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 - September 17, 2007 |
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Ontario Nature Ontario Nature grants permission for use of the information below in member group newsletters. Please credit either Ontario Nature or the member group. NEWS FROM MEMBER GROUPS
NEWS FROM NATURE NETWORK
NEWS FROM ONTARIO NATURE
NEWS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
UPCOMING NATURE NETWORK NEWS DEADLINES
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CONTENTS NEWS FROM MEMBER GROUPS |
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Species at Risk Stewardship Fund Projects Approved Congratulations to our groups that were successful in receiving funding. Be sure to let us know if your group received funding.
Submitted by Barbara MacKenzie-Wynia, Ontario Nature
Migratory Birds and Natural History Trip to the Gatineau Hills Join the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club (OFNC) and leader Carolyn Callaghan Sunday, September 29th, 9 a.m. A trip to Carolyn's farm in the Gatineau Hills is always a treat. There are a variety of habitats, including hardwood forest, mixed wood forest, riparian and hay fields. The focus of the trip will be migratory birds and general natural history. Bring a lunch and drink and suitable clothing for the weather. For further information call the OFNC at 613-722-3050 or e-mail ofnc@ofnc.ca.
Submitted by Tracy Moore, Ontario Nature
Visit a Shagbark Hickory Grove near Hopetown (West Of Almonte) Join the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club and Leader Jim Ronson (613-264-1937) Sunday, September 30th, 8:30 a.m. Jim will take us on some old logging roads through Crown land to see a remarkable stand of 100-year-old mutant Shagbark Hickories, Butternuts and other interesting trees. Our hike will take us through several interesting environments including a wetland and an abandoned, tiny pioneer farm. Bring a lunch, good hiking footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather, and of course your binoculars, hand lenses and various field guides. We may see some interesting mushrooms.
Submitted by Tracy Moore, Ontario Nature
Student Fund Established by the Kingston Field Naturalists for Queen’s University Biological Station The Kingston Field Naturalists’ Fund for Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS) was established this spring in memory of Dr. Robert Stewart, microbiologist at Queen’s (1976-1991), former KFN President and Honorary President, and former Ontario Nature President. The award benefits and encourages undergraduate students whose studies at QUBS focus on conservation biology or natural history. Recognizing the valuable and unique educational opportunity QUBS provides, the KFN established the Fund in keeping with its mandate to stimulate public interest in nature and to acquire and provide knowledge of natural history. The Fund will create opportunities for students to gain essential and inspirational field experience and contact with nature. The Fund, was established with an initial donation by the KFN and its members of $15,000. The first award will be given for the 2008 field season. The KFN goal is to increase the endowment to at least $20,000 to allow an annual award of $1,000 in perpetuity. The KFN is still accepting donations. To contribute, please mail a cheque earmarked for Scholarship Fund to PO Box 831, Kingston ON K7L 4X6. A tax receipt will be given.
Submitted by Tracy Moore, Ontario Nature
Fundraising Marathon for Ontario Nature Earlier this year, Ron Corkum decided to train for a marathon run and make it into a fundraising activity to support Ontario Nature of which South Peel Naturalists' Club is an affiliated member. On May 13, he succeeded in completing the Mississauga Marathon and raising $2486 to assist Ontario Nature in its mission of nature conservation. Thank you to everyone in South Peel Naturalists' Club who contributed to this worthy cause.
Submitted by Clare Mitchell, Ontario Nature (from the South Peel Naturalists' Club newsletter)
Fall Regional Meetings – Will You Be There? Mark your calendars for our upcoming Fall Regional Meetings. These meetings are a wonderful opportunity to meet others from your region and exchange and share ideas and experiences. Carolinian East - September 29th hosted by the Norfolk Field Naturalists. Ontario East – September 29th hosted by the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists. Lake Ontario North – October 13th hosted by the Richmond Hill Naturalists. North – October 19th-21st hosted by the Sudbury Naturalists. Carolinian West - October 27th hosted by the Sydenham Field Naturalists. Huronia – November 3rd hosted by Friends of Wye Marsh. Great Lakes West – November 3rd hosted by the Stratford Field Naturalists. A Novel Idea for a Club Outing If your nature club puts together a special weekend outing once or twice a year, the Carden Nature Festival would like to invite you to join them on the first weekend in June. All you have to do is to let organizers know that your club plans to bring a group and your participating members will qualify for a 25% discount on their Festival passes. June 6th-8th, 2008 will be the second year for the Carden Nature Festival, which will offer over 50 field trips and workshops for naturalists at all skill levels. For 2008 the Festival will also be a partner in hosting the Ontario Nature Annual General Meeting so that members can make the most of their spring weekend. The 2007 Carden Nature Festival was a big hit with the 230 people who participated in activities ranging from bird ID sessions on warblers and sparrows, to kayaking the Head River, to butterflies and dragonflies. Expert leaders, lots of interesting displays and exhibits, and a superb natural setting all make this Festival a natural! Program details will be confirmed later this fall, but you can see the 2007 program on-line at http://www.cardenguide.com/Festival. If you think this is an event that your club might enjoy, and want further information, please contact Ron Reid at The Couchiching Conservancy nature@couchconservancy.ca.
