Spring 2016 - Nature League
Transcription
Spring 2016 - Nature League
INCORPORATED AS SENIOR LEAGUE SOCIETY OF COLLINGWOOD Spring Issue 2016 Nature League Welcome to Spring Special Events Spring Social Tobermory 2016 Wednesday April 27th All Saints Anglican Church Wed June 15th to Fri. June 17th 32 Elgin Street, Collingwood Join us for this popular Bruce Peninsula Adventure. You can choose a 1 or 2 night stay at the Coach House Inn, Tobermory. Due to the popularity of this outing all attendees must be nature league members. Social 5-7 p.m. Start off the 2016 spring program by joining us for snacks and refreshments. This will be a great time to renew acquaintances before the spring hikes begin. Note cards will be available for purchase. We encourage you to bring a friend! Spring Speaker Room Rates: Thursday, May 19th Double occupancy: $122.04* two people per night. This includes accommodation, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. L.E. Shore Library, Thornbury Single occupancy: $90.40* per night. This includes accommodation, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. President of Procyon Wildlife Debra Spilar Procyon Wildlife rescue, rehabilitate and release wild animals in need of care. * Costs have been updated to 2016 prices. BOOKING STARTS APRIL 18th Coffee: 10:00 a.m. Presentation: 10:30 a.m. See page 10 for booking information and more details from leaders Terry and Cathy Sears. 1 Asian Carp Threaten Great Lakes Asian Carp on Our Doorstep By Joan Latimer Asian Carp are big, aggressive, and always hungry. They have wreaked havoc in some parts of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers where they now comprise an estimated 90 per cent of the biomass. These invaders have moved upstream to the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAW), and are now only about a 100 kilometres way from the gateway to the Great Lakes. Their northward migration comes to an abrupt halt when the fish arrive at the electrical barriers installed in the CAW System. So far the barriers seem to have turned them back. But some experts are convinced that the system is not foolproof and that sooner or later a few fish may slip through. A few fish would be all it would take to pose a serious threat to the Great Lakes. According to Professor Kim Cuddington of the University of Waterloo, as few as 10 Asian Carp would be enough to begin establishing a population. She explains that these fish are experts at finding one another in a body of water. Last summer, nine Asian Carp were discovered in Lake Ontario, the biggest find ever. Of these, six were fertile including the two found swimming in contained ponds in the Leslie Street Spit. Scientists still don’t know where these fish came from as they were not born in this country. Ongoing testing in Canada’s Asian carp lab in Burlington, Ontario, and in several U.S labs, will eventually determine their origin. To date no self-sustaining population of this invasive fish has been found in The Great Lakes. Continued on page 3 2 Asian Carp continued Recent Arrivals It is hard to believe that this invasive species, which only a few decades ago did not exist in North American waters, has emerged as such a huge environmental and economic threat. These fish, native to China and Russia, only arrived in the American South in the 1970s. They were imported to control bottom algae in catfish ponds. When flooding occurred some escaped into nearby waterways and thus began the Asian Carp invasion. Chalk up another major victory for The Law of Unintended Consequences, the very law that has disrupted the ecological balance in many other countries. Today most people who are aware of the Asian Carp problem think of this invader as one single breed of fish. Not so. Four distinct species are considered part of the Asian Carp family. They are the Grass, Silver, Bighead and Black carps. All are big - some top 45kilos (100 pounds) - all have huge appetites and all reproduce with super efficiency. One species, the Silver Carp, jumps up to three metres out of the water when startled by noise. Boaters and anglers in the Mississippi River basin area have sustained severe injuries when fifty pounds of flying carp have smashed into their face or upper body. The carp infestation in US waters so close to Canada is a constant reminder of the ecological catastrophe that could happen here . “We are seeing an invasion happening in the U.S.” says Becky Cudmore, manager of the Asian Carp Program for Canada’s Oceans and Fisheries. “We are seeing native species pushed out for food and space, we’re seeing loss of habitat in wetlands areas and we’re seeing declines in commercial fishery values”. The Sierra Club (U.S) has this blunt warning on its Web page. “If the fish were to reach The Great Lakes it would be an ecological and economic disaster…. “They could devastate the region’s $7 billion recreational fishing and boating industry and take away our ability to boat, fish, swim