Committed Citizens Changing the World
Margaret Mead famously said that the actions of a small group of committed citizens can change the world. When a recent Watershed Report Card by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) identified poor water quality at Medway Creek, local citizens stepped up.
“The local people know the watershed better than anyone else and they’re passionate about making improvements,” says Teresa Hollingsworth, Coordinator, Community and Corporate Services for UTRCA. Medway Creek Watershed, a 185 km2 area running from Granton to London, is just one of UTRCA’s community-based watershed restoration strategies that involves local residents, city staff and researchers from The University of Western Ontario.
Building a community-based strategy starts with a public meeting to present research findings and, more importantly, learn from the people who live there. Next, a citizen-led advisory committee identifies key action areas such as improving water quality, increasing fish habitat and fighting erosion. UTRCA coordinates technical support, gradually backing away as the advisory committee starts mobilizing volunteers to plant trees, work with local landowners to remove barriers in the river and increase fish stocks.
“Our biggest role is one of community capacity builder. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you sit down at the table together,” says Hollingsworth, noting that the process often connects city staff and residents for the first time. Many advisory committees evolve into permanent “friends of” volunteer groups who organize community activities year-round.
Environmental health is one of London Community Foundation’s strategic granting areas and helping groups like Friends of Medway Creek get started is a priority. The foundation provides seed money to fund a similar community-based watershed strategy in Dorchester.
“Local money absolutely makes it possible to leverage provincial and federal funds,” says Hollingsworth. “Any improvements we make result in improvements in the Great Lakes. We’re all connected.”