The ‘Friends of the Frink Centre’ organization has expanded outdoor education programs beyond the schools to the community with a variety of program offerings. With such an extensive operation, and limited funding, volunteer support is essential. The Quinte Bassmasters of the Ontario BASS Federation Nation have been proud to do their part each spring since the club was founded in 2001. This year members were responsible for; varnishing snowshoes so they can be used by hundreds of school children again in the coming year, wood being cut and stacked so visiting classes can enjoy campfires, levelling and making repairs to a bridge damaged by last year’s Moira river flooding, and hauling a massive amount of lumber to a remote location so repairs can be made to the wetland boardwalk in the following weeks. “Many hands make light work” was the motto of the day as around twenty club members pitched in. Also on the agenda this year was the construction of a very special trail. As part of the ‘Prewer Memorial Project’, the trail commemorates the significant impact that Vince Prewer had on the Frink Centre and the lives of those who knew him.
Quinte Bassmasters Support Outdoor Education
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Paul and staff at “The Frink”, work with teachers to deliver quality outdoor education programs to thousands of local elementary and high school students each year. They operate and maintain a maple syrup ‘sugar bush’ and an extensive Wetland Ecology Boardwalk. Also on site are two portable classrooms adorned with displays from the natural world. In one of the rooms, only a thin layer of glass separates students from the inner workings of a thriving hive of live honey bees. Additionally, the Centre includes a ‘Sustainability Demonstration Site’, showcasing alternative building methods, renewable energy sources, a constructed wetland for grey water treatment, and a composting toilet system.
ACT Now!
This year, club volunteers also noticed a Quinte Bassmaster’s plaque displayed on the ‘Beehive Wall’. The gold plaque recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to environmental education and this truly unique site. Because ‘the Frink’ embodies many of the core values of our club, with respect to conservation and youth, I am sure we will be there to help out when we can for many years to come.
Kevin Dorey – Quinte Bassmasters President
