Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/692970
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2016 3 I L E D E S C H Ê N E S Covering all of Manitoba and the rest of North America. ��������� ��� ��� ��� � �� � ������� ���� ��� ������ ����� ���� ���� ����� ��� ������ �� ���� �� �� �� � � ����� ����� ����� �� ���� � ���� � �� �� ��� ���� ���� ��� �� � ������� � ����� � ��� ���� �� ���� ���� � ��� ���� ����� �� �� �� ������ ��������� ���� ������� �� ���� �� ���� � � ����� ���� ��� �������� ����� ������ ����� � � �������� ���� ����� �� 1.800.265.1485 www.manitoulintransport.com "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go." -Dr. Seuss R oger Perron, project manager at WHRC, a registered non- profit, is busy overseeing a lot of initiatives. "We've come a long way since last May," says Perron. "In the beginning of June we had a sod- turning ceremony and we started building at the end of August 2015." To date, $1.6 million has been raised, which still leaves a hefty shortfall of $900,000. But Perron says it was time to forge ahead anyway. "We've built the outside walls and roof for our hospital and the education centre, as well as an over-wintering waterfowl area, and the start of a flyway for rehabilitation," he says. "The whole project is energy efficient, with insulated concrete floors and walls and geothermal for heating and cooling." The mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems are yet to be installed. "That's where our shortfall is at this point, but we would like to have that finished by the late fall so we can move in," he says. Perron says they are working non-stop to find every possible funding source and are actively seeking grants from corporations, foundations and individuals. "We are kicking off a brick program where people will be able to buy a brick for our sidewalk and have their names engraved in it," he says. Bricks will start at $150 and larger ones will be available for $300. There will also be granite benches available for corporate sponsorship with engraving on the back. Not all of the development is bricks and mortar. "We created a wetland pond and the plan is to stock it with fish and have a catch-and- release program as well as provide fresh fish for the raptors," Perron says. A federal program called Enabling Access- ibility is funding some sidewalks and a dock. Tallgrass prairie was seeded at the site last year and a fruit orchard with animal- and people-friendly fruit will go in this fall. Last October's tree planting initiative saw 325 trees go into the ground with the help of local middle school students. "We told the kids that when they are older and they are driving by they will be able to say that they had a hand in planting those trees," says Perron. "Everyone went home with a permission slip and the next day, every single note came back signed — they really wanted to be involved with that." Although the public is restricted from en- tering the hospital area, visitors will be able to meet the wildlife ambassadors, animals who are unable to return to the wild. "At the beginning of May, we had our first ever open house at the Trans-Canada Cen- tre at Ile des Chênes and over 500 people showed up," Perron says. "We brought all of our wildlife ambas- sadors for people to get up close and ask questions. We also gave some tours at our old location and our new location and we had more demand than we could accom- modate, although we did take at least 250 people." There is a tremendous need for the ser- vices the centre provides to wildlife, and it continues to grow. This last winter, the cen- tre received an unusually large number of snowy owls. Normally, the owls stay farther north but they came south because they were starving, and many were very weak. "A number of them were picked up by Manitoba Conservation but we did end up releasing eight of the birds just in time to make the migration back up north," says Perron. Right now, Perron says the emphasis is on badly-needed revenue and it's hoped the provincial government will be convinced to provide funding. "Our main focus is getting the new wildlife hospital up and running as well as the education centre, and we've got more land- scaping and more trees," says Perron. "We are juggling a lot of things, but it's all moving forward and it's all good!" People and organizations who would like to offer help with funding or dona- tions can visit wildlifehaven.ca and click on Support Wildlife. THE FUTURE IS NOW AT WILDLIFE HAVEN REHABILITATION CENTRE (WHRC), WHERE A BRAND NEW FACILITY IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. LOCATED ON 18 ACRES OF LAND IN ILE DES CHÊNES, THE CENTRE WILL INCLUDE A PERMANENT $2.5-MILLION WILDLIFE HOSPITAL AND EDUCATION CENTRE TO REHABILITATE INJURED, SICK AND ORPHANED WILDLIFE. IT WILL ALSO SERVE PEOPLE, PROVIDING VALUABLE EDUCATION SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS IN A REWARDING EXPERIENCE. B E A U S E J O U R ALONG WITH LIVE MUSIC AND YOGA CLASSES, THE MARKET FEATURES A MIX OF PRODUCE, BAKING AND CRAFTS ON FRIDAYS FROM 3 P.M.-7 P.M., JULY 1-SEPT. 16. VERSLUIS, WHO WON A GOLDEN CARROT AWARD IN 2013 FOR HER GILLIS SCHOOL SALAD BAR, PLANS TO SERVE ITEMS SUCH AS: Prairie Fry Bread, including Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Extreme, Nutty Caramel, Berry Cheesecake, Maple Walnut, Pizza Bread, Sour Cream and Onion, Spinach/Feta, Cheesy Garlic Bread and Tomato/ Basil, along with fresh-from-the-market options. A hummus-duo plate with fresh vegetables and artisan bread. Grilled Sandwich Plate, including grilled cheese with avocado, tomato and onion, and grilled corned beef and cheese. Nachos Supreme, with beef or vegetarian toppings. The farmers' market is located at Green Oak Gardens, two kilometres east of Beausejour on Hwy 44. Visit the Facebook page or see beausejourmarket.webs.com THE BEAUSEJOUR FARMERS' MARKET SHOULD BE A FRIDAY DINNER DESTINATION NOW THAT DEB VERSLUIS, OF GROWING GOOD FOOD IDEAS, IS ONBOARD WITH A MENU OF FRESH, LOCAL, SEASONAL SPECIALTIES.