Lil' Reg will miss Stan Taylor

The Little River Enhancement Group (Lil' Reg) lost a devoted founding member when Stan Taylor passed away on April 22 (Earth Day).

The earthy coincidence would have put a smile on Stan's face. He represented the Essex Region Conservation Authority when all of us met and created Lil' Reg in February, 1991.

Stan was delighted with the Little River valley restoration project in the Twin Oaks Business Park. An erosion-prone and impaired river valley was returned to a natural and pristine area for the benefit of wildlife and water quality.

He also was involved in improving the Little River stream bed in the section of river between Lauzon

Road and Tecumseh Road in East Windsor. Stan was instrumental in creating the nature trail in Mcauliffe Woods Conservation Area in Tecumseh.

His environmental vision included creating a pedestrian underpass where Little River flows under E. C. Row Expressway. Stan sincerely believed it was a potential connection between the Ganatchio Trail system and Chrysler Canada Greenway.

Stan would bring his young sons to tree planting and cleanup events to teach his boys the importance of community service and helping the natural world. He talked passionately about passing the torch on to younger people.

Stan and I reflected on the subject of aging members of Lil' Reg and how the work at Little River was going to continue. He hoped the younger generation would get involved and continue the restoration of nature in our Windsor-essex community.

Lil' Reg is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and Stan was looking forward to our gathering to connect with our companions again. He will be missed by his Lil' Reg friends.

Rest easy Stan, based on this year's tree planting event on Earth Day, young people have picked up the torch.

Ian Naisbitt, chairman Little River Enhancement Group, Windsor