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Sa 4 12- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 6, 1993 R.H. Cornish wins top award By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star What began as four bushes and a muddy path, has trans- formed into an award winning project. R.H. Cornish Public School was recently notified that its wildlife habitats took top prize against all Habitat 2000 pro- jectsin Canada. The Canadian Wildlife Foun- dation made the choice after re- viewing all projects it spon- sored. "I've been so thoroughly in- volved in it. I know the frustra- tion as much as the success,' said Rob Ferguson, a special ed- ucation teacher responsible for the habitats. "I didn't expect it to be as well recognized by the group. We cer- tainly didn't expect it, but it's nice." The project began as a small venture in the winter of 1992, and just like the habitats them- selves, grew over time. Using color-coded schematic drawings, the habitats were created in a number of phases. Today the four habitats serve as homes to amphibians, birds, butterflies and various insects. Mr. Ferguson developed the idea for the project along the lines of the Durham Board of Education's "Looking Good Contest." This project encourag- es schools to maintain the up- keep of their property during the summer months. The -project is located at the northeast corner of the school's property and features a number of different trees, shrubs, flow- ers and other plants as well as an amphibian pond. The habitats were created in phases and are the culmination of many people's time, labor and effort. In fact all students have had a hand in the project from the preparation of the site to the planting of the flora. Each of the students planted at least one plant. "Truly every student had a hand init," he said. The students also broke into groups, led by Grade 8 students, and were assigned a portion of Boots, of all Habitat 2000 projects | the planting. The growth was documented. Parents were also impressed , that the entire student po tion was involved hie gject. "I think this habitat project is great. Everybody is involved and that's what they will re- member," said Ellen Martyn, a parent. As a result of this involve- ment, she believes all the stu- dents can take a certain pride in it as well. The project has sparked the interest of a number of students as well, who have created their own habitats at home, including Mrs. Martyn's son Josh. Despite the awards, the fact i that the students are becoming involved is rewarding, said Mr. Ferguson. Sie the school is motivated based on our success, then it's rewarding," he said. The invglvement in the pro- Ject did not end at the boundar- ies of the school, however. A number of residents, organiza- tions and local businesses got . behind the project as well. These groups included the Canadian Wildlife Foundation, Canada Trust, the Township of Scugog, Brooklin Concrete, " Rent and Save, and White Rose Nurseries. The groups and individuals provided money, materials, la- rand machinery. "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" The Cornish Gardens Wildlife Habitats at R.H.Cornish Public BNE, Wa is. aa i RIN SG, sae a SR A, wl al me HI i Ci li VO op ve A I "There's a number of people from the local community in- volved in this that makes it practical and convenient," Mr. "Accessories i - Fer on said. , A School has been selected by the Canadian Wildlife Foundation as the best habitat of all Habitat 2000 Dprolocts. it SNS in Canada. See story. Shirts, Hats, Bolo Ties, --_ e estimates that approxi- = ty : « Nacona ¢ Boulet ¢ Dingo « Canada West ¢ Acme mately $10,000 has been spent =1 * Dan Post » Wrangler ¢ MWG ¢ Country Shirt Design © on the project to date. ; Roper ¢ Stetson ¢ SmithBilt ¢ Australian Outback ~~ __| Although the planting for the habitats is completed and is growing well, it is by no means the end of the project. Mr. Fer- guson said it will be an ongoing project for years to come. 1801 Dundas St. E., Whitby, K-Mart Plaza (416) 432-WILD (9453) 8 ft. molded pla stic floats. Ready to build. Call for your FREE literature. 15400 Old Simcoe Rd. Port Perry, Ontario L9L 18 (416) 985-8479 PRIME COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE PLASTICS INC. ALL MINERALS & PREMIXES 44% TOP PRODUCER 37% MULTI-GRAIN SAVE $1.00 per bag on..... OPTI-GLO & RED VEAL STEAKMAKER | "| SAVE $2.00 per bag on..... 18 KG. PET FOOD *] SAVE $1.00 per bag on..... 8 KG. PET FOOD SAVE 10% - 15% ON OUR NEW LINE OF . HARDWARE NOW AVAILABLE SAVE 10° - 15" ON ALL ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS SPECIAL PRIZE DRAW g(eF:\YR=1@CTolg af fo) (CTT IVI (IVE CT dD [Yo T=T LETT GRAND PRIZE DRAW Saturday at 2pm Gas Barbecue 7 Hats for the 1st 25 people attending! In downtown Port Perry, approx. 3,000 sq. ft. Air conditioned. Lots of private parking. , Suitable for retail or restaurant development in the downtown core. > Reasonable long term lease available. ca. 436-3025