Submitted by Ron Reid, The Couchiching Conservancy
It's journey South time again. Just thought you would like to follow along. Monarch Butterfly Migration Updates will be posted on Fridays: September. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, October. 5th, 12th, 19th, 27th, November. 2nd or until the monarchs reach Mexico! http://www.learner.org/jnorth/monarch/.
Submitted by Anne Lewis, Six Mile Lake Conservationists Club
Studying the Youth Studying the Stream Some of you may remember Jeff Howard, a young man from Innisfil, who rescued J.J. the Trumpeter Swan from Lake Simcoe in December of 2006. Innisfil resident Jeff Howard, 15, has had a busy summer. A member of the Brereton Field Naturalists Club, 6-Mile Lake Conservationists Club, Bird Studies Canada, Kids for Turtles and Ontario Nature, this active youth has been participating in the Stream Restoration Program at Sandy Cove Creek. To read more about his summer studying invertebrate follow the link www.innisfilscope.com.
Submitted by Clare Mitchell, Ontario Nature
Seeds of Hope Take Root in Essex County After many months of behind the scenes preparation, the Naturalized Habitat Network of Essex County & Windsor has launched its latest and most ambitious initiative; Seeds of Hope. Over the next year our organization will do more than it ever has to encourage and educate area residents in the collection, distribution and cultivation of native seeds. The need for this project became apparent about two years ago when we noticed that our region's number of local plant growers were dropping without any significant local resources to replace them. Over time we developed Seeds of Hope, which is based on four main principles; education, biodiversity, community and sustainability. Once fully developed we feel that this special initiative will not only help foster new native plant growers, but may well serve as a template that could serve other communities. To learn more about this special initiative and its related events, visit our web site at www.naturalizedhabitat.org. In other news, we will be continuing the tradition of our fall Eco-tour. This year we have planned a special excursion to the J. J. Neilson Arboretum at Ridgetown College. This takes place on Sunday, September 30th at 1:30 p.m.. This inspiring tour is open to non-members for a nominal fee of $4.00. Hope to see you there!
Submitted by Dan Bissonnette, The Naturalized Habitat Network
Thank you to the individuals that have had added their name to our Advocate for Nature list. Please help to spread the word about the Advocate for Nature email list - you could post this in your newsletter, make a presentation at your Annual General Meeting, share it with your members at the next meeting or announce it at your next Board of Directors meeting. Every little bit helps! To add your name online copy and paste this link in your web browser or click the link http://www.ontarionature.org/news/archive.php?type=action. In August 2007 we had 5 new subscribers to our Advocate for Nature email list.
Submitted by Clare Mitchell, Ontario Nature
IMBY (In My Back Yard) - Farm Fresh Food It is that time again. The temperatures are a little cooler and the leaves are starting to display their fantastic fall colours. Farmers markets have been open all summer but now is a good time to enjoy the local harvest. More than 200 years ago, in 1780, Kingston became home to the first Farmers' Market in Ontario. Today, according to the Farmer’s Market Ontario website (http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com), there are over 125 farmers’ markets across Ontario. All across Ontario, shoppers are choosing Farmers' Markets for nature's best produce, secure in the knowledge that the food is fresh, safe to eat and the next best thing to harvesting it yourself. People come to meet the vendors who nurtured seedlings into plants, picked the fruit, pulled the vegetables, baked mouth-watering bread and other treats, prepared delectable jams, jellies and other preserves and loaded their trucks early in the morning to bring their products to town. They come to chat, to learn, to leave with tips about perfect ripeness, food preparation and even a recipe or two. They come to connect with the land, many with their own baskets and bags ready to carry seasonal flavours home to their kitchens -- maybe stopping for a nibble on the way. If you haven't joined them yet, now is the time. For more information visit http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com.
