 c o n s e r v a t i o n u p d a t e s f o r m e m b e r g r o u p s |
| Ontario Nature Network News - August 15, 2005 |
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To view a copy of this newsletter online visit www.ontarionature.org/resources/nnnews.html. Ontario Nature grants permission for use of the information below in member group newsletters. Please credit either Ontario Nature or the member group. Feature! Ontario Nature a Partner in Simcoe County Sprawl-Busting Campaign NEWS FROM THE NATURE NETWORK
NEWS FROM ONTARIO NATURE NEWS FROM MEMBER GROUPS Central Ontario News
Eastern Ontario News
Southern Ontario News Northern Ontario News NEWS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS UPCOMING NATURE NETWORK NEWS DEADLINES |
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Ontario Nature a Partner in Simcoe County Sprawl-Busting Campaign Ontario Nature has teamed up with Environmental Defence and the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition to promote protection of Lake Simcoe water quality, to stop sprawling “leapfrog” urban development, and to protect green space in Simcoe County. Ontario Nature member groups in the county are encouraged to join us in Campaign Lake Simcoe (contact Linda Pim at lindap@ontarionature.org). Proposals for new urban growth are rapidly becoming the biggest threat to Lake Simcoe and Simcoe County. The county was left out of the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt and there are numerous large urban development proposals planned for the south Simcoe countryside that would “leapfrog” over the Greenbelt-protected Oak Ridges Moraine. Such growth would jeopardize prime farmland, key natural features and Lake Simcoe water quality. One campaign goal is to advocate for creation of better-planned communities that do not consume more rural land. The other goal is to curb pollution of Lake Simcoe from urban runoff, one of the major sources of the high phosphorus levels in the lake that cause aquatic weed growth and algal blooms. Our campaign is calling on the Ontario government to protect the maximum amount of farmland and natural areas in Simcoe County through the proposed Places to Grow growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH); and to improve Lake Simcoe water quality by restricting phosphorus use throughout the watershed and by ensuring that the upcoming drinking water source protection legislation works together with the GGH growth plan. For more information, please visit www.ontarionature.org, www.environmentaldefence.ca and www.rescuelakesimcoe.org. |
NEWS FROM THE NATURE NETWORK |
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On the Importance of the Nature Network The assault on our environment is relentless. We are still poisoning our water, our air, our natural inhabitants and our flora. Vested interests are trying every way possible to cut down our trees, dig up the ground, sell our water resources and build all over the place. The struggle to counter this assault is also relentless. Conservation mandated groups such as Ontario Nature have grown proportionately to the pressures on our natural world. Action-oriented planning and lobbying have increased our efforts to stem the tide. The Nature Network, a unique support mechanism for local, community-based conservation groups such as naturalist clubs and "Friends of" organizations, is an integral part of the campaign to protect and enhance our natural world in Ontario. The Nature Network collectively undertakes significant activities which, when added together, paint an impressive and encouraging action picture. In the Ontario East region, for example, Vankleek Hill Nature Society is trying to save the destruction of the bird habitat in the Alfred Sewage Lagoon, part of the Alfred Birding Trail. Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists have made representation to local Council for inclusion of wording in the new Official Plan to recognize, protect and enhance local wetlands and wetland complexes and the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club is involved in fighting for a significant natural area which the city wants to sell to a quarry developer. Is your group undertaking or preparing to undertake, actions to help protect our natural world? The Nature Network is there to support your efforts through letters or other actions and gets stronger with every initiative taken. By supporting other groups across the province, your group will have that support for issues you undertake. I encourage you to support other groups in your region and beyond to help strengthen the benefits and impact of the Nature Network. |
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Doors Open to Ontario Nature Update Ontario Nature is planning a series of exciting events to celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2006, including the Greenways & Waterways conference hosted by the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists, a special 75th anniversary edition of ON Nature and Doors Open to Ontario Nature. Doors Open to Ontario Nature will feature 75 community events that highlight the diversity, strength and commitment of Ontario Nature’s member groups. Ontario Nature would like to thank the groups who have offered to host events. It is a great opportunity help celebrate our anniversary as a federation. Let us celebrate together! Plans are underway for launching this special initiative, beginning with a large article in the fall issue of ON Nature which will include a brief description of each event. The Regional Coordinators will be collecting the remaining descriptions and details about your events at the upcoming regional meetings as well as in the upcoming quarterly mailing. The event descriptions will be posted on Ontario Nature’s website where a special 75th anniversary section will highlight all celebrations. Ontario Nature will be launching this section of the website at the end of November. Regional Coordinators are also working on additional publicity and would appreciate hearing your ideas. Please contact your Regional Coordinator with any publicity ideas you may have for this exciting initiative. |
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Tell All - ON Nature looking for stories! The Winter 2005/06 issue of ON Nature will commemorate Ontario Nature’s 75th anniversary. We are looking for stories from our members. Do you have a tale to tell us about the organization formerly known as the Federation of Ontario Naturalists? If so, we’d love to hear it. Write to Victoria Foote at victoriaf@ontarionature.org. |
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The Ontario Nature fall regional meetings are coming to your area soon. Please mark the meeting dates in your calendar and encourage representatives from your group to attend! Agendas will be going out one month before the meeting. If you have any questions please contact your Regional Coordinator listed below.
