Tribe family recognized for land stewardship

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Jeff and Diane Tribe were recognized by Oxford County last week for their efforts to turn previously pastured farmland into a thriving wetland.

Oxford County Warden Larry Martin presented the 2019 Oxford Stewardship Award to Jeff and Diane Tribe at Wednesday night’s meeting of County Council, in recognition of their efforts toward land improvement and sustainability.

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“Every year, I am grateful for the Oxford County landowners that demonstrate their respect and commitment to protecting our natural environment through their actions. I am honoured to present the 11th annual Oxford Stewardship Award in recognition of the Tribes’ efforts to transform their previously pastured farmland into a thriving wetland,” said Larry Martin, Warden, County of Oxford, in a media release.

The Tribes were singled out by the award selection committee for their passion and commitment to developing a flourishing wetland on previously pastured farmland north of Norwich. The project consisted of digging an inter-connected 1.4-acre wetland featuring two major and several smaller water features, supported by 8.9 acres of upland habitat. The project also included the planting of mixed native trees.

“It went from the idea of digging a duck pond to an integrated, bio-diverse wetland through the efforts of many great organizations and individuals, coordinated through our eyes by dedicated conservationist Phil Holst,” said Jeff Tribe. “We haven’t shot a single duck and might never, but enjoy its presence literally every day, and would encourage others to not only consider their own projects, but explore what help is out there.

“At the end of the day, we still wrote a cheque, but we thoroughly appreciate the financial and also importantly logistical support from great individuals and organizations that made a far better final result than we could have imagined, happen.”

With marsh-like qualities, the wetland acts like a giant sponge during floods and a reservoir during droughts. The lush greenery and even dead vegetation absorb water and slows the movement of water to surrounding areas.

“Helping create a wetland was a selfish thing because if I last another 10 or 20 years, my grandchildren are going to wonder what we did in the face of climate change,” said Jeff Tribe. “I’d like them to know we were concerned about the environmental legacy our generation was inadvertently leaving, we recognized there is a problem and were prepared to do something in support of our natural environment and its future.

“Our wetland isn’t going to save the planet, but as landowners, it’s a small thing we can do as part of what needs to be a much-larger effort.”

The wetland is a memorial project for Jeff’s sister Lahring and his parents, Harry and Jessie Tribe.

“Dad was an orphan, raised as a ward of the children’s aid society, who used to say ‘When you’ve been a boy with nothing but a ten dollar bike, property looks pretty good,'” Jeff added. “He and mom loved the farm, loved raising their family here, enjoyed nature and considered stewardship part of ownership. We’d like to honour and hopefully continue that legacy.”

Oxford County is once again honouring this year’s Oxford Stewardship Award recipient with original artwork commissioned from a local artist. As the 2019 winner, the Tribes received a $500 gift certificate from the County towards the purchase of original artwork by abstract painter Julie Hawkins, which she has offered to generously match in value, as well as a gift basket from Woodlynds Chocolate Shop in Woodstock.

In addition to this prize, the Tribes will be added to the recognition wall at the Oxford County Administration Building, designed to honour all past, and future, recipients of the Oxford Stewardship Award.

Oxford County would also like to thank the night’s runner-up for their stewardship efforts. Over the last eight years, Gerard Pynenburg has worked in tandem with his parents Bernie and Nellie to implement measures to improve soil health, prevent erosion and keep sediment and nutrients out of the Nith River.

“It’s not a competition, rather a laudable initiative recognizing the importance of stewardship, natural environment and highlighting the many sustainable and progressive activities of Oxford’s agricultural landowners,” said Jeff Tribe.

“In that sense, we’re very pleased to be part of it and on behalf of the broader Tribe family extend congratulations to fellow nominee Gerard Pynenburg of Princeton as well as express sincere thanks to all involved, including the County, the Clean Water Program, Stewardship Oxford, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, the Oxford Soil and Crop Improvement Association and artist Julie Hawkins.”

The winner of the Oxford Stewardship Award is chosen by representatives of local stewardship organizations, with Cathy Dibble, Oxford Soil & Crop Improvement Association, and Cher Sprague, Stewardship Oxford, leading the judging process.