Our homes (and other buildings) consume a prodigious amount of energy. America’s buildings consume more than 70% of the electricity and around 35% of the natural gas used in the country. And they are the largest single contributor to CO2 and other harmful gas emissions.House Energy show ays to reduce these costs and emissions.

Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency offers this guide to educate on basic principles of building science and to provide guidance in home retrofit projects such as insulation and air sealing improvements. First published in the 1970's and last updated in 2012, the publication is currently only available in a PDF format.

Workplace Safety North continues to offer chainsaw training.  Brian Lawrence's  district extends from Belleville to Toronto and north through Algonquin Park. He is more than willing to go anywhere within my district to provide training if there is a minimum of six participants.

They offer two types of chainsaw training: one for loggers and the other for non-loggers. The difference is that the logger program doesn’t include a hands-on (bush) component. For the non-loggers, we recommend a twoday program that consists of both classroom and bush sessions.

Please feel free to contact me if there are any other questions that arise. 

Brian Lawrence

Consultant-Trainer

WORKPLACE SAFETY NORTH

T 888-730-7821 ext. 307 

M 613-334-1025

F 613-332-0002

insertnamehereworkplacesafetynorth.ca

The Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario (CTFO) offers valuable information for both tree growers and consumers.  The CTFO is a non-profit organization funded by farmers in the business of growing Christmas trees as a cash crop.  Our aim is "to provide, through co-operative effort and the exchange of experience, practical solutions for many of the problems concerning the production, marketing and retailing of Ontario grown Christmas trees." 

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) enjoys a rich heritage as a scientific and educational organization with a primary mission to disseminate information and knowledge in the care and preservation of trees. The Ontario Chapter sits consistently at 600-700 members, while the international membership is over 20,000, divided into almost 50 chapters and associate organizations worldwide – the world's largest such organization. There are currently over 500 ISA Certified Arborists in Ontario and more than 25,000 worldwide.

We all want forest products that are sourced using sustainable forest management. Ontario's forest practices are governed by a world-class, platinum standard regulatory framework. Together, we are dedicated to tackling climate change and securing a viable future for Ontario's forest products sector. When you buy Ontario made forest products, your positive environmental choice is supporting over 200,000 Ontario working families.

Since its establishment in 1923, the Ontario Tree Seed Facility has played a key role in the protection of Ontario’s rich natural heritage. The facility collects seed from about 50 different native species and supplies smaller nursery operations, large forestry companies and the public. It also maintains a seed bank of native tree species from across the province and makes seed available for reforestation. In this way, the plant contributes to Ontario’s commitment to conserving biological diversity.

The Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) is a not-for-profit grassroots organization governed by an elected, volunteer board of directors. Our members own and manage woodlots throughout the province and include individuals and organizations that support our goals. We believe that private landowners have a key role to play to ensure that sustainably managed forests remain a part of Ontario’s future. The Ontario Woodlot Association has links to a wide variety of information and resources.

The Working Forest newspaper was established by Judy Skidmore in November 1997 to provide up to date news and information for and about the Canadian forest industry.

Wood Works is a national campaign to increase the use of wood in commercial, industrial and institutional construction. In North America the market for wood is valued at US$20 Billion.

The Baptiste Lake Association, a voluntary group of members, is committed to representing the interests of the residents of the Baptiste Lake area. The Association will work closely with these residents as well as all levels of government to conserve and enhance the environment of the lake and its surrounding area. The initial association was founded in 1949. The Mission is to be achieved through the observance of the following goals and objectives: To monitor water levels and quality on an ongoing basis. To monitor development around the lake and to act on changes in land use that adversely affect the lake. To promote water and boating safety. To inform lake residents about official plans, by-laws and building codes affecting their property. To inform lake residents about government action which affects them. To educate lake residents and others about the environmental impact of their actions. To maintain membership in FOCA, BACA and other non-profit organizations dedicated to the cause of conservation. To promote a sense of community among the lake residents through the support of social events. To promote fire safety and prevention. To promote, maintain and support links with the surrounding community.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has been committed to wetland conservation for more than 70 years. Despite this, wetland loss continues across Canada. Up to 70 per cent of wetlands have disappeared in settled areas of the country.

Many of Ontario’s birds are becoming scarcer, and the species that depend on grasslands for their habitat are at special risk.

