The Sawyer Preservation Woodlot Association acts as a "trustee and guardian" for a 28.61 acre wooded tract located in rural southwestern Ontario. The mandate is to manage the property so as to maintain the richness and diversity of the species within its boundaries and to encourage and promote stewardship of the declining wooded areas of this country. In so doing, the property is maintained as a demonstration woodlot and conservation area where the public is welcome.

The woodlot often hosts organized visits ranging from school children to the "Back Road Tours". Abundant flora and fauna attracts a broad spectrum of individuals -- conservation specialists -- the serious nature lover -- those simply wishing solitude. Each visit will provide a new experience. Every day is different -- each season presents its own offering. Wildlife abounds. Residents and transients; common and rare. Each encounter provides that tingle of excitement as one takes in what nature has to offer.

Sawyer Preservation Woodlot Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Woodlot located at Fullarton, Usborne boundary foresight of Otis Sawyer

On Sunday, September 27, 2009, the SPWA and guests celebrated 20 years of stewardship of the property known as The Sawyer Preservation Woodlot. The focus of the day was the unveiling of the Legacy Stone -- a monument and plaque honouring Otis & Gladys (Selves) Sawyer for their dedication in fostering woodlots for future generations. The guest speaker was Dean Rob Gordon, of the Ontario Agriculture College of the University of Guelph, who opened eyes by outlining the impact that trees & woodlots have on our environment. To view his notes as handed out at the presentation, click here. Please click here to view the Mitchell Advocate newspaper article on the event.

ALERT ... Giant Hogweed
As you explore our woodlot, please be on the lookout for this nasty non-native invasive plant. Although its presence has not been detected within our boundaries, there have been scattered reports of it across Southern Ontario. If you should detect one on or near our property, please let us know its location A.S.A.P. Giant Hogweed is an invasive, non-native plant that poses a serious threat to human health and natural ecosystems. Health Risk: The clear sap found in the hairs, leaves and stem of the Giant Hogweed plant contains compounds that cause photodermatitis (symptoms can range from redness and itching to painful blistering). Contact with the eyes can cause temporary or even permanent blindness in some cases. If you are exposed to Giant Hogweed:     * Wash the affected area thoroughly     * Avoid exposure to sunlight     * Seek medical attention Key Identifying Features Height: 1 to 5.5 meters Leaves: large, deeply cut with sharp coarse teeth, reaching widths in excess of 1 meter. Stems: hollow, ridged with red-purple splotching and coarse white hairs, with a diameter of 4-10 cm at its base. Flowers: white, compound umbel (80 or more cm across) made up of 4 to 12 smaller (14 - 40 cm) flat, round units.	Credits: Town of Markham
This is a nasty plant with much more serious medical consequences than poison ivy. Do NOT touch it! If you think that you have found a specimen, note carefully its location and then report immediately. Click for more information:         Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs         Ontario Weeds         MDA/USDA Brochure on Giant Hogweed.         YorkRegion.com news article on Giant Hogweed.

	These photos show some trail sections in the lower wetlands area. As you can see, considerable damage has been done to this very sensitive component of the woodlot. We respectfully request that ATV operation be restricted to trails that are firm and dry.