Cooper Marsh is looking for volunteer Board members

Cooper Marsh and Visitor Centre is one of the area's best kept secrets. Make plans to visit the marsh this year!

PHOTO CREDIT - Willow House Chronicles

Lancaster - Feb. 10, 2011 - If you have never walked the trails at Cooper Marsh, you need to add it to your list of things to do in the near future. Cooper Marsh is nestled on the picturesque north shore of Lake St. Francis,and is the proud legacy of the late Mr. William Cooper Sr., a past Chair of the Raisin Region Conservation Authority.

The Cooper Marsh Conservators (CMC) is a group of volunteers who assist in the protection and promotion of Cooper Marsh Conservation Area. The group includes members from the general public, business community and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority. The CMC aims to raise awareness of the importance of all wetlands and the group's fundraising efforts help offset a portion of the Marsh's annual operating costs.

There are currently four openings on the Board and the CMC is looking for volunteers to fill these roles. The Conservators meet once a month at the marsh's visitor centre. Key tasks for 2011 include raising awareness by hosting events such as Puddle duck in April for youngsters and to fundraise to replace the boardwalks with events such as their Spring Wine Tasting. This year the Cooper Marsh Wine Tasting event will be held on Sunday March 20th.

Current members of the Board include Chair Jacques Legault, Vice Chair Shawn Fowler, Past Chair Dan Bobka, Treasurer Sandy Crites, Secretary Judy Bobka, Committee Leads Gera LeBlanc (Christmas tree lighting), Teresa Renaud (Wine & Cheese) and Deb Warden (Summer If you are interested in exploring this volunteer opportunity further, please contact Judy Bobka at bobka@sympatico.ca or 613-932-2720.

The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences offers a summer educational component with week long camps for kids. The South Glengarry Volunteer Fire Fighters also offer information and safety at some events for children.

"Cornwall birders enjoy what the marsh offers" says Judy Bobka. "Birders, from other provinces are pleased when they visit the Marsh and love all that it offers. Cooper marsh and its visitor centre are a well kept secret. We look forward to hosting more visitors in 2011."

Cooper Marsh is a cherished wetland and is part of the larger Charlottenburgh Marsh - one of the most significant wetlands in all of Ontario. There is plenty to do while visiting the Marsh. Visitors can follow the wetland boardwalks to explore the treed swamp and isolated ponds or they can climb the viewing tower and centre the camera blinds to enjoy the more than 130 species of birds that call Cooper Marsh their home.

More information about Cooper Marsh can be found on their website.