Southern Region Central Region Eastern Region Northern Region |
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Mark your Calendars! Greenways & Waterways – Ontario Nature’s 75th AGM & Conference Mark your calendars for the leading conservation and naturalist gathering of the year! Greenways & Waterways, June 2 to 4, 2006 is Ontario Nature’s 75th AGM. The event is being hosted by the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists (KWFN) who would like to extend an invitation to the Nature Network to join in this special occasion. We are celebrating 75 years of protecting and conserving the environment, expanding the public's knowledge-base on conservation issues, and promoting interest in the enjoyment of nature. The Kitchener-Waterloo region is host to a great diversity of rare habitats, species, and cultures, offering something of interest for everyone. Come to reconnect with old friends and colleagues, meet the faces behind the names, and discuss ideas with those who share similar passions. Come to learn, come to observe, and come to enjoy our Greenways & Waterways. For more information, visit http://cobalt.golden.net/~kwfnconference/index.html or contact Jennifer Baker jenniferb@ontarionature.org. |
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Cheers! Here's to a special offer in support of Ontario Nature Ontario Nature and Magnotta Wines have joined forces to support nature in Ontario. As part of this partnership $1.50 from every bottle of special 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2004 Chardonnay table wines sold through Magnotta’s online store will be donated to Ontario Nature. Customers may order as little as one bottle or may mix other products into their orders if they so desire. This offer is available to both Ontario Nature members, member groups, and to the general public. To order your wine, please visit: www.magnottadelivery.ca/securestore/c245345.2.html Please note: This wine must be purchased through Magnotta’s online store, and is not available at any of their retail locations. Ontario Nature member groups who wish to purchase the wines for member events may do so by contacting Magnotta’s head office in advance so that the orders can be prepared for pickup or delivery as appropriate. Please contact Marianna Marano, Direct Delivery Manager, at (905) 738-9463 or 1 800 461-9463 if you wish to take advantage of this offer. |
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NEWS FROM ONTARIO NATURE |
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Adopt a Forest…One Tree at a Time Forests are disappearing at an alarming rate in southern Ontario. Forest cover has been reduced by 80% in most counties, due to logging, agriculture, and in recent decades, urban development and urban sprawl. You can help to combat this trend of deforestation by adopting a tree. With your donation of $100, Ontario Nature will plant a tree at the Cawthra Mulock Nature Centre in Newmarket in the spring of 2006. You will receive an invitation to a tree planting event as well as an information package. This makes an excellent gift idea! By adopting a tree you will help to restored Ontario’s vital forests and reverse the effects of climate change. To adopt a tree, visit ontarionature.org or call (416) 444-8419 ext. 233 or 1 800 440-2366 ext. 233. |
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Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Thanks to almost 2,000 birders, the fifth and final season for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is just about wrapped up. The province has been thoroughly covered from the Hudson Bay shore to Middle Island in Lake Erie. More than 133,000 field hours have been reported and more than 60,000 point counts completed with data continuing to arrive regularly. If you still have atlas data to submit, or have observations that should be part of the database, please get them in right away. The deadline for getting data into the database will be January 2006. We are currently working on the early aspects of publishing the book. Authors have been lined up for all but 25 of the 300 species accounts and we hope to start writing in April 2006. We are still accepting submissions for photos – in addition to a photo of each species, we’ll be including photos of nests of each species on the species account page. If you have publication quality photos you'd like to submit for the book, please see: www.birdsontario.org/atlas/atlasphoto.html For up to date information on the project, visit: www.birdsontario.org/atlas/atlasmain.html |
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NEWS FROM MEMBER GROUPS |
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Central Ontario News |
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Thickson’s Woods Land Trust Nature Festival Come and join Thickson's Woods Land Trust for its fourth annual fall Nature Festival on Saturday, September 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. The festival will take place in "The Meadow" on the north side of the Waterfront Trail just east of Thickson’s Road in Whitby and will feature bird banding, nature hikes, wildlife shows, pond investigations, rock and mineral displays, magic shows, insect activities and food. Bring the whole family! |
