Late last spring, The Friends of Walker’s Creek were contacted by Rob Tyndall who had recently moved into his Strathcona Bv residence which backs onto Walker’s Creek.  He was concerned about the area owned by the city situated between his property and the creek that had been mowed for several years. He would prefer not to continue with this practice and was looking for another way with less maintenance, but also pleasing to the eye.  The Friends arranged for a meeting with city staff, who owns the property in question, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, who manages the watershed area of the creek, Councillor Bill Phillips and Rob Tyndall.  As a result of the meeting, The City of St. Catharines prepped the area (removed two dead trees), the NPCA provided funding for planting material, a project leader and staff member for planting with The Friends assisting with planting and last but not least, Rob agreed to maintain the area in the future.  This would require removing invasive weeds and minor pruning of shrubs.  The goal of this project  was to establish a riparian buffer using native species  that will protect the creek from runoff, helping to filter sediment and nutrients, while increasing habitat and biodiversity.  As a result of this project there will be an increase in wildlife such as insects, amphibians, songbirds and small animals.  At this year’s NPCA Awards Night, Rob was recognized with an Achievement Award in the Watershed Program.  The Friends of Walker’s Creek congratulate Rob and look forward to watching this new “naturalized” riparian buffer mature under Rob’s supervision !