Populations of Bobolinks, for example, have declined by 88% over the past 40 years. These grassland species depend on hay and pasture fields, together with remnants of native prairies and alvars.

Nature Stuff tours and things - a fascinating website run by local naturalist and teacher Terry Sprague.

Natural Heritage Information Centre staff members conduct research and surveys in the field for priority species and areas across Ontario. The centre collects, reviews, manages and distributes information for:

• species of conservation concern
• rare and exemplary plant communities
• wildlife concentration areas
• natural areas

Invading species are one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity of Ontario’s waters and woodlands. Originating from other regions of the world, and in the absence of their natural predators or controls, invading species can have devastating effects on native species, habitats and ecosystems.

We live in a province with over 30,000 species of plants and animals. Unfortunately, more than 200 of these species are in trouble. That is why Ontario passed some of the toughest legislation on species at risk in North America. So that future generations can enjoy the wildlife we do today.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and workers.  CASA works collaboratively with agricultural safety and health specialists and producers in all provinces and territories to promote health and safety on Canadian farms and ranches. CASA provides national leadership and direction for agricultural health and safety, to reduce injuries and lessen their negative impact on farmers, their families and workers.  CASA’s long term objective is to ensure that no one is hurt farming.

Workplace Safety North provides occupational health and safety resources, training, ergonomic and industrial hygiene support and consulting for Ontario’s forestry industries. 

You can access the Soil Survey maps for Hastings County and the report.

If you heat with wood now or are considering the use of wood fuel for home heating, this book is for you.

Alternative Heating Solutions for the 21st century and beyond

An information hub for alternative heating systems such as passive and active solar designs, low-emission stoves and geothermal systems.

Ideal stove is a Kochel or masonry oven and it creates more heat from less wood. A traditional woodstove is 30-50% efficient. Newer, cleaner burning stoves have a secondary burner and will burn 85% clean burn with less soot.For those really adventurous check out Rocket Mass Heaters- Super efficient-  http://www.rocketmassheater.ca/

Cords used- Depends on size of home, insulation levels, home configuration, temperature of home,  efficiency of system- average-5-10 bush cord of dry wood.

Species used- Hardwoods best hickory, oak, maple, elm or longer list from harder to softer - ironwood, beech, ash, red elm, red maple, tamarack, white birch, Manitoba maple, red alder, hemlock, poplar, pine, basswood, spruce, and balsam.

In the shoulder seasons, spring and fall, when not a lot of heat required the softer woods are fine

http://www.woodheat.org/good-firewood.html

Wood Varies widely depending on if you get your own wood- free except for labour and equipment. Purchase wood is  usually $200 to $300/bush cord. Tandem load of logs is generally the lowest cost if you need to purchase.

Seasoning of wood until it is dry usually at least one year. Some wood takes longer to dry than others i.e. oak. Other woods like ash dry in a very short time.

Fuel wood, the environment and  the 21st Century

Although Northern Hardwood is out of this region they have a lot of useful information about buring wood on their website.

As a well owner, you want your water to be clean, clear and safe for your family to drink. Your water may look clean and clear, but how can you be confident that it is safe?  

While regular testing is important, you can prevent problems and protect the quality of your well water through proper maintenance.

The purpose of this technical bulletin is to summarize the information on well disinfection found in the Water Supply Wells – Requirements and Best Management Practices manual published by the Ministry of the Environment, December 2009. This technical bulletin is one in a series of 11 on well issues created for a person who is considering a new water supply well or who currently owns a water supply well.

The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario was established in 1979 with the purpose: To develop and provide programs promoting the practice and advancement of ecological agriculture which maintains and enhances the health of the soil, water, crops, livestock and the diversity of the environment. To educate and increase the public’s understanding of ecological agricultural methods like soil tillage, green manures, cover crops, composting, crop rotations, soil erosion control, and conservation practices by offering courses, seminars, conferences, farm tours, meetings, and publishing a newsletter and by collecting, researching, and disseminating information on this topic to the general public. To bring together people who are concerned about ecological agriculture so they can share experiences, support each other and create community. Activities: Conferences, Courses and workshops on ecological farming methods Farm tours, Newsletters, Farm consulting, Seed and stock exchange, Information source for Community Shared Agriculture and Good Fellowship.