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Huronia groups host Natural Heritage Conference this fall on the Carden Alvar The Couchiching Conservancy, the Carden Field Naturalists and the Carden Plain Important Bird Area Committee invite all naturalists to attend the “Future of the Carden Alvar Natural Heritage” Conference on Wednesday, September 21 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. We promise you a full and informative day, featuring a number of dynamic speakers from various organizations. As naturalists, we know you recognize the importance of alvar habitats and are concerned about protecting biodiversity on the Carden alvar. Come and learn more about this unique and fascinating habitat, and how you can help to conserve it. Your attendance is important - collectively we can make a difference! Our preliminary agenda includes presentations on alvar habitats and associate flora (Wasyl Bakowsky, Natural Heritage Information Centre), the decline of grassland birds (Mike Cadman, Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas), loggerhead shrike recovery (Elaine Williams, Wildlife Preservation Trust) and reconciling aggregate demand with natural heritage protection (Brian Hollingsworth, Ministry of Natural Resources), as well as many other exciting topics. The conference will take place at the Carden Recreation Centre in Lake Dalrymple and is sponsored by the Victoria Land and Water Stewardship Council. To register, send a $20 cheque and contact information (address, phone, email) to: The Couchiching Conservancy, PO Box 704, Orillia, ON L3V 6K7 or phone (705) 326-1620 by September 9. |
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Well-Known Science Educator To Speak At Couchiching Conservancy Fundraiser Bob Mcdonald from CBC Radio’s Quirks And Quarks will be speaking on “Perspectives On A Planet: The View From Above”. There will also be a book signing opportunity after the presentation. Where: Orillia Opera House |
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Over the spring and summer two trumpeter swan pairs nested and raised their young within the Wye Valley. The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre’s most infamous trumpeter swan pair, Jack and Dianne once again took up residence by constructing a nest within our canoe channels. Another trumpeter named Curly and his untagged, unbanded mate nested along the Wye River close to Ste Marie Among the Huron’s. Each pair managed to hatch six tiny cygnets that were spotted at the beginning of June. Unfortunately the life of a swan includes predation by other wild animals. For cygnets in the first few months of life, the snapping turtle proves to be one of the most common predators. Each swan pair lost two cygnets to this fate within the first few weeks of their existence. We are happy to announce however, that at the time of this article each pair is continuing to raise four cygnets each. Towards the end of the summer cygnets are developing quickly and noticeable growth is apparent each week. Nearing the end of September, cygnets are almost the size of their parents and continue to grow. In October the adult trumpeters begin to teach their cygnets how to fly. For staff and volunteers of the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, early October proves the most appropriate and effective time for tagging and banding swan broods. Broods usually remain within their own territories for the next month. In November cygnets can now fly to areas outside of their territories and will arrive at staging grounds in late November and early December to congregate together and prepare for winter. Wye Marsh is considered a staging ground for many species of waterfowl in the early spring and late fall months. During this time it is not surprising to view as many as 80 – 100 individual trumpeter swans and a variety of other waterfowl. We would like to encourage you to come out with your family and friends to enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of dozens of these majestic birds. Afternoon trumpeter swan feeding takes place at 3:00 pm daily, when you can meet the swan keeper and learn more about these incredible birds. For more information please call (705) 526-7809. |
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Caring For Nature Volunteer Workshops The Wye Marsh Stewardship Department has developed a series of volunteer workshops entitled “Caring For Nature.” Themes relate to land stewardship and are different each month. Land stewardship is a collaborative effort by interested and active members of a community, which fosters action that promotes protection, conservation and wise use of our natural resources. These workshops are held once a month on Saturday afternoon and run two hours in length. A typical workshop will include an informative introduction, power point presentation, and an on-hands component where volunteers will actively work together, through a number of different projects that aim to sustain the natural life support systems of the Wye Valley. Please check our official calendar for more specific dates. A schedule of events with information on workshop themes will be available at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in September 2005. Please contact the Wye Marsh Stewardship Department for more information at (705) 526-7809 ext. 220. |
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A successful event was held August 5th at Wye Marsh with the Ontario Nature Volunteer Program, and a dent was made in the presence of purple loosestrife at our Preston Cell. Volunteers received detailed orientation and training about native, non-native and invasive species around the Wye Marsh. Their efforts of controlling purple loosestrife have contributed to the overall management of this invasive species throughout the Wye Valley and surrounding area. If you are interested in learning more about control methods to battle the spread of purple loosestrife, please contact the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre for more information. |
