[getsmart-l] DDO- Will a special & unique spot be turned into ordinary development?

[Gloria Boxen]

Why have the necessities of life, such as clean air, clean and dependable water, local agricultural, and accessibility to nature become luxuries, while the superfluous have been turned into necessities?

The David Dunlap Observatory and Park sits on part of the Oak Ridges Moraine.  It provides a much needed green oasis in southern York Region.  The 189 acres provide habitat to many bird species, deer, and other animals. The southern part of the property has a high water table - here one can see the roots of yellow birch sprawling above ground.  

The air quality along the Yonge Street corridor continues to deteriorate and any remaining greenspace is desparately needed.  In summer, air pollution in the centre core from Finch to north of Major Mackenzie is noticeably worse than downtown Toronto!

The DDO is making significant contributions to astronomy and astrophysicis. Local and visiting international scientists conduct research at the  DDO that cannot be carried out at observatories in Chile and Hawaii.  At these latter institutes observation time is limited to a few nights a year and expensive.  Here at the DDO continuous observations can be made over time and changes observed.

"There are current projects with NASA underway at DDO and the scope is often booked by local and foreign visiting astronomers."
 

We all have to move quickly to prevent this special and unique laboratory and park from turning into just another development.

For more information visit the Richmond Hill Naturalists' website.

http://www.rhnaturalists.ca/save-the-observatory/links.php

http://www.yorkregion.com/article/50055
Letters to the Editor                                  Sep 22, 2007 06:39 AM
Re: Lights out for Dunlap Observatory, Sept. 12.

After another walk in the observatory property, I’m convinced Richmond Hill should make a strong effort to secure this unique and historic site as a natural public park site.   Surely the town should be able to count on the help of Ottawa, the province and the region in this.

This would be an excellent opportunity for MP Bryon Wilfert, MPP Frank Klees and our regional representative as well as Mayor Dave Barrow and our own council, to show their effectiveness in acting on our behalf, ....call it the David Dunlap National Park and the province, region and Town of Richmond Hill could share the cost of maintaining it?

.... the last thing we need is for this valuable natural resource to be lost to more development.

Ian Murray
Richmond Hill

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/anne_frank.htm

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.  Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.     -Anne Frank

DDO provides that spot. It is a wonderful connection between the peace and beauty of earth and the grandeur of the heavens.   

Gloria Boxen


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