October 31, 2026
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The people who make up the membership of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society are generous when it comes to sharing their harvest, time and talents.
The Oct. 21 meeting, held at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre, featured the society’s annual Baking, Bulbs, Produce and Preserves Sale, with generous donations from members. Shoppers were happy to choose from an assortment of homemade treats.
The guest speaker was Murray Yungblut (right), project supervisor of the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN).
He began his presentation by giving some background about the grassroots organization founded 26 years ago by citizens concerned about the quality of water issuing from the Pine River. They established the main goals of improving the health of the Pine River watershed through projects with landowners and education of the public.
To date, 450,000 trees have been planted with many youth, residents and sponsorship representatives participating in the Community Tree Planting Day each spring.
Other major endeavours include the construction of berms to control water and sediment flow, livestock crossings and livestock exclusion fencing, restoration of stream banks, development of wetlands, and planting of wind breaks.
A very popular community initiative is the free seedling give-away each spring which encourages homeowners to plant trees. The PRWIN also supports lakeshore residents wanting to protect sensitive dune areas by supplying junipers and beach grasses.
Murray Yungblut, Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN) project supervisor, provides an overview of the organization’s work, at the Oct. 21 meeting of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society; photos by Christine Roberts
Working with youth is near and dear to Yungblut’s heart. He began planting trees with the Ripley Scouts in the early 1980s. He is particularly proud of the McLarty Environmental Study Area, a 14-acre parcel in a river valley donated 20 years ago to the PRWIN by Dr. Don McLarty. With a small classroom, covered shelter, two ponds, trails, a pollinator garden and educational storyboards, the conservation area is well-used by local groups for environmental education of youngsters. Much effort has gone into developing this property with continued focus in the future.
At the conclusion of Yungblut’s informative presentation, a draw was made for a White Pine seedling. The lucky winner was Alice Gamble.
Dianne Simpson (left), secretary of the Ripley Horticultural Society, thanks Murray Yungblut (right) for his presentation about the PRWIN; with them, is Alice Gamble, winner of a White Pine seedling held by Yungblut
Following a social, shopping and refreshment break, the meeting continued with business reports.
Second vice-president Gail Lotton reported on the sale of society calendars at the recent fall fair and highlighted future sale opportunities at vendor fairs in November and December. The $15 desk calendars are also available for purchase in Ripley at Pollock Electric and the Woodshop Gifts.
In the portfolio of plantings and projects, first vice-president Christine Roberts reported that the horticultural society was successful in obtaining a grant of $2,400 from Community Foundation Grey Bruce to re-design and plant a pollinator garden at the entrance to Lewis Park in Ripley. The day before the meeting, Huron-Kinloss community services staff worked with Jim and Christine Roberts to clear the space of non-native shrubs, flowers and built-up mulch in preparation for the work to be done in the spring. This project is one of several initiatives intended to commemorate the society’s centennial in 2027.
The Roberts, with support from the township, also planted a memorial tree in Lewis Park for deceased member Ann Finlayson, two trees at the Park Street soccer fields and a tree in Langdon Park in Lurgan Beach.
Roberts and Lotton reported on the society’s involvement in the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair where the group sold calendars at its display and took first place in the parade competition in the category of Organization, Family or Group Float.
Although the horticultural society is primarily focused on community beautification and horticultural education, it is also a proud supporter of organizations in the community, particularly ones that provide help and opportunities to youth and those in need. Donations were authorized to the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens and the Ripley Lions Christmas Fund. In addition, the society will become a sponsor of the Ripley-Huron Skating Club and will sponsor two free public skate dates in 2027.
The next and final regular meeting of 2026 will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1:30 p.m. in the social room of the Ripley-Huron Community Centre. Guest speaker Yvonne Fair will talk about how to manage small-scale acreage sustainably.
The Annual General Meeting of the society will take place Friday, Dec. 4, at which time a new executive and board will be installed. Volunteers are being sought to fill the positions of second vice-president, treasurer, director and flower show convener. If interested, visit the Garden Ontario website at gardenontario.org/society-listing/entry/140, for contact information.
Written ByChristine Roberts is a retired elementary school teacher, past-president of Huron Bruce Nature, executive member of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society, volunteer for the David Suzuki Foundation, VON volunteer fitness leader and a passionate lover of nature.
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