| durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, November 3, 2022 | 26 1415 Highway 2, Courtice (Just East of Townline) oneloveonedreambridal.com905-240-4968 S a t u r d a y N o v e m b e r 1 2 t h - 2 0 t h Appointments are strongly recommended; however, walk-ins are accepted. Not applicable to orders or previous purchases. Appointments can be booked online www.oneloveonedreambridal.com or call 905-240-4968 Anniversary Inventory • Wedding Dresses, • Bridesmaid Dresses, • Special Occasion Dresses, • Accessories, etc. RegulaR- pRice items40%off Sale Dresses *some exclusions apply $99* as low as Friends of Second Marsh (FSM) is a local not- for-profit agency that works to preserve and maintain the integrity of Second Marsh. FSM relies on donations, volunteers and memberships to maintain the marsh as a viable wetland and wild space and to provide stewardship and education programs. Nestled on the shore of Lake Ontario, the marsh provides sanctuary for many species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and plants, some of which are endangered or threatened species. FSM also works diligently to control invasive species such as phragmites that are threatening the integrity of this important marsh area. There are many ways to support the work of FSM. Membership categories and fees effective as of Jan. 1, 2023 are as follows: Individual memberships $25 per year; family memberships $50; and corporate memberships are $175. Lifetime memberships are a $500, one-time payment. Membership has its privileges. Regardless of the category, all members receive: • a charitable receipt for the full membership fee • an invitation to the FSM AGM and eligibility to vote • an invitation to the annual Ontario Nature zone meeting (Lake Ontario North group) • information about FSM events, programs, special projects and volunteer opportunities • a non-adhesive, window cling of the FSM logo for your car that announces your proud membership • a sense of pride each time members visit Second Marsh • the opportunity to meet others with similar interests • the satisfaction that comes from being part of your community's efforts to protect its natural heritage FSM also gratefully accepts donations, which support the continued operation of FSM and its education, interpretation and stewardship role. Donations can celebrate milestones such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births, graduations, Christmas, or other special occasions. Another way to support FSM is through memorial donations. You can consider your donation to FSM a carbon offset as you contribute to a cleaner, greener world. Memberships can be submitted on the FSM website (www.secondmarsh.ca) using PayPal or by cheque, sent to FSM, P.O. Box 31003, RPO Kingsway Village, Oshawa, L1H 8N9. Donations to FSM can also be made on the CanadaHelps website. FSM requires numerous volunteers for a wide range of activities and programs that operate throughout the year, including assisting with community events, invasive plant management and cleanup days. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, build resumés, fulfil school or other community service requirements, give back to the community and help protect the environment Visit the FSM website or follow FSM on social media (@secondmarsh) for upcoming volunteer events or email us at staff@secondmarsh.ca for opportunities to volunteer. Stay wild and we hope to see you at Second Marsh! Helen Break has been a member of the FSM board since mid-2021. She lives in Whitby and is recently retired from the City of Oshawa. Raised on a dairy farm, Helen has a love of the outdoors and all things wild. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Second Marsh and to help raise awareness about its ecological importance. HELP OSHAWA'S SECOND MARSH STAY WILD Volunteers participating in the Let's De-Phrag the Marsh! Project, fall 2021. Friends of Second Marsh photo OPINION HELEN BREAK Column