The City of Steinbach and Seine Rat River Conservation District are pleased to be putting the finishing touches on the landscape at the new Steinbach Soccer Park this Thursday. Over 140 trees are being planted in the soccer park, including over one hundred Brandon Elm, and a few Silver Maple and Black Hills White Spruce.
100 of these trees were provided through a grant from the Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program, applied for by the SRRCD in October 2008. The total cost of the tree-planting project is $7500.
Partners in the project include the City of Steinbach, notably the Parks and Recreation Department, that has organized the ordering and planting of the trees, and have taken responsibility for maintaining the trees as well; Hanover Kickers Soccer Club who has also assisted in the planting of the trees; Manitoba Hydro for funding $5,000 of the actual tree costs; and the Seine Rat River Conservation District for the overall coordination and planning of the project.
“It is only with strong partnerships like the ones exemplified here, are we able to work together to protect our precious water we usually take for granted and we look forward to further partnerships of this nature,” said Cornie Goertzen of SRRCD.
This is the second phase of the “City of Steinbach Riparian Park Project”. The first phase occurred last fall when funding allowed for the planting of 300 trees along the path, which follows the creek through the soccer park.
“Our community is showing environmental initiative through projects such as these,” said Mayor Chris Goertzen. “While the trees will be enjoyed by everyone in the park, they will also play a key role in increasing water quality in the area which is of great importance.”
Jodi Goerzen of SRRCD explains, “Trees increase water quality by utilizing surface water run-off, encouraging groundwater absorption and naturally reducing air pollution. All these factors are beneficial to the health of the Manning Canal Watershed (where all the water from the City of Steinbach drains into), which drains into the Seine River Diversion, which in turn drains into the Red River, ending up in Lake Winnipeg.”
Riparian areas, or areas where land meets water, can be extremely sensitive ecosystems. These areas are very important for protecting the water quality in creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.
The SRRCD is currently offering to plant trees along the riverbanks of the Seine River through its Seine River Riparian Enhancement Project. Those interested may contact the SRRCD office for more information or to sign up.
For more information on the MB Hydro Forest Enhancement Program, visit www.hydro.mb.ca/environment/forest_enhancement.
