Friday June 20, 2008, Lanark, ON – Now that the good weather is here, many seasonal residents are flocking to their homes on the lake. Year-round lake dwellers are enjoying their laid-back lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the larger communities. And many of us are considering the lakeside environment for our summer vacation periods.
Lake dwellers want to keep their lakes clean and healthy for swimming and boating and are always concerned about how to protect their property values. The Art of Being Green Festival in Lanark has the answer!
At the annual festival which will be held this year from July 11 to 13, the Art of Being Green will feature a full schedule of 17 workshops aimed specifically at lake dwellers – both the newcomers and the long-timers. Through a new partnership formed with the Lake Toolkit Group, the Art of Being Green has been able to expand its programs and offer workshops, exhibits and displays on a wide range of topics of interest to those who live, work and play near one of the wonderful lakes in eastern Ontario.
The Lake Toolkit Group is a collaboration of conservation authorities, stewardship councils and Friends of Lakes associations who have come together to produce a product known as Lake Health ? Natural Wealth; Tools to Protect the Real Value of your Property. Investment in lake property is both emotional and financial; but the equity is in the health of the lake. To maintain this natural wealth, we offer tools to protect the real value of your property.
With more and more challenges to Ontario’s lakes due to increased development and greater use, it is vital that we understand our impacts to the lake’s health and learn to reduce them. This Lake Stewardship Tools Workshop offers a unique blend of informative exhibits, top-notch presenters, professional expertise in lake environmental protection and monitoring and hands-on interactive activities to learn about living lighter at the lake.
Mike Yee from the Mississippi Valley Conservation says “Whether you are a first-time cottage owner or seasoned year-round lake resident, there will be something to appeal to everyone. We will offer the nuts and bolts to lake-friendly living and lake protection. The festival atmosphere will offer something for everyone in the whole family. “
Be sure to visit Lanark on Friday evening July 11th between 5 and 9 p.m. for the kick-off to the Art of Being Green. The Clyde Waterfront Park in Lanark will be the centre of activities with entertainment by Junkyard Jam, a BBQ hosted by Mayor Bob and Deputy Mayor Bruce, free face-painting and popcorn for the kids and horse-drawn wagon rides around the village. Some of the lake toolkit displays will also be available that evening.
Return to Lanark on Saturday July 12th at 9:30 a.m. for the parade and the opening of the festival grounds at 10 a.m. Help us celebrate our 5th Anniversary at 12 noon with a huge 100 Mile Diet cake.
For a full schedule of workshops and entertainment at the Art of Being Green, be sure to visit www.artofbeinggreen.com or call us at 613-259-2398.
For more information about the Lake Toolkit, contact:
Mike Yee
Mississippi Valley Conservation
613-259-2421
myee@mvc.on.ca
OR
Andrea Klymko
Rideau Valley Conservation
613-692-3571 ext 1173
andrea.klymko@rvca.ca
For information about the Art of Being Green Festival, contact
Beth Peterkin
Township of Lanark Highlands
613-259-2398 ext 227
bpeterkin@lanarkhighlands.ca