I was behind on my newspaper reading this week. It wasn’t until last night that I finally picked up the Thursday edition of The Banner/The Era from February 2nd and started to look through it.

After scanning the pages, I finally came across something interesting: “Town seeks plan for wildlife park” by Jeremy Grimaldi. I thought, what a wonderful, great, amazing, and thoughtful idea! We are one step closer now, with the council approving over $200,000 to create the master plan for the wildlife site.

A wildlife park in Aurora is just another reason for me not to move—though honestly, I never had any intentions of moving to Aurora in the first place. We just happened to be in the area and spontaneously decided to settle here.

Given the location of the proposed wildlife site, north of Wellington Street, between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street, I looked up the area on Google Maps to see where the 100-acre block would be. From a top-down view, it’s a stretch of land with a nice mix of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. According to David Tomlinson, this combination is ideal for creating an urban nature reserve.

The Google map is probably outdated by now (it was from the time Longo’s plaza was built), so I really should visit the site myself one day. The trees are likely much bigger and more overgrown now.

While reading, I was also impressed by Mr. Tomlinson’s work in the area, particularly his efforts in logging the species. He’s witnessed 150 bird species at the site, with 75 nesting. However, I recall him mentioning in The Auroran that there are 100 bird species in Aurora. Well, they come and go, like that Pelican that flew over Aurora many moons ago.

My birding list would definitely improve if I were able to see that many species myself. My list has over 110 species, but I admit I cheated a bit by including many birds I saw in captivity at the Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. Someone told me that doesn’t count—and they’re probably right.

So what’s in the master plan that excites me? The Banner reported that ‘The master plan will include a proposal for bird watching towers, an educational center (maybe the Petch house?), and trails through parts of the site.’

Can we ask for more here in Aurora? I don’t think so, but maybe a few more wildlife parks down the line. We just need to get one started first.

COMMENTS

Marvin said: February 6, 2012 at 09:44

“That’s a downy woodpecker? Very cool! And the mantis is beautiful. Is that a current pic from this winter? I thought mantises didn’t get out in the cold much.”

James said: February 12, 2012 at 21:51

“I read about the wildlife park in the paper as well, too, Anna. A great idea! We’re lucky here. Lot’s of great nature near by. James”

Anna Lozyk Romeo said: February 17, 2012 at 21:28

“Yes it is Marvin. The mantis photo was taken in the fall. It is now little too cold for creatures such that, but with warm weather we been having never know may be they are out.”

Anna Lozyk Romeo said: February 17, 2012 at 21:28

“James we are. I am just hope that it will happen.”

Doug Underwood said: July 9, 2012 at 17:43

“When I read it, it warmed my soul to think we are actually making nature a first class citizen. They just have to visit the mixed use of the boardwalk area to see how important this could be to Aurora. The wildlife and human activity (minus the bikers that don’t dismount) have made it my favourite place to relax, photograph and observe nature in Aurora. Lets hope this becomes reality.”

Anna Lozyk Romeo said: July 14, 2012 at 21:54

“Doug, I like that ‘making nature a first class citizen’.”