2008 Conservation Award Winners
The Seine Rat River Conservation District is proud to announce Jim and Donna Teleglow as the 2008 Conservation Award recipients. Located on Fish Creek, the northern most edge of the SRRCD, the land has been in the Teleglow family for over 50 years. Historically, the land has been used as pasture for cattle, the water table being too high for agricultural activity. When Jim and Donna received ownership of the land, they had dreams of establishing a permanent home here, while at the same time preserving the naturally water-rich characteristics of the land. The Teleglow’s are true believers in working with and around the water, rather than just getting rid of it. Jim built their first pond in 1988 as a swimming hole, with two more ponds designed for canoeing and fishing soon after. Today they are able to showcase the success they have had. Their house was constructed in 2002 and now directly overlooks the Teleglow Water Retention project, completed in partnership with the SRRCD in 2008. The water from Fish Creek flows through their grand front yard, potentially holding back water on 60 acres before it continues over the rock spillway, continuing on to the Seine River farther downstream. The project prevents downstream flooding, slows down the spring flow of Fish Creek, provides a peaceful area to relax and attracts lots of wildlife, which Jim and Donna truly love. Jim challenges landowners to re-evaluate their own ideals when it comes to water and showcases a true success story of using the presence of the water to his own advantage. With everything in place, the Teleglow’s would like one more thing in their front yard, more water!