UTRCA partners with local Libraries (UTRCA weekly, May 20, 2021)
May 20, 2021 – Once again, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Conservation Areas Unit is giving library patrons the opportunity to visit our parks. The UTRCA has provided 2021 Season Vehicle passes to the St. Marys Public Library, Stratford Public Library, London Public Library, and Childreach Lending Library in London. The latter two locations are new partnerships this year.
The passes provide day use access to Wildwood, Fanshawe, and Pittock Conservation Areas, and can be signed out similar to a library book. This initiative began in 2019 with the St. Marys Public Library and has evolved from there. To hear about how the passes are being used, we interviewed Brenda Follis, a St. Marys Library patron.
1. How did you hear about the park pass being available?
“I saw information on the St. Marys library website. We were impressed! Thank you so much for making the pass available to St. Marys residents.”
2. Had you visited Wildwood Conservation Area before?
“No. My husband and I moved to St. Marys in August and had not visited and had not been aware of Wildwood Conservation before.”
3. Did you use the pass to go for a hike? Something else?
“For a hike. After experiencing and learning about Wildwood, my plan is to now work up to be able to do the 25 km Lake Trail! I have shared the Wildwood Conservation Area link with friends outside of St. Marys. I recently heard from a friend who mentioned they have been camping at Wildwood for years. Again, thanks for having this partnership with the library to make a pass available.”
Thank you, Brenda, for sharing your experience with us!
Providing natural spaces and recreational opportunities at Fanshawe, Pittock, and Wildwood Conservation Areas supports the UTRCA’s Environmental Target of instilling conservation values by supporting outreach to 1 million people annually through visits to UTRCA owned and managed lands, as well as hands-on environmental experiences. The passes are in circulation beginning on Friday, May 21, 2021 when the parks open for day use activities.
Photos from the parks:
