25th Anniversary
Throughout 2015, Save Our Seine celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a series of educational and recreational events and activities. Events highlighted the natural, cultural, and historical features found along the length of the Seine River greenway from the city limits to the mouth of the river.
Tour of The Riel Mill Site — February 28
A group gathered at John Bruce Park for a winter walk around the site of the historic mill that was built and operated by Louis Riel Senior (the Miller of the Seine) and Benjamin Lagimodière.
Echoes of Our Past History Walk — May 2
It was a sunny spring day when 100 people gathered at the Lagimodière-Gaboury Park trailhead for a walk with local historian and former SOS President J.P. Brunet.
The group was treated to fascinating and entertaining stories of Winnipeg’s early history as it was shaped by the Seine River. The walk ended at the childhood home of author Gabrielle Roy where a short presentation was made by interpreters and participants were invited inside for the full tour.
Spring Migration Birding Walk — May 23
Approximately 30 people participated in a birding walk offered by SOS in partnership with Nature Manitoba. The weather was amazing and the birding was even better.
People were treated to the sights and sounds of 57 different species of migrant and resident birds – as identified by leader Christian Artuso. The group’s rate of speed was a whopping 400 metres per hour.
Weed Removal on South Trail — May 30
A hard-working crew of gardeners plucked dandelions, thistle, leafy spurge, burdock, nettle, and other unwanted plants. As the invasive weeds disappeared, the landscape revealed the beauty of the less-obvious native plants that were struggling to hold on. Weeders discovered native violets, Alexanders, anemones, wild sarsaparilla, false Solomon’s seal and other woodland delights.
Family Fishing Derby — June 13
Hosted by avid anglers Liam Mulhall and Kevin Boreskie, this event was a chance for novice and experienced anglers alike to enjoy a day at the Seine River.
Volunteers led a variety of fish-related hands-on activities: water quality testing, aquatic invertebrate identification, and watershed model demonstrations. Participants pulled in several good-sized fish, including a channel catfish and a freshwater drum.
Shown here is Liam Mullhall with a Seine River catfish.
Bike Tours — July 12 & August 16
Two bike tours were held, guided by former SOS board member Denis DePape along a 20-kilometre tour of the parks and trails of South St. Vital.
Participants enjoyed the information that was shared at each of the stops along the way while experiencing the beautiful trails in the south part of St. Vital.
Botany Walk — July 14
Between 50 and 60 participants joined tour leader Charles Burchill for an introduction to the plants of the South Trail. Charles provided a detailed list of the plants that he had found during preliminary visits to the area. The tour was entertaining and informative — touching on plant identification, traditional uses, and other points of interest. Many thanks to Nature Manitoba for contributing to Save Our Seine’s 25th Anniversary by recommending this event and tour leader.
Rain Garden Planting & Unveiling — September 16
Save Our Seine worked with Manitoba Eco-Network on this exciting legacy project. Approximately 75 volunteers took part in planting 670 native plants. The rain garden was designed to collect storm water runoff from the roof and parking lot of the Great Canadian Superstore on St. Anne's Road. The plants and soil act as a natural filtration system, removing contaminants from the water.
Art in the Park — September 26
Approximately 50 people gathered and enjoyed a morning of drumming, poetry, and sculptures from celebrated artists Murray Watson, Katherena Vermette, Walter Mirosh, Robert Leclair, and
Ko'ona Cochrane, as they strolled through the Bois-des-Esprits as part of Culture Days.
From the Seat of a Canoe — October 3
Championed by Leigh Anne Parry and in partnership with the Winnipeg Arts Council, Young Lungs Dance Exchange, Winnipeg Canoe Rentals, and Paddle Manitoba, this was a theatrical experiment which took place along the banks of the Seine River. The participants, being in canoes, gradually came upon a variety of curious and interesting sound and performance art installations as they drifted down the river.
