Corduroy Brook

The Life Story of Corduroy Brook

Welcome my friends, Brook Brigaders one and all,
So you want to hear the story "Flow to the Falls".
My name is Corduroy, as in Brook and in Pond,
This tale is of my like, and gee it's been long.
Well, sit back and relax, maybe in the shade of a tree,
As I share with you the past, with this yarn about me.


I know you're all wondering so here is my chance;
To say "NO, I'm not named after an old pair of pants."
Now give me a second and I'll explain to you how,
Roads were made on marsh where you just couldn't plow.
Trees were cut and laid parallel, yes log after log,
"Corduroying" is this road making over wetland and bog.


Speaking about marshes, I bet you didn't know,
That I was mostly bog land not so many years ago.
I wasn't one channel as you will see me today,
My branches of stream stretched out every which way.
My bogs were important, though most thought a mess,
They were nurseries to insects and what people call pests.


Now let's straighten out this idea of pests as you say,
Mosquitoes and insects, and those without vertebrae.
Invertebrate, like caddisfly and dragonfly too,
Live in the water as larvae before they see you.
These fellas are a main food, to trout and salmon first rate;
I bet you are dreaming of those fish on your plate.


Now back to the story….before people came round,
There was me and the animals, the plants and the ground.
We had muskrat and ducks, fish and the loon,
And our engineer beaver who works by the moon.
Then in moved the humans, about a hundred years ago,
I thought, "Wow, more company, so great don't you know."


They built roads and houses and a pulp and paper mill,
Formed two townships - Grand Falls and Windsor as well.
The new citizens of both played water games in my brook;
Did skate, fish, hunt, and swim, in each nook and each crook.
They thought there were two brooks, one for each town,
But it was really just me going around and around.


Whoo, whoo came the trains, alongside my path,
They filled in some bog, at first nothing rash.
Then went Tucker's Bog, and then the Dipping Pond,
To construct a swimming pool and to play baseball on.
Businesses built on Duggan Street and Cromer Avenue,
I was filled in and pushed around, nothing I could do.


Our Trans Canada Highway went right overhead,
The exhaust and the litter made me see red.
Wasn't at all good for my system; I felt rather sick,
My natural cleaners in the bogs had gone rather quick.
Full of garbage, stinky, and unproductive for sure,
Some citizens stepped in, they would find a cure.


Well, my brook is back to life, all kilometers four and a half,
I can gurgle again, babble, and belly a good laugh.
I'm not quite as natural as when I was free,
But special folks are building trails and restoring little me.
Wild animals are returning, trout and salmon too,
Birds are singing along my banks as I shout a "YAHOO!"


Not bad for a story from a brook, don't you say;
I'd better stop babbling or I'll keep you all day.
Give the puzzles a try and check out the games,
By the end you'll know my wild friends, each by their names.
Then go on, get outside, and go visit my stream,
Real wildlife is out there…. TRUE, it's no fantasy or dream.


- By D.S. Greb Green
Taken from Flora, Fauna and Fun Acitivity and Souvenir Booklet

Lending the Brook a Hand

You remember my life was sad, for so many years,
Then along came a group of great volunteers.
Corduroy Brook Enhancement was their brand new name,
Improving my banks and waters was the aim of their game.
They cleaned out my channel, and garbage got rid,
Restored my beauty - whole-hearted they did.


They pulled in more helpers and money they raised,
With the Town, services clubs, and agencies, I was amazed.
Businesses gave equipment and looked at their lots,
Stopped spilling oil and had me in their thoughts.
The public did jump on the bandwagon too,
By adopting a metre of trail - YAHOO!


It wasn't just me who gained from their plan,
But the dragonfly, the trout, each woman and man.
Rock clusters and barriers provided steadies and pools,
Fish needed protection - these volunteers were no fools.
They planted more trees, which gave strength to the banks,
For lovely trails and clean water, I give a big thanks.


Helping freshwater environments is something all people can do,
By clean-ups and plantings and fundraising too.
Learn more about nature and wildlife habitat,
Share what you know with your friends when you chat.
Keep toxic chemicals - oils and paints - far away from drains,
‘Cause it hurts brooks and wildlife when down come the rains.


What a treat it has been to have you visit my dears,
For nature puzzles and activities - haven't had this much fun in years.
Keep stopping by to visit me or some other brook,
There is always something new if you take a close look.
So I guess it's so long, but I won't say goodbye,
Instead, see ya later" as I wink my wet eye.


- By D.S. Greb Green
Taken from Flora, Fauna and Fun Acitivity and Souvenir Booklet

Corduroy Brook Nature Trail

C ome for a walk and take a look
O n the beauty of Corduroy Brook
R ivulets of water cascading about
D on't be surprised if you see a trout
U nbelievable sights and sound
R everberating sweetly all around
O nce you experience the beauty of the trail
Y our daily walks are sure to prevail


B eautiful water running clear
R elaxing all who come here
O ur secret treasure you can be sure
O nce forgotton but never more
K nitted together by God's loving hand


Corduroy Brook will always stand

By Mr. Hal Winslow - 2000