BY CHUCK KUEPFER, Staff Reporter

A section of snow fencing on Arthur Street South between Elmira and St. Jacobs will have a more natural look in the years to come.

As part of a pilot project through a partnership between Woolwich Township and Waterloo Region, trees, shrubs and bushes will be planted along the road as part of a living snow fence.

Work on the living snow fence is slated to begin later this month.

As part of the agreement, trees are being provided by the region with volunteer labour coordinated by the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC). TWEEC has already lined up a group of high school students from the Elmira Life and Work School to help out with the project, which won’t be fully realized for a number of years.

“The trees are not going to create a buffer in the first 5-10 years,” said councillor Mark Bauman, who also chairs TWEEC.

Planting is slated for Sept. 29 and Oct. 9 on a section of the road near the railroad. The pilot project will cover approximately 1.5 acres of farmland south of the railway tracks.

Regular snow fencing will remain in place while the plants grow to such a size that snow drifting is averted.

”I want to commend councillor Bauman for helping out with TWEEC,” said councillor Julie-Anne Herteis. “I think it’s a wonderful idea and will help eliminate those icy conditions.”