Beef Farmers of Ontario formerly, The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, is a grassroots organization that provides leadership to cattlemen from all sectors of the industry. The organization promotes Ontario beef cattle production through policy planning, government lobbying, industry development programs, research, and communications along with the promotion and advertisement of beef. Beef Farmers of Ontario provides services to cattlemen in domestic and export market development and market pricing co-ordination and reporting

Food safety is the CFIA’s top priority. The CFIA, along with many federal, provincial and municipal organizations, is working to improve the overall health of Canadians. The CFIA develops and delivers programs and services designed to protect Canadians from preventable food safety hazards, to ensure that food safety emergencies are effectively managed, and that the public is aware of, and contributes to food safety.

The CFFO is an organization with the dual purpose of:enabling farmers to work out their Christian faith in their vocation as citizens, and to develop policy applications of the Christian faith to agriculture. The CFFO's main service or "products" are: Public Policy Development and Education/Communication.

The Farm Start mission is to facilitate, support and encourage a new generation of farmers to develop economically viable, locally based, and ecological agricultural enterprises. FarmStart is a not-for-profit organization working toward increasing the presence of young and new farmers, operating their own farm enterprises, within the agriculture community. By combining the facilitation of unique programs and resources, building partnerships and networks, supporting community capacity and linking farmers with existing programs and resources administered by other organizations, our goals are to: Support a new generation of farmers; Promote sustainable business models; Coordinate and communicate innovative, new and local market research; Develop farm facilities, resources and linkages important to new and young farmers; Develop effective land tenure and stewardship arrangements.

Field Crop News” is an archive of information dedicated to the production of over 8.5 million acres of field crops in Ontario  and a forum for which producers, researchers and industry personnel can share information and ideas.

The Sisters of Providence in Kingston have an heirloom seed sanctuary. An heirloom seed is seed treasured by people who love the names, history, flavour, fragrance and feel of what plants share with them. Saved seeds often become best friends, part of the family. The purpose is to preserve open-pollinated seed so that it may be saved; and to grow, harvest, sort and store seed as organically as possible at Heathfield.

The National Farmers Union in Ontario promotes policies that will revitalize agriculture in Ontario by strengthening family farms. On local, national and international levels, the NFU advocates alternative structures and government policies that resist corporate control of food. With farmers and consumers, NFU works to encourage vibrant rural communities, environmentally sustainable practices and the production of safe, wholesome food.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is a farmer-lead dynamic provincial lobby which works to represent the interests of its farm members to government. As the largest, voluntary general farm organization in the country, OFA has more than 38,000 members, as well as 32 organizational members and affiliates representing most agricultural commodity groups. Today the OFA continues to work hard to ensure that all levels of government hear Ontario farmers’ concerns. With 52 County and regional federations providing strong, local leadership, and 32 organizational members and affiliates the OFA is leading the way into the new millennium.

VisionThriving rural Ontario, agriculture, and food sectors.

MissionA catalyst for transforming our agriculture and food sectors and rural communities for a healthy Ontario.

Check out Best Management Practices 

The Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) conducts organic farming research and provides knowledge transfer and extension services for organic farmers.

The OACC is committed to education by way of web courses in organic agriculture, organic farming methods, organic field crops, organic pest and weed management, organic livestock production, composting and transition to organic farming.

Stemergy renewable bio-fibre was formed in 1994 (under the name Hempline Inc.) and in that same year became the first company in North America since the 1940’s to grow industrial hemp bio-fibre for research.

SPIN-Farming is a non-technical, easy-to-learn and inexpensive-to-implement vegetable farming system that makes it possible to earn significant income from land bases under an acre in size. Whether you are new to farming, or want to farm in a new way, SPIN can work for you because:

• Its precise revenue targeting formulas and organic-based techniques make it possible to gross $50,000+ from a half- acre.
• You don't need to own land. You can affordably rent or barter a small piece of land adequate in size for SPIN-Farming production.
• It works in either the city, country or small town.
• It fits into any lifestyle or life cycle.

SPIN is being practiced by first generation farmers because it removes the two big barriers to entry - land and capital - as well as by established farmers who want to diversify or downsize, as well as by part-time hobby farmers.

This low impact house was built for a family in Wales out of wood and straw bales, It by two men with help from passers by and visiting friends. Four months after starting the family moved in and was cosy. They estimate 1000-1500 man hours and £3000 put in to this point. Not really so much in house buying terms (roughly £60/sq m excluding labour).