and enjoy our lakes and their many tributaries.” Public awareness Public awareness has a big role to play in the Asian Carp battle maintains Kristine Pinkney, Asian Carp specialist at the Invasive Species centre, She wants individuals who love the Great Lakes to get involved by learning all they can about the issue. “The more eyes on the water the better,” she says. Pinkney put together a series of five web seminars, called Webinars, featuring a variety of experts. The most recent was last month when Becky Cudmore outlined the current state of Canada’s fight to block Asian Carp. This lecture, along with others in the series, is available on line. Want to listen to these webinars? The quickest way is to Google Asian Carp Webinar Series. Then click on “webinar series-asian carp” (first listing). Pinkney was also involved in organizing a contest for university and college students who were asked to develop a device, technology, equipment or other method to prevent or manage Asian Carp. Winners will be announced later this month. We need your help! MARK YOUR CALENDAR Please let us know of any member who is ill at home or in hospital. AGM LECTURE POT LUCK Contact either: Carole Hill 705-429-2869 or [email protected] and copy Clare Wed. September 14th Thurs November 17th Tues December 6th Details to follow later Clare Capon 705-446-9874 or [email protected] and copy Carole 3 FOR THE BIRDS ! Environment Canada biologists have concluded that collisions with windows on small buildings ( we already know the effects of glass office towers ) are the leading cause of bird deaths, taking millions of lives every year. Windows deceive birds; reflected trees or sky, a tempting potted plant seen through glass or a view straight through the building or glass balcony railing ( becoming popular) can trick birds into thinking that they can sail through to the other side. Birds that do not die on impact can go into shock, becoming easy prey for predators such as cats. Injured Bird? Should a bird hit your window, gently place it inside an unwaxed paper bag or cardboard box. Place it in a quiet location for recovery away from people and pets – no food or water. Should you find a bird killed or injured by a window collision, you can contribute to research by recording the incident on the FLAP MAPPER, a citizen – science global mapping data base at flap.org/mapper guide ( FLAP = the FATAL LIGHT AWARENESS PROGRAM ) Learn more at [email protected]. Preventive Measures: Consider covering the outside of windows with contrasting patterns ( visual markers) of any shape to reduce the reflective window area, hanging ribbons or strings on the outside of the window, drawing patterns on windows with a bar of soap or highlighter pen, installing window screens, applying special film or applying hawk silhouettes. Products / Info: featherfriendly.org. ;birdsavers.com ; birdscreen.com ; collidescape.org ; abcbirds.org ; flap.org . Additional Tips: Bird Feeders/ Baths: Position half a metre ( 1.5 feet) or less from your window. Over this short distance, birds cannot build up enough momentum to injure themselves should they hit your window. House Plants: Move away from your windows or install blinds to be drawn during the day with slats turned open. Pet Cats: Keep your cat indoors. Plants: Plant native trees, shrubs & flowering plants in your yard to provide food & nesting areas for birds ( see nanps.org for tips). Information taken from brochure “ Homes Safe For Birds” funded by the Government of Canada) Submitted by: Gary Cauthers 4 LOREE FOREST WINTER SURPRISE On February, 1, 2016 the Council of the Town of the Blue Mountains met to make a decision on the restriction of motorized vehicles on the 5th line in order to access the Loree Forest section of the Bruce Trail. “Xtreme Adventures” had been operating hummers on this trail, causing extensive damage in the form of huge ruts. A deputation was made by Ros Rossetti of the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club recommending stopping up and closing 5th Line north of the 21st Sideroad. Letters in support of this recommendation were submitted by the Nature League, Blue Mountain Watershed Trust and many individual citizens. Several Nature League members were in attendance. A favourable decision was made by Council at that meeting and the proposed By/Law was ratified on February 17th. There will no longer be restricted vehicles in the Loree Forest. Concerned citizens can make a difference!! Migs Baker Submitted by Gary Cauthers I was able to get this photo recently through our kitchen window. A nice Winter surprise! With the assistance of birder Margaret McFadyen we discovered that we were observing a female Red-bellied Woodpecker. The males have the red area coming right down the forehead to the beak. The colour on the belly is often just a tinge. Last year Margaret saw a male & the blush on his lower abdomen was actually rosy- a very different shade from his head