New Delaware Nation nature trail wins conservation award

MORAVIANTOWN – The Delaware Nation’s new nature trail in Moraviantown is being recognized for its conservation efforts of Carolinian habitats and species at risk. The 1.8 km Weelateéxung Nature Trail has been selected as a 2015 Carolinian Canada Conservation Award Winner in the Group Program Category.

“We are honoured to be chosen for this award from Carolinian Canada,” says Chief Greg Peters of the Delaware Nation. “The trail has become a point of pride for our community, as it serves not only as a walking path, but also an educational opportunity to better understand some of the species of concern in our territory,” he says.

Chief Peters will be on hand tonight to accept the award during a Carolinian Canada Awards ceremony in London, Ontario. However, he is quick to point out that there are numerous individuals in his community to thank for making the Weelateéxung Nature Trail a new hot spot for nature-lovers.

Carolinian Canada’s Group Program Category recognizes non-profits, government agencies, businesses, industry, media or partnerships which have integrated conservation into new areas or made great strides for nature.

The Weelateéxung Nature Trail was nominated for the award by Carolinian Canada’s Director of Ecosystem Recovery, Jarmo Jalava. “The Weelateexung Nature Trail is a truly amazing community project that serves multiple purposes: outreach, education, conservation and ecological restoration, while raising awareness of Delaware Nation’s rich cultural heritage and the unique natural heritage of Carolinian Canada. In a spirit of friendship and openness, it serves as a model for other communities to follow.”

Weelateéxung means ‘a good path’ in Lenape, the native language of the Delaware Nation. Signs posted along the trail identify a number of different species both in Lenape and English. The plants and animals identified along the trail are of special concern, have traditional uses or pose a threat to native species today.

Carolinian Canada is a registered charity, dedicated to protecting the Carolinian Life Zone, which stretches from Windsor to Toronto.