On Saturday, June 18 in Madoc, the Ontario Woodlot Association (Quinte Chapter) will host an active learning day on the Ground and in the Air. Two practical demonstrations will help landowners learn new ways to examine their property.
Nick January, Geographic Information System (GIS) coordinator for the County of Hastings will demonstrate what you can learn about your property using the Hastings County Community Online Maps System. Chris Droog will demonstrate his “flying camera” drone in action so the audience can admire his aerial videography.
In the GIS morning session in Madoc, you can be a cartographer. Nick January will walk everyone through the Community Online Maps system, highlighting the easy-to-use, interactive interface with full screen maps. A user guide will be provided. He will show participants how to access the most recent colour aerial photography (collected in 2013, partnered with Conservation Ontario and the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry). Bring your GIS questions and Nick will fill you in with the latest information. A computer is not required.
In the afternoon, you can be 500 feet tall. Participants will visit Chris Droog’s property in Stirling-Rawdon and learn how to use a small drone to explore and inventory their own land for a new perspective. Chris is a computer technician with ample experience in drone technology. He will take his quadcopter drone for a “spin” over his farm, and then show the audience his videography on a DVD. See the miniature horse and donkey farm from 500 feet in the air.
Chris will explain all the ins and outs of drone use. He will cover applications, Federal Aviation Administration rules, cost, and available platforms for flight modes.
Participants will meet on Saturday, June 18 at 9 a.m. at the Arts Centre Hastings, 230 Durham Street South in Madoc. After lunch, people will drive to the farm in Stirling-Rawdon. There will be a brief annual general meeting to acquaint everyone with chapter activities, and the day will wind up at 3 p/m. The cost of the day is $15/person, including lunch. To book your spot and reserve a lunch, please contact Louise Livingstone at (613) 395-4388 or info@harvesthastings.ca
For more information about the Quinte Chapter of the Ontario Woodlot Association, call Kevin Durkin (613) 396-6381 at noon or in the evening. Or visit ontariowoodlot.com/quinte-chapter.