colour. This species is extending its range northwards- used to be just along Lake Erie & the Niagara peninsula. Paid Parking Coming to Beaver Valley The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority is implementing a paid parking system which will affect users of The Bruce Trail in the Beaver Valley section as well as Blue Mountains, Sydenham and the southern Peninsula sections. The new system does not allow for cash payments. Parking permits must be obtained prior to your trip or at the trailhead using your smartphone. The daily parking rate is $5.00 and each parking lot will have an associated Zone Number that you use to indicate at which lot you are parked. Or purchase a season's pass for your vehicle, which covers the calendar year, by registering the license plate for only $30.00. Prepay by phone (toll-free) 1 844 334 7078 or online at mackaypay.com or download the Mackay App (for Android and Apple devices) to your smartphone and pay on the fly. Upon initial use, you will need to create a user account and enter your payment information. 5 2015 Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Environmental Leadership Dear Nature League I wish to sincerely thank you for sponsoring my weekend at the Ontario Nature Youth Summit 2015. I had a blast, and have made some great friends! To be honest, I had never heard of the Youth Summit and wouldn’t have considered going before my guidance counsellor approached me about the opportunity. Thanks to your support, I was able to go, and I learned about native bees, some small steps I can take myself to help combat climate and social issues, as well as learning about the Youth Council’s mission. I made a small pollinator garden named Kale the Kale (named after the fabulous Kale Black of Burlington Green – a truly amazing young man!) and jumped in the lake every morning for Polar Bear Dip! The location was gorgeous and I could tell that it really got everyone into the right mindset for the weekend. Apart from taking a new interest in watching for and protecting endangered wildlife, this conference also piqued my interest in lobbying for change. I have a voice, and this weekend helped me remember that. One of my goals is to install a compost system in my school. So far, so good! I am very interested in sustainable agriculture, and I was able to meet a couple of people who were going through post-secondary in this field! It has me looking at taking a degree in sustainable agriculture instead of biology. One of these people is also very into raising backyard poultry (just like me) and I actually met him later at a bird sale! I just wanted to say thank you for making it possible for me to have spent such a memorable weekend among so many open-minded, passionate youth! Sponsors like you are what make connections like these possible and without groups like the Nature League, it is possible that over 60 participants in this past summit would not have had the means to attend. Thank you for all you do, and I hope others are given this same opportunity in the future. It truly is life changing! Alyson Wright - Grade 12 Student SCI Hi Migs Baker, I wanted to thank the Nature League for sponsoring me to go to the 2015 Youth Summit by Ontario Nature. I had a wonderful time connecting with people my age who care as much about the environment as I do. I made wonderful friendships and memories that will endure and their impacts on my decisions and actions will and have already affected my life. It gives me great excitement to persevere in helping protect the environment as I have learned its importance and beauty both through the presentations and hands on experience during that weekend. I learned many things that I will and have already applied to my community as well as my club Earth Link at CCI. I also attached a few pictures below that I took throughout the weekend of some friends I still keep in touch with and some wonderful nature scenes . I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the Youth Summit, I can't thank you enough, Melissa Dosne 6 Ontario Nature Regional Meeting April 23, 2016 In Memoriam The Nature League is a member of Ontario Nature and we are always welcome to attend their regional meetings. The Spring meeting will be hosted by “Friends of Nancy Island and Wasaga Beach Park”. This club is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to furthering the educational and interpretive programs of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and Nancy Island Historic Site. Don McFadyen Our condolences go out to his wife Margaret and to all the members of his family. Don contributed greatly to the Nature League as editor of our Newsletter. He will be missed. Karen Alexander, a biologist with Ontario Parks will speak on “Healthy Beaches”. The beach story is an interesting one that must be shared. The effects of wind, waves and currents from the Bay shape the movements that change the landscape. As the sand moves, native beach