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Stewardship Rangers at Wye Marsh The Wye Marsh Wildlife Center would like to thank the Ontario Stewardship Rangers, a program of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), who worked hard at our centre for two days in July (18 & 19) and two days in August (22 & 23). This program is designed to provide community based work experience, personal development, skills and training for youth who want to expand their commitment to natural resource stewardship. Four stewardship rangers and a crew leader from the Midhurst District spent most of their time wood chipping our trail system. They also participated in a group canoe tour and guided hike to gain an appreciation for the beauty of the Wye Marsh. For more information on this and other stewardship volunteer opportunities, please contact the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre at (705) 526-7809. |
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York Simcoe Naturalists Meeting Updates York Simcoe Naturalists will meet on Tuesday, September 13th, at 7:30 pm in the River Drive Park Community Centre, 20 Oak Ave. in River Drive Park (off the Queensville Sideroad, north of Holland Landing). The guest speaker will be Ed Addison speaking on "Ticks in Moose". Refreshments will be served. For information call (905) 898-2329 or 1 800 216-3830. All are welcome. York Simcoe Naturalists will meet on Tuesday, November 8th, at 7:30 pm in the River Drive Park Community Centre, 20 Oak Ave. in River Drive Park (off the Queensville Sideroad, north of Holland Landing). The guest speaker will be Paul Summerskill of the Owl Rehabilitation Foundation in St. Catharines. Refreshments will be served. For information call (905) 898-2329 or 1 800 216-3830. All are welcome. |
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EASTERN ONTARIO NEWS |
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Upcoming Macnamara Field Naturalists Events The club meets the first Tuesday of the month in the Arnprior Library at 7:30 pm. Guests and new members are always welcome. On September 6th our monthly meeting will feature a talk on "Freshwater Biology" with Dr Andre Martle. Please note this meeting will be held at the museum of Nature in Ottawa. At our October 4th meeting, Philip Fry of "Old Field Garden and Wildflower Nursery" in Oxford Mills with be talking about native plants. It will be a virtual ramble. From September 16-18 the club will be enjoying the annual "Wool Howl/Moose Call Family Camping" at Achray, in Algonquin Park. For more information call Art Goldsmith at (613) 623-6192. |
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Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists Score Big-time With Environmental Education Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists (MVFN) completed a very successful winter and spring as it continues its bold new initiative to bring environmental education to youth in the area. The program’s mandate, entitled Environmental Education Projects Programme (EEPP), is to assist financially with environmental education project-based programs in our area schools and youth groups. In addition to fund raising dinners and auctions, funding was received from the Community Stewardship Council of Lanark County, Mississippi Valley Conservation Rural Clean Water Project and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. MVFN has provided to date over $10,000 to support EEPP projects. Three key programs were offered this financial year. The Eastern Ontario Biodiversity Museum, through its presenter Andrea Howard with Science in a Suitcase units, covered many diverse topics on Biodiversity. Paul’s Critters, from Barrie, used live small animals to illustrate how animals adapt to their environment. Appearing during Education week, an exciting demonstration of live raptors was presented by The Canadian Raptor Conservancy, from Vittoria, Ontario. In total, the 2004/05 programmes, with a cost of $7500, involved over 1600 children and 150 adults. "The EEPP initiative is a very progressive step forward in meeting our mandate", stated Mike Macpherson, President of MVFN. "It (the program) is the best way possible for us to involve young people in learning what nature is all about". Coordinator of the EEPP program is Janine deSalaberry. |
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The State of the Bay of Quinte On Wednesday, June 15th Quinte Watershed Cleanup Inc. hosted a public meeting to inform the public on several programs taking place in the Bay of Quinte Watershed. Barry Jones, manager of the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan, gave an update on the present state of the Bay of Quinte. He outlined the programs undertaken to get us this far and the future requirements to have the Bay delisted as an area of concern. Jones also gave an overview of the fish habitat study for the Bay of Quinte. Keith Taylor, of Quinte Conservation and manager of the new Source Water Protection Program, summarized the new program and how it will help maintain good quality water in the watershed. The ultimate goal is high quality drinking water and, hopefully a better calibre of water entering the Bay of Quinte. The meeting raised awareness within participants of the present state of water in the Bay and what is required to maintain good quantity and quality of water for the future generations to consume and enjoy. |
