The Independent

An Inwood family has been recognized for their woodland conservation efforts.
The family of Bertha-Rose Parks was recently presented with the South West Woodlot Association’s Management Award at the associations recent meeting held in Alvinston.
The Park family have been managing their woodlot since George Annett planted 85 acres of poor pasture between 1939 and 1942. He hoped it would provide a steady supply of timber.
Tom Park, Annett’s great grandson, manages the forest now. He maintains the trails, monitors for disease, insects and invasive species and overseeing the harvest of trees.
He also builds elf houses for his children and grand children to find in the woodlot.
Birds Canada has surveyed the property on occasion.
And a founding member of the association has also been recognized. Donald Craig of Newbury was given the Harry Barr Volunteer Award by the Ontario Woodlot Association. Craig, a Professional Forester, has volunteered his time to encourage the development and maintenance of well managed private forestland in Southwestern Ontario for many years. He organizes tours, writes newsletters, collects native
tree seed, and grows seedlings to offer anyone with a place to plant them. He has been involved in many organizations including with the Ontario Professional Foresters’ Association.