plants such as Marram Grass and Wormwood help establish freshwater dunes, an ecosystem so rare, it is considered globally imperilled. The dunes, beach and shoreline all offer unique components to the wildlife that make the beach their home. Threatened species, like the piping plover, need the beach ecosystem for breeding. The “Friends” through their successful piping plover program of 8 seasons have witnessed 40 chicks fledge. So save the date of April 23 to come to Wasaga Beach to meet with other like-minded naturalist groups and to explore and learn more about the world’s largest freshwater beach. We will be notified soon of the Location of the meeting and the Agenda (which usually includes a hike). Keep the Nature League in Mind When Writing Your Will: Consider remembering the Nature League in your will. Monies bequeathed will be used to further the promotion, preservation, and understanding of nature and the environment. When Making a Donation: When you make a donation in memory of a deceased person, consider remembering the Nature League. Tax Receipts are issued for all donations 7 Welcome New Members Nancy Jackson Glenn Velick Nature League winter programs in pictures. Perfect ways to spend snowy winter days! Thank you to program co-ordinator Migs Baker and the many activity leaders, “soups on” hosts and potluck volunteers. Photo credits Annie McGouran. Winter 2016 8 Nature League Spring Hikes and Programs 2016 Walkers meet On Wednesdays at Metro parking lot to car pool (unless noted otherwise). Please note car pool times for each event. For carpooling the leader will meet participants in the N. E. corner of the Metro parking lot in Collingwood. If the weather conditions are unfavourable the decision on whether or not to continue with the outing will be made by those who show up. If cancelled those showing up may wish to adjourn to a local café to socialize and enjoy a coffee. Walks start at 10:30 am at Trailhead, unless stated otherwise, and will last about 2 hrs. Come prepared with lunch, a beverage, suitable clothing, sturdy footwear, and if possible a cell phone. Please no pets. All participants must sign the waiver before the activity. Each leader will have a waiver form with them. Any questions should be directed to the leader of each walk. If you need more details on how to get to the hiking location please phone the hike leader. Bring a friend to encourage new memberships! Need a ride to a walk or meeting? Contact: Collingwood: Clare Capon 705446-9874 Wasaga Beach: Carole Hill 705429-2869 Creemore: Gary Cauthers 705466-2272 April 27th Spring Social All Saints Anglican Church 32 Elgin St., Collingwood 5-7 pm. See front page. MAY 4th TOWN TRAILS Meeting time is 10.30 at the Birch St parking lot. North of First Street near the treatment plant. This will be a relatively easy but interesting walk on the trails which will include the shipyards pier, the new amphitheatre, the three signs donated by the Nature League, the labyrinth, the boardwalk , Silver Creek and back through the arboretum. Optional lunch at a restaurant to be decided. Leader Joan Latimer 705 446 6122 MAY 11th OLD BALDY AND KEN YOUNG SIDE TRAIL TRILLIUM WALK Car pool time 9.45 South on Osler Bluff Rd, west on Grey Rd 19, cross Grey Rd 2, continuation is side rd 9. Continue on side rd 9 through Duncan to 10th line and turn right then take left on 3rd line. Continue on 3rd line to side road 7B on right. Take it to the corner and park at entrance to Ken Young Side Trail. After completing this 1.5km easy loop through woodlands we will walk down to the parking lot and take the Mac Kirk side trail to the Old Baldy lookout. A 1.5 km loop. Moderately easy walk uphill through woodlands but there is a very rocky downhill section after the lookout. There is an amazing display of trilliums on both sections of this walk in early May. Leader Marlene Esson 705 445 5793 See pg 5 re parking rates. Check with Marlene to see if this lot has parking fees. MAY 18th JOHN HAIGH SIDE TRAIL and NORTH RIM OF PRETTY RIVER VALLEY PARK Car pool time10 a.m. South on Osler Bluff Rd. West on Grey Rd 19 to 2 nd line. South on 2nd line, past Petun Conservation Area to end at junction with 6th side rd. Park in small lot or on side of road. Limited parking so carpooling is advised (6.5 kms.) This trail has the highest point on the Bruce Trail so there is some climbing but generally the terrain is through mature woods, fairly level, easy intermediate, gorgeous views from the main trail and impressive geological features . Rosemary Bolitho and Linda Burney 705 444 6301 May 19th SPRING SPEAKER L.E. Shore Library, Thornbury Debra Spilar, President of Procyon Wildlife 10am coffee, presentation 10:30am 9 MAY 25th MARGARET PAUL SIDE TRAIL Car pool time 9.45 a.m. Take Scenic Caves Rd to Banks. Turn right at Banks on 4th line and then left on 18th sideroad to 5th line and park. Walk is approx.4 kms on interesting terrain through bush and trails and some not too