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The Line Fences Act and Abandoned Rail Right of Ways In response to concerns expressed by owners of Abandoned Rail-Right of Ways and the adjoining agricultural community the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) asked Dr. Wayne Caldwell to consult with key stakeholders to identify the issues, develop possible solutions, build consensus and provide non-binding advice on possible changes to section 20 of the Line Fences Act. Three workshops, in March 2005, between the municipal and the agricultural sectors, resulted in Dr. Caldwell's 51 page report to the Minister. It was released on June 9, 2005 and is available on the Ministry's website (www.mah.gov.on.ca). Quinte Watershed Cleanup Inc. has been addressing environmental concerns on the regional rail trails. We responded to MAH's continuing interest in seeking solutions to balance the interests of all stakeholders by submitting comments. For further information contact us at: Quinte Watershed Cleanup Inc. Box 20069, Belleville, ON K8N 5V1, Attention: QWC Trails Project Committee, or email: qwctrailsproject@sympatico.ca. |
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SOUTHERN ONTARIO NEWS |
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Greenway in Grey & Bruce and Norfolk Counties Ontario Nature is working with both the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) and the Norfolk Field Naturalists (NFN) as well as other local partners to raise awareness of the importance of a web of natural areas to both human and environmental health in Grey & Bruce and Norfolk Counties. These special workshops will feature presentations by Ontario Nature and other partners. The goal is to provide the community with first-hand knowledge of conservation efforts and to demonstrate the positive impact (physical, social and economic) on human and environmental health from protecting Ontario’s natural heritage. Your group is welcome to join us to discuss and develop a balanced conservation strategy for Grey & Bruce and Norfolk Counties. The workshop in Owen Sound is being held on Saturday, October 15th at the Grey Roots Centre, while the Norfolk workshop will be on Thursday, October 27th at the Banquet Hall in the Simcoe Recreation Centre. Ontario boasts a diverse patchwork of forests, streams, rivers, wetlands and marshes. However, that patchwork is shrinking and our natural areas are becoming more isolated from each other. Ontario Nature’s greenway initiative is a plan to establish an interconnected system of living landscapes that are essential to maintaining natural habitat. It represents a land use vision for the future that will help to ensure clean air and water for all Ontarians. It recognizes that if we want to protect and sustain the biodiversity of our southern Ontario landscapes, then we must also protect, restore and enhance the habitats upon which species depend. For more information please contact Jennifer Baker at jenniferb@ontarionature.org or (905) 527-9477. |
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NORTHERN ONTARIO NEWS |
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Sault Naturalists’ Club erects wetland viewing platform The viewing platform at Pumpkin Point is now complete! It stands two levels high and has a great view of the surrounding wetlands and marsh. There is a small parking lot and a large sign to let you know you are there. Location: Hwy 17, on the four lane highway as you pass the turn off for St. Joes Island. The road turns north and the first sign to look for is Reids Road, the next is Pumpkin Point where you turn left (west) heading west for approx 2 km looking to the right (north). Comments on the sturdiness of platform are welcome! |
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NEWS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS |
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The Toronto Region Conservation Authority’s annual Charles Sauriol Dinner is happening October 27th, and Ralph Nader will be the keynote speaker. The event is being held at: PEARSON CONVENTION CENTER |
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Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network & Fund Symposium You are invited to attend the second annual GLAHNF Grassroots Symposium in Lakeside, Ohio on October 14th and 15th, 2005. This exciting event provides Great Lakes advocates an opportunity to network with other activists working in the Basin, and draw inspiration from a dynamic keynote speaker and other presenters. Participants will also refine their communications skills to better advocate on behalf of local rivers, lakes and wetlands throughout the Great Lakes Basin. In keeping with the 2005 GLAHNF theme, Connecting Communities (Communications), the Symposium will offer several workshops designed to assist grassroots groups in crafting an effective communications strategy. The goal of the Symposium is to allow each participant to leave Ohio with a communications plan tailored to their particular organization’s communications needs. All of this will take place at the beautiful Fountain Inn, located one block from Lake Erie. This will provide an ideal environment to take a break from all of the hard work and enjoy the company of fellow Great Lakes advocates. Pre-registration is required. The fee for the Symposium is $100, and includes lodging and meals. An early registration discount is offered before July 31st, and scholarships are available. For more information on registering for the Grassroots Symposium, visit http://glhabitat.org/grassroots.html or call Jill at (231) 347-1181, ext 106. |
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UPCOMING NATURE NETWORK NEWS DEADLINES |
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Next Issue of Nature Network News The next issue of the Nature Network News will be sent on October 17th, 2005. Submissions will be accepted until October 3rd, 2005. The deadline for submissions for the December issue is December 1st, 2005. Please send articles to jenniferb@ontarionature.org. Ontario Nature publishes the Ontario Nature Network News every other month with contributions from its staff and member groups. |