant to me, congratulations on your success of making it a school-wide pro- ject." The Martyn's three children all had a hand in the project, and although they all came home with stories to tell about their involvement in the pro- ject, it was Josh, their middle child, who put what he had learned into play at home. After helping build the frog ~~ LOT pond portion of the habitat, Josh decided he'd like to con- struct a scaled-down version at home. He worked well into the eve- ning one night collecting small rocks, digging and lining a hole, and planting strawberries, vio- lets and other small perennials around the rockery. For Mr. Ferguson, having a student apply at home what he has learned at school was the greatest compliment of all. "That was the kind of transfer I was hoping to get," Mr. Fergu- son said. A party was held at the end of the school year for the students and teachers who helped with the habitat. Everyone feasted on an ap- propriate treat called Dirt Des- sert which is made from a base of chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, Jell-O worms, and angel food cake broken into small pieces to resemble grubs. Silk flowers were planted on top. The wildlife habitat project wouldn't have been possible without the generous donations from local businesses and resi- dents. The students and staff would like to thank the follow- > ing for theirsupport: John Brough of Tri Son for the ¥ use of his backhoe; Colin Kemp for donating and installing the pond liner for the frog pond; Gord Lee for constructing the HE {* indoor habitat display that got ---- Sem! Lreclous Stones * Original] # trendy designer clothing * * NigyAna x Xx iY. lerting Sires with * fabulous hand-made designer kals 261 Queen St. * Port Perry 985-6000 rr---- * Bags, Caps, Honey At Body Scents, and more from the Far Last y PrerTT------ EMMERSON INSURANCE BROKERS LIMIT 193 QUEEN ST., PORT PERRY, ONT. L9L 189 (416) 985-7306 ALL LINES OF GENERAL INSURANCE NATIONAL TRUST A Division of National Victoria and Grey Trustco BI 1 YEAR ANNUAL INTEREST 8.0% - 5 Year Annual Rates Subject to Change without Notice. Weddi Anniversary & Dirthday Invitations - Fast, Efficient Service » Four Design Books * Book Lending Service 10% OFF Complete Wedding Package Orders PORT PERRY STAR OFFICE CENTRE 188 Mary St. - Port Perry everybody talking and thinking ¢. about the outdoor habitat; Van Camp Construction for donating the large boulders on site; McMillen Tree Service for do- nating and planting the large spruce tree and for planting the Crimson King maple tree; Donna Saunders for donating NT A : Mah wie Lo Grade 6 student Josh Martyn of Blackstock Wildlife has taken over R.H. Cornish yard the Crimson King maple tree and paying to haveitinstalled; Brook's Feed Store for donat- ing a year's supply of birdseed and grass seed; Scugog Township Roads De- partment for donating truck- loads of earth and woodchips; Ward 2 Councillor Marilyn Pearce and the Scugog Town- ship council for supporting the project with a cash contribution of $300 and two large maple trees; Doug Smiith for donating a large birch tree; Suzanne Parker for donating Juniper evergreen shrubs; South Port Nursery for expert advice on planning and plant- ing; White Rose Nursery for do- nating evergreen shrubs, annu- als, perennials, and other shrubs; Port Perry Rent and Save for making available the use of any equipment needed for the habi- tat site free of charge; Ralph and Pat Price, Mrs. Al- dridge, Mrs. Fancy for cash do- nations for the purchase of shrubs; Canadian Wildlife Founda- tion for a donation of $500 for shrubs and other plants; Durham Board of Educa- tion's plant department for fast- tracking the approval for out- door plumbing, electricity and other site supports; Opper's Aluminium for con- structing an aluminium flash- ing pan for the indoor habitat display; Canada Trust Environmen- tal Fund, Oshawa branch, for a $1,000 donation to go towards the needs of the habitat this fall; Parents and teachers for bringing in shrubs and flowers; And the students for giving up many noon hours and time after school to make the habitat a success ES ; "J » ~ enjoyed the expe- rience of helping with the habitat project at R. H. Cornish Public School so much that he decided to design his own frog pond at home. Josh planted strawberries, violets and other perennials around the perimetre of the pond. Frogs aren't the only crea- tures enjoying his venture. The neighbor's kitten Cuddles also seems to like it.