NEW HAMBURG, ON – The Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve is a 55 acre property in the Township of Wilmot. This project began in 2019 when Mike Schout approached the Township about utilizing undevelopable floodplain land that was given to the Township to create a preserve that would combine wildlife, the environment, learning, and the health and well being of the community that all could enjoy for years to come.
With construction and inspections nearing completion, the Township of Wilmot is thrilled to announce the grand opening celebration for this new destination location in Wilmot Township, rain or shine, on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Wetlands located at 28 Smith Creek Drive in New Hamburg.
The event will include guest speakers and greetings from Mike and Christine Schout, a scavenger hunt on the boardwalk, and limited quantities of commemorative gifts celebrating the grand opening.
“The Township is truly grateful to the Schout’s for their vision and generosity in creating this incredible green space and educational opportunity for our community,” said Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen. “Utilizing this property to create a new and vibrant ecosystem that supports many different species, including habitat for species at risk, and a home to a wide diversity of plants and trees is a gift that will keep on giving for generations.”
The Wetlands Preserve provides the following features for visitors to appreciate and enjoy.
“The Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve is something I’ve been envisioning for a number of years as an opportunity to invest in environmental wellness and build community through environmental change,” said Mike Schout, philanthropist, designer, and constructor of the wetlands project. “We are truly excited to be able to deliver our goal of creating new habitats, improving flood management, and offering opportunities for the community and visitors to learn about wetlands and all their benefits through interactive learning. My wife Christine and I hope to see a great crowd at the grand opening to celebrate with us.”
“The Township of Wilmot is thrilled with the incredibly generous donation from Mike and Christine Schout as well as the other organizations and individuals who helped make this project happen,” said former Director of Community Services, Sandy Jackson. “The finished result of several years of planning, planting, and constructing is beyond what the Township could have imagined, and we look forward to seeing the community and visitors to our Township enjoying the recreational and environmental benefits the wetlands has to offer for many years to come.”
For more complete details, please visit wilmot/Wetlands.
NOTES:
Parking is not available on site for the Grand Opening event, please consider walking or cycling. Parking is available at 66 Hincks Street with a short walk to the Wetlands entrance.
The Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve is a zero waste environmental site. Please take with you what you bring and leave nothing behind.
Media contact:
Corporate Communications | Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
Township of Wilmot | 519-634-8444 | communications@wilmot.ca
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