Submitted by Clare Mitchell, Ontario Nature
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NEWS FROM ONTARIO NATURE |
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Ontario Nature Job Posting - Director of Conservation Science and Stewardship Ontario Nature seeks a knowledgeable and goal-oriented individual for the position of Director of Conservation Science and Stewardship to provide oversight and leadership for all aspects of the organization’s science and stewardship programming. The Director of Conservation Science and Stewardship will lead a team of staff responsible for landscape conservation planning, managing and building Ontario Nature’s system of Nature Reserves, and connecting people with nature through hands on projects and nature-related education and outreach programs. S/he will also play a key role in media, government and public relations. The Director of Conservation Science and Stewardship also works closely with the Director of Conservation Policy to deliver key programs and provide the science-basis for Ontario Nature’s policy positions. For additional information visit http://www.ontarionature.org/home/jobs.php3.
Submitted by Clare Mitchell, Ontario Nature
Fall is in the air and the 2007 Volunteer for Nature (VfN) season is nearing its end. With 12 conservation-volunteering events and the VfN Leadership Training Course, this year’s VfN field season was a resounding success. Conservation-minded individuals from all over the province joined Ontario Nature staff and partners to help conduct wildlife surveys, improve visitor infrastructure on conservation lands and stem the spread of invasive plant species. Planning for the 2008 VfN field season will get underway this month, and we’d love to hear from you about any projects you have planned that can use some extra people power. Projects can include building or repairing boardwalks and bridges, removing invasive plants, conducting species surveys, marking hiking trails, blocking illegal ATV trails, planting native vegetation, or any other conservation project that could use the assistance of enthusiastic volunteers. For more information, please contact the VfN Coordinator at vfn@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419 ext 222.
Submitted by Lisa Richardson, Ontario Nature
Quarry Bay Nature Reserve VfN Trip From August 20th –24th a group, which included eleven volunteers and three Ontario Nature staff members, headed off to the remote western end of Manitoulin Island for the Quarry Bay Shorebird Count - the last multi-day Volunteer for Nature (VfN) excursion of the 2007 season. The group stayed near Meldrum Bay at the Mississagi Lighthouse Campground and spent time learning about shorebirds and rare alvar habitats from representatives of The Friends of Misery Bay and the Manitoulin Island Nature Club. Time was spent exploring the Quarry Bay Nature Reserve and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the alvars and the solitude of the remote shoreline. Interesting bird sightings included Sandhill Cranes and the Short-billed Dowitcher, and several rare plants were in evidence, including the Lakeside Daisy. The information gathered during the week will be useful to Ontario Nature staff in planning the future management of the Quarry Bay Nature Reserve. Our volunteers made the trip even more memorable by sharing their personal interests including exploring the night sky and poetry readings around the campfire. Great meals kept everyone fueled for the days’ activities, and all volunteers went home with fantastic stories from their Manitoulin adventure.
Submitted by Karen Saarkoppel, Ontario Nature
The Greenbelt – it’s good for you! Ever wonder where the water you drink comes from? Or who you have to thank for clean air? The answers lie closer to home than you might think. Ontario’s Greenbelt is responsible for reducing air pollution and mitigating some effects of climate change and global warming. It’s also an integral water source for the Golden Horseshoe: it feeds into over 65 watercourses that eventually merge into the Georgian Bay, Simcoe, Scugog, Rice Lake and Lake Ontario. And it helps keep our water clean too! Thanks to its natural filtration system, the Greenbelt ensures that rainwater entering our rivers and streams is kept clean. The Greenbelt is also a wonderful secure source for fresh fruits and vegetables. There are many health connections between you and the Greenbelt. And beginning in late Fall 2007, information on these health connections will be available for you to discover through Ontario Nature’s 4 part information booklet series on the Greenbelt and your health. The booklets will make their way into your family doctor’s offices, health units and Ontario hospitals. They will also be available online.
