will be flying a special tribute to Canada 150.

Thirteen Canada-themed hand-crafted quilts will fill the rafters of the sanctuaryB次元官网网址檚 main building, the Nature House. The Silver Swans, a group of quilters working out of the sanctuaryB次元官网网址檚 Martelli House, created the quilts.

The project emerged out of a request to build banners to baffle sound in the Nature House, said Donna Brower of the Silver Swans. B次元官网网址淲e were asked to do 12, but we got carried away and did 13,B次元官网网址� said Brower.

Donna Leitch, another member of the Silver Swans, said sound became an issue when changes in the arrangements of displays created an open area where sound echoes.

B次元官网网址淭here is an administrative section in the house, so nobody can hear what is going on or even hear themselves,B次元官网网址� said Leitch. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 too hard to hear either on the phone or just in person, when there is lots of noise.B次元官网网址�

Julia Dawson, co-ordinator of volunteers and events, said filling the rafters with quilts will make it easier for the sanctuary to deliver its programs.

B次元官网网址淚t improves the learning environment, because you can hear, whether you are a kid, senior or staff,B次元官网网址� she said.

While the quilters had to follow width and length specifications of 24 by 55 inches, they enjoyed total creative freedom.

All of the designs are originals, said Leitch. B次元官网网址淭here were lots of creative ideas,B次元官网网址� said Leitch. B次元官网网址淲e didnB次元官网网址檛 follow any particular theme other than just Canada 150.B次元官网网址�

It is estimated that it took the quilters about 500 hours to complete the project, which Brower admitted was not initially popular. B次元官网网址淏ut after we got going, they all did wonderful jobs,B次元官网网址� she said.

Silver Swans started five years ago and raises money for by selling its creations through the sanctuaryB次元官网网址檚 gift shop.

B次元官网网址淚n some years, we contribute quite a bit,B次元官网网址� said Brower.

Dawson said the project is a win for all involved. It raises awareness about the Silver Swans and helps raise money for centre.

The theme of the quilts also links the centre with the upcoming sesquicentennial.

B次元官网网址淥ur tag phrase is Connecting People with Nature and that is a huge part of , just appreciate the country that we have,B次元官网网址� said Dawson.