January 30, 2022
Robert Burcher has been involved with Kimbercote Farm (a retreat centre) in Meaford, Ontario since the mid-eighties. When it was disbanded, half of the property went to us at EBC and this was when Robert first learned about our organization. Interestingly, Robert was on the team that planted the forest that is now EBC land. Amazing what can happen in 40 years to an old run-down farm!
Robert currently stewards EBC’s Trout Hollow Nature Reserve in Meaford. Robert has been visiting the area for the last 30 years and giving history tours on site for the last 20. He regularly walks the trail to monitor for threats to the land. Just recently, he disassembled a campsite on the nature reserve. Camping is not permitted on any of EBC’s nature reserves as we want to protect precious habitats and species at risk. Since Robert has such expertise in the area, we asked if he would lead our history hike at Trout Hollow Nature Reserve’s grand opening on September 18th, 2021. The history hike was received well and had excellent attendance.
Robert worked in provincial parks and conservation areas as a young man. Having lived in Banff National Park for five years, he understands the pressures that can be put on a wilderness area and trails if they are not designed or managed properly. Robert is currently using this knowledge to bring together stakeholders in the Bighead River Valley such as EBC, the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, the Town of Meaford and Owen Sound Field Naturalists to strategize a comprehensive plan of trail maintenance.
When Robert is not volunteering with us, he works as a professional photographer and now, an evolving writer. His 2020 Covid writing project resulted in a story of John Muir's wanderings around Southern Ontario.
Thank you for all you do to for EBC, Robert, we really appreciate the time you give to support EBC and the natural areas of Southern Ontario!