difficult hills. Leader Jean Reed 705 443 8738 st JUNE 1 WALTERS FALLS Car pool time 9.45 Take Hwy 26 West to Cty Rd 40.Go left and continue on 40,up the hills, to the T- junction at the end. Turn right to Walters Falls and then go left on Victoria Street and right on Front Street to the end. Meet in the parking lot of the Falls Inn at 10.30 a.m.to take a 4.5 km loop hike up one side of Walters Creek and back down the other side. This is not a difficult hike but there are some hills so may be difficult for people with knee or hip problems. Bring packed lunch to eat on the trail. Optional visit to Falls Inn for dessert or beverage after the hike. Leader Beth Theis 705 627 2606 JUNE 8th LOREE FOREST Car pool time 10 a.m. Take Scenic Caves Road to Banks. Turn right on 4th Line, proceed to end, then turn left on 21st side road and continue. Park on broad shoulder to right opposite house number 729150. Approx 5.5kms, starts with a hill then mostly level walking. Some rougher parts but a moderately easy walk. Leader Jerry Finczak 705 444 5384 JUNE 15th TOBERMORY Three days of hiking/walks (or whatever one may choose to do) takes place June 15, 16 &17, 2016. Your Leaders will be Terry & Cathy Sears. Our Stay will be at the Coach House Inn in Tobermory. Single Occupancy - *$90.40 per night, hst incl.($90.40 x 2 nights = $180.80) Double Occupancy - *$122.04 for two people, per night, hst incl.. ($122.04 x 2 nights = $244.08) This would include 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and of course your accommodation. Terry will be collecting $15 (cash) per person to cover gratuities for all staff. BYOB and bring an appetizer for the Happy Hour. Booking will be open from April 18th, 2016 until June 3, 2016. Space is limited to 46 people. Due to the popularity of this outing all attendees must be nature league members. To book call Ruth Vance at 1-519-596-2361 and let her know you are part of the Nature League Group. Once you have registered with Ruth please email Terry Sears [email protected] and advise whether you will be hiking, walking or your own thing. Check –in time is after 1:00 pm and cancellation policy is 12 noon the day prior to arrival. Please advise Terry Sears of cancellation. * Costs for accommodations and meals have been updated to 2016 prices. 10 June 22nd HIKE AND BBQ BBQ Gary and Lois Cauthers will host a BBQ for members of the Nature League. Please arrive at 11:30 am for lunch at noon. Sausages and buns only are provided, bring your own salad/dessert if you wish. Please call 705-466-2272 if you are a vegetarian or need directions. HIKE Mad River Trail Car pool time 10 a.m. Take Hwy 124 through Duntroon to the Glen Huron turn on the left.In Glen Huron go as far as the water wheel where the road turns to the left.Make the left turn and park on the right hand side of the road. This is an easy walk along the river valley through trees to the base of Devils Glen Ski Club returning on the same route. Approx 1 ½ hrs. Leader Carolyn Moerschner 705 445 0267 June 29th STANDING ROCK SINGHAMPTON Car pool time 10a.m. Take concession 10 or Hwy 124 to Duntroon Side Rd [formerly Simcoe Cty Rd 91] Turn Right and proceed to T- intersection [Clearview Osprey Townline] and turn right. Drive to the end and park. Easy walk with interesting views. Optional lunch at Mylar and Lorettas. Leader John Capon 705 446 9874 July 13th POT LUCK SUPPER ON THE BEACH At Fritzy and Jerry Nydam’s cottage. 151 Cameron St., Thornbury. 3:00 pm swim and socialize. 5:00 pm supper. Bring your own contribution to the meal, swim suit, plate, cup, cutlery, chair, and beverage. Tea, coffee and before dinner snacks will be provided. Please let Fritzy know by the 10th if you are going to be attending this event. 705-4455941 or [email protected] Directions: Hwy 26 to Thornbury, go through the lights on Hwy. 26 to the 4 th street (Peel St.) Turn right, proceed to the second street (Cameron) and turn left. 11 12 Ongoing Fundraiser Wallpaper Envelopes/Wood Cut Cards Don’t forget that you can buy packages of these unique envelopes/cards throughout the year by contacting Clare Capon. She has the entire inventory and arrangements can be made for you to pick your favourite! Proceeds from the sale of these envelopes/cards which are handmade by Ann McGouran and John Capon are used to sponsor a student at the Ontario Nature Youth Summit each September. Heartfelt thanks to our generous in-kind sponsor, Robinson’s Paint & Wallpaper, for their ongoing support of this initiative. VISIT US: www.natureleague.ca (includes events/newsletter in colour) CONTACT US: [email protected] (questions/membership info.) Please Support our Advertisers NEWSLETTER PRODUCTION Chris Dudley [email protected] We thank our advertisers for their generous support and encourage our members to do likewise when patronizing these establishments. Jim Richardson / Advertising INCORPORATED AS SENIOR LEAGUE ENDOWMENT SOCIET OF COLLINGWOOD P.O. BOX 572 COLLINGWOOD ON L9Y 4E8 13