Trail Expansion Gets Green Light

October 8, 2005 - Thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation the initial stages of our ongoing expansion of the trails through the forest has been completed. With the installation of the bed cloth and supporting road bed material the first phase of 800 meters has been completed by the hard work of several faithful volunteers. Now nature must do its part by allowing the bed material to settle and pack for the pea-gravel top dressing to be laid down and smoothed allowing easy access by wheelchairs, canes and walkers next spring.

In the public notification of the approval of the project, the Ontario Trillium Foundation states the grant as follows (page 11) in its Community Report for Niagara  :

"Heartland Forest Nature Experience"
"$75,000 over one year to expand the existing barrier free nature trail and develop an outdoor education facility in this protected Carolinian forest in Niagara Falls."

To read the full report click here and scroll down to December 10, 2004 approvals.

Universal Design Concept Gets Help From Local Expert
and the University of Buffalo

If you know Heartland Forest and its aims you know that one of the major criteria is that all of our facilities will be, to the best of our ability, totally accessible regardless of the persons ability or disability. In planning we knew that we needed the expertise of people who could, through their knowledge and expertise, give us added insight into this fascinating field. We knew of one such expert who resides in the peninsula and is an activist and advocate of the concept known as Universal Design. That person is Linda Crabtree CM, O,Ont., O.M.C.,B.A.,LL.D(hon)

Mrs. Crabtree is a major advocate for the design of commercial establishments and venues which give total access to those bound by physical disabilities here in Niagara. Her insight and knowledge have been beyond our wildest expectations however, as she pointed out, what we needed was a total design of all facilities right from the 'get go'. We reacted on that suggestion and ( as she so deftly pointed out) looked to our neighbours across the border who are approximately 10 years ahead in the planning of such facilities.

We did not have to look far.

The University of Buffalo in Buffalo N.Y., Dept of Urban and Regional Planning, became our target and choice. To make a very long story short, they agreed to come to our assistance so much so that they are presenting an accredited Workshop in their curriculum for Fall 2005. We had the pleasure of hosting the class of approx. 20 students and their instructors: Danise Lavine, M.Arch and Jordana Malsel, M.U.P. at our schoolhouse September 21/05. The course description is stated below and from that institution.

Course Description

This unique project provides students with the opportunity to participate in the actual planning and design of the 300-acre Heartland Forest property. The site has the potential of attracting the over 14 million annual visitors to nearby Niagara Falls. The Heartland property includes 93-acres of Carolinian forest, which will be used as a backdrop for promoting environmental stewardship through public education at Heartland Forest. In addition, because of the project's commitment to serving the entire population, Heartland Forest will be designed according to the principles of universal design. The studio will explore issues related to recreation planning, eco-tourism, universal design, site design, and signage. The goal of the studio is to develop plans for a universally designed Heartland Forest retreat site that provides an environment that is safe, clean, secure, peaceful, accessible and comfortable.

Students will be introduced to a comprehensive research and development process with a focus on recreation planning and universal design. The process will include consideration of practical constraints, best practices, and innovative technologies. The studio will utilize and build upon the analytical and graphic skills students acquire in PD350 and PD360). It will require students to work with a client, make use of systematic research, use creative problem solving methods, and challenge their writing and graphic skills. A final presentation will be given to the Heartland Forest Board of Directors at the end of the semester and it is expected that many ideas and products from the studio will be incorporated in the future planning of the Heartland Forest site.

Needless to say we await the outcome of this project with much anticipation and gratitude to both Linda Crabtree and the University of Buffalo, Dept.of Urban and Regional Planning

Woody says "The classroom is ready@

      The first week of October saw the very first class of students enter the newly founded school at Heartland Forest. They were there to begin a course which teaches environmental conservation and stewardship to the younger set here in Niagara.

      Two fully equipped, portable classrooms have been placed at the trail entrance of the forest to facilitate the teaching of a new environmental course titled, Forest Discovery. The complete curriculum of which has been prepared and will be administered by I-CAN_T.E.R., a non-profit, charitable organization with an established reputation in outdoor education. Woody, the tree frog, has been designated as the mascot for the project.

Schools and teaching facilities throughout the region have been advised and invited to participate by including this half-day course in their scheduling. If you wish any additional information regarding the Forest Discovery course and/or scheduling a visit to Heartland Forest for this educational opportunity please contact booking@heartlandforest.org by email.