Bruce Power is continuing its efforts to wipe out winter whiteouts along highways in the area surrounding its facility.
On Saturday May 9th — staff and volunteers will set out to plant 700 trees as roadside windbreaks, or a “Living Snow Fence.”
Recently on Soundingboard, Coordinator Janet Dawson said the line of trees motorists see along roads in the area between Kincardine and Port Elgin is the result of efforts that began seven years ago.
The trees are spruce, pine, and cedar, all planted in a zig-zag formation.
Dawson says reducing the dangerous effects of blowing snow makes it easier for staff to go back and forth from work, and benefits other travellers as well.
She says this year’s planting will take place between Kincardine and Tiverton on Highway 21 near the wind farm, and along Bruce Road 20, which is also treacherous in windy winter weather.
Dawson says the trees act as a wind block and keep the snow deposited on the opposite side, preventing it from reaching the highway.
About 200 people usually participate in the Living Snow Fence tree planting, and anyone interested should contact Kim Chappel at 519-361-2673, extension 6479.
Dawson says volunteers should have their own safety shoes and bring rakes and shovels if they can.
High school students are welcome, taking part counts towards volunteer hours.
The Living Snow Fence tree planting starts at 8 AM on Saturday May 9th at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre in Tiverton.
Volunteers will be transported to the planting sites and will return to the community centre for lunch when they work is finished.