Submitted by Katia Houde, Ontario Nature
Petrel Point Volunteer Stewardship Group The Petrel Point Volunteer Stewardship Group’s Special Community Event was held Saturday August 18th, 2007 at the Red Bay community church. Members of the community were treated to a photographic extravaganza of the Niagara Escarpment and Bruce & Grey Counties by local nature photographer John McRae. The Petrel Point Volunteer Stewardship Group maintains boardwalk trails, helps with building new boardwalks, and assists with any other projects that are required on the Nature Reserve. The unique composition of peat, marl and sand at the Petrel Point Nature Reserve provides a unique habitat for numerous rare plant species including Showy Lady’s Slipper, Pitcher Plants and Sundews. Ontario Nature recently purchased an additional tract of property which requires a clean up of garbage and non-native, invasive species such as Black Locust Trees, Periwinkle and Lily of the Valley. The volunteer stewards will begin this project in September and will continue on into 2008.
Submitted by Sharon Quantz, Petrel Point Volunteer Stewardship Group
A long-time friend of Ontario Nature and true conservationist, Brian Michael Tobin died suddenly and unexpectedly on June 10th, 2007 just a day after attending our 76th AGM. Beloved husband of Joan Lynne Tobin of Cold Springs, Brian spent his career with IBM Canada Limited. He was active in many community organizations both in Northumberland and Prince Edward Counties and could always be counted on to do more than his share. He was a true friend and will be greatly missed. His wife Joan is in our thoughts.
Submitted by Clare Mitchell, Ontario Nature
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NEWS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS |
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For the summer and autumn of 2007, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve is hosting a series of fundraising parties at a wide variety of venues in Eastern Ontario. The next party the Ghost River Cruise will set sail on Wednesday, September 26th, 2007at 5p.m. from Rockport. The following description is from the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve website at www.fabr.ca. A century ago, one of the most popular events in the Thousand Islands was an evening ramble by excursion steamer on the river, with a spot-light tour following sunset. We’re bringing the event back to life with 21st Century updates! We’ll board the Sea Prince II of the Rockport Boatline for an evening cruise, where guests will first enjoy a terrific sit-down dinner from a menu of local and farm-fresh foods as the boat makes its way westward, into the scenic sunset. And, this is a fall evening where the moon rises full—a perfect time to explore a special route back towards Rockport, through the winding channels among the isles. There’s many a tale to be told of these islands, some explained in the context of history of their day; some not so easily accounted for, despite the passage of time…
Price per person: $60, cash bar available For tickets and information, please call 613-659-4824 or email parties@fabr.ca.
Submitted by Tracy Moore, Ontario Nature
On August 29th, 2007, at 96 years of age, Ray Lowes, the “father” of the Bruce Trail, passed away peacefully at St. Peters Residence at Chedoke, Hamilton. Ray reveled in the natural wonders of the Niagara Escarpment and became increasingly concerned that development pressures threatened this unique landscape. In 1959 Ray proposed the establishment of a public footpath along the length of the escarpment as a means of giving people the opportunity to appreciate its beauty and significance while building support for its protection. With support from the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club and the Federation of Ontario Naturalists (now Ontario Nature) Ray and other volunteers worked tirelessly to turn his vision into a reality. The Bruce Trail Association (BTA) was formed and by 1967 the trail was complete. Ray served as a director and Secretary of the BTA for 20 years, dedicating thousands of hours to the organization and offering his home as a de facto headquarters. His passion and talents for publicity and fundraising helped grow the BTA to over 8,000 members with hundreds of volunteers. In 1983, Ray was made Honourary President of the BTA. Ray’s work on the Bruce Trail helped spur the Province of Ontario to establish the Niagara Escarpment Commission in 1973. Ray was appointed a founding member, serving with distinction for over 10 years. Ray was actively involved in many other environmental and humanitarian organizations, especially the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. In 1990, he established the Ray Lowes Environmental Fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation. His contributions and accomplishments were recognized through numerous honours and awards including Honourary Doctor of Laws degrees from Brock University and McMaster University and the Medal for Good Citizenship and Corps d’Elite Award from the Province of Ontario. In accordance with Ray’s wishes a private gathering for close friends will be held. In memoriam gifts to the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Ray Lowes Environmental Fund, the Bruce Trail Association or the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club are welcome. More information and a book of condolences is available at www.baygardens.ca. Ray’s vision, passion and determined effort have left a legacy that stretches the length of the Niagara Escarpment and beyond.
Submitted by Phyllis Lee, Coalition on the Niagara Escarpment
New Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation Website The Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a new website dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Moraine for Life! www.moraineforlife.org. This website is an excellent resource tool for all; Oak Ridges Moraine landowners, stakeholders and the general public.
Highlights!
This website was created for everyone with an interest in the Oak Ridges Moraine with hope it can be an evolving education resource well into the future. We hope you enjoy the site and would welcome any comments. Please direct your comments to support@ormf.com.
Submitted by Kim Gavine, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation
We are pleased to invite you to the Beaches World Tour 2007, taking place Tuesday, October 9th to Thursday, October 11th at the Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Beaches World Tour is a conference on best practices and key issues at beaches and coastal areas around the world. Panel discussions will address health and water quality, coastal zone management and sustainable tourism, equity and access to coastal resources, and impacts of climate change on coastal areas. Hear about best practices at specific beaches in over 20 countries and how the Blue Flag program has helped to improve coastal environments. Make your travel and accommodation arrangements as soon as possible. A block of rooms has been reserved under the name ‘Environmental Defence October Conference’ at a special rate of $169 per night. Please call the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel at 1-800-905-0667 before September 17th, 2007 in order to receive this special rate. Additional information is available at www.blueflag.ca.
Submitted by Clare Mitchell, Ontario Nature
All About Bluebirds - and More Is your group looking for a presentation for your indoor program? This quality PowerPoint presentation encompasses the life history of the Eastern Bluebird, nest box management, other birds that nest in bluebird boxes, and more. The focus is on bluebirds, but John also shares his passion for the natural world in hopes the audience will absorb some broader and deeper messages. With visually beautiful photographs, creative graphics, and a sincere, enthusiastic presentation style, this program is of interest to anyone who appreciates nature. John has maintained a trail of hundreds of bluebird nest boxes in central NY for decades, and has fledged over 11,000 Eastern Bluebirds. A recipient of the Bluebird Conservation Award from the North American Bluebird Society, he has done slide programs and workshops for hundreds of organizations. Upcoming presentations include the annual meeting of NABS on (September 20th-22nd) in Athens, Georgia, and the Kingston Field Naturalists on April 17th, 2008. Past appearances include the Peninsula Field Naturalists and the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. John can be contacted at BluebirdPrograms@aol.com.
Submitted by John Rogers, All About Bluebirds - and More
Kids For Turtles Environmental Education Kids For Turtles Environmental Education has had a busy summer delivering over 65 outreach programs on species at risk in partnership with Sciensational Snakes. Kids for Turtles was formed in June, 2006 by well-known Orillia naturalist Bob Bowles to fill a gap in environmental education, help educate the general public and bring awareness to some wildlife populations that are decreasing in number. This year they hired three students to deliver programs at special events. Earlier in the spring they held reptile and amphibian workshops, vernal pool workshops, and species at risk workshops and outings. They have just expanded now to over 100 members with a new chapter being formed in Muskoka this summer. They are incorporated with charitable status since they operate under the Twin Lakes Conservation Club, a member club of Ontario Nature. For information on Kids For Turtles Environmental Education visit their website at www.kidsforturtles.com or by e-mail at info@kidsforturtles.com.
Submitted by Bob Bowles, Kids For Turtles Environmental Education
A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium The largest conservation conference in Ontario is happening November 14 to 16, 2007 once again at the Nottawasaga Inn just east of Alliston, Ontario. This year’s theme is “Your Watersheds, Our Great Lakes”. The symposium is quite timely as it is hosted by Conservation Authorities who are mandated to do watershed management in a year when the Great Lakes hit their lowest water levels in 80 years. Water carries through as a solid theme with a new “Latornell Hockey Summit” on November 14 at 9pm. Hockey players and fans of all stripes are being called together to contemplate the cold stuff. To register, for either event, see www.latornell.ca.
Submitted by Natalie Helferty, Ontario Nature
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UPCOMING NATURE NETWORK NEWS DEADLINES |
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Next Issue of Nature Network News We want to hear from you. What exciting activities is your group participating in? Do you have upcoming events that you would like to promote? Let Nature Network News share your information with other member groups across the province. The next issue of the Nature Network News will be sent on October 14th, 2007. Submissions will be accepted until October 1st, 2007. Please send articles to clarem@ontarionature.org. Ontario Nature publishes the Ontario Nature Network News every month with contributions from its staff and member groups. |