Winter

A NEWSLETTER FROM THE CATARAQUI REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
CAT TALES
40th Anniversary Photo Contest Winners Receive Awards
In This Issue
And the winners are!
• See pages 1 and 12 for
our 40th Anniversary Photo
Contest Winners.
• What’s Happening this
winter & spring? Check out
our events calendar on
pages 6 & 7.
• Our Creature Feature is
the “White Terror of the
North” on page 2.
• The Cataraqui Conservation
Foundation held a successful
fundraiser this past fall. this
and more on page 11.
• Little Cataraqui Creek
skating rink to remain
open. See page 12. Other
conservation area news on
pages 3, 5 and 10.
• Water, water everywhere!
or at least on pages 3, 4, 8
& 9.
Cataraqui Region
Conservation Authority
P.O. Box 160,
Glenburnie, Ontario
K0H 1S0
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
he CRCA's 40th Anniversary Photo Contest
wrapped up on December 5 with our presenta­
tion to the contest winners.
Photo contest categories included outdoor recre­
ation, water, landscape, flora and fauna. A grand
prize for best of show was also awarded. Judging was
done by photographers Rob Mooy of Kingston This
Week and Mark Bergin of The Kingston WhigStandard.
The winner in the Outdoor Recreation category was
Dan Wainman of Kingston for his kayaking photo.
He won a Lowepro Mini Trekker Camera Backpack.
Tim Couling of Kingston was the winner in the
Water category for his photo of waterlilies at Parrott's
Bay. His prize is a pair of Nikon Binoculars.
The best Landscape photo was from Richard
Casselman of Sydenham. His photo of Holleford
Road won him a pair of Tasco Platinum Binoculars.
The winner in the Flora and Fauna category was
Barry Hanna of Kingston. His photo of Spotted
Jewelweed won him five rolls of Black's film includ­
ing processing.
The Best of Show winner is Eliot Frymire of
Kingston for his photo Frog in Hand. Contest judges
Rob Mooy and Mark Bergin felt that this photo contained all of the elements of the photo contest –
recreation, water, landscape, flora and fauna – in
addition to being a great photograph. Frymire won a
Fuji Digital Camera.
Following the awards presentation, visitors were
treated to workshops on nature photography by Mark
Bergin and Rob Mooy and on digital photography by
Marcel VanLeeuwen of Black's. Both presentations
were very well attended.
The CRCA would like to thank Lowepro, Nikon,
Tasco, Fuji and Black's for donating the contest
prizes. We would also like to thank Kingston This
Week and Black's for promoting the contest; Rob and
Mark for their workshop and contest judging; and
Marcel for his presentation and for collecting contest
entries.
To see the winning photos, turn to page 12.
T
Above:
Richard Casselman (centre) of
Sydenham received a pair of
binoculars for his winning
photo in the Landscape
category of the CRCA's 40th
Anniversary Photo Contest.
Presenting the prize is CRCA
Chair, John Conley, and CRCA
communications coordinator,
Karla Maki-Esdon.
Left:
Eliot Frymire (right), shown
here with CRCA Chair John
Conley, was the winner of the
Best of Show in the CRCA
Photo Contest. Frymire won a
Fuji digital camera.
Photos by Rob Mooy
1008536
CAT TALES
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
Creature Feature
Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca)
adult males. They have yellow eyes, a black
bill and heavily feathered feet.
Females are larger than the males. The
average female is about 26 inches (66 cm) in
length, while the average male is 23 inches
(59 cm). Their wingspan ranges from 54 to
65 inches (137 to 164 cm).
When they fly, they have a direct, strong
steady flight with very deliberate strokes.
They usually make short flights, from one
perch to another, normally perching on the
ground or a fence post. This is probably due
to their hunting style. They generally sit and
wait for the prey to come close by. Favourite
foods include lemmings, rabbits and voles,
but they will also eat fish, carrion and other
birds, including Short-eared Owls.
Mating season for snowy owls is March
to April. Snowy owls are ground nesting
CAT TALES
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
Cat Tales is published three times per year by the
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
Editor
Karla Maki-Esdon
Layout and Printing
Kingston This Week
birds. Their nests are often just a shallow
scrape on the ground lined with vegetation
or owl feathers. Nesting sites need to be
near good hunting grounds, be snow-free
and have a good view of the surrounding
areas.
Breeding generally takes place in May.
There can be anywhere from 5 to 14 white
eggs laid, depending on the available food
supply. If food is scarce, snowy owls may
not nest at all. The female incubates the
eggs, while the male brings her food and
guards the nest. Eggs hatch in 32 to 34 days
at two-day intervals.
Young snowy owls are covered in white
down. They begin to leave the nest well
before they can fly, which is at about 50
to 60 days. Both parents take care of the
young and are very protective of their
territory. They have been known to attack
intruders up to 1 kilometre away from
the nest.
The snowy owl's habitat is Arctic tun­
dra or open fields. They are not usually
found in forested areas. Snowy owls are
found throughout the the Arctic regions of
the world. In fact their latin name, Nyctea
scandiaca, refers to Scandinavia where the
owl was first observed. During the winter,
snowy owls sometimes move into southern
Canada and the northern United States. They
have been seen as far south as Texas and
Georgia.
The snowy owl has some great nick­
names – Great White Owl, Ghost Owl,
Ermine Owl, Tundra Ghost, Ookpik,
Scandinavian Nightbird, and (my personal
favourite) White Terror of the North. This
last name is probably because they have few
natural enemies and are very successful
predators.
Snowy owls can live for more than nine
years in the wild and up to 35 years in cap­
tivity. However, they do not make good pets
despite what Harry Potter might lead you to
believe!
Sources: www.owlpages.com; and
www.gov.ab.ca/env/fw/watch/owls/so.html
W
hat's large and white with a big
round head and yellow eyes? It's a
snowy owl. For those of you who
are Harry Potter fans, Harry's owl, Hedwig,
is a snowy owl.
The snowy owl is probably one of the
most easily recognized of the owls that are
found in our area. They can be seen in agri­
cultural areas perched on a fencepost wait­
ing for their next meal of rabbit or vole to
happen by. It is diurnal, which means that it
is active during the daytime, although it will
also hunt at night.
It is mostly white in colour, with a round
earless head and broad white wings. Their
colour can be pure white or white with
brown or black bars. Generally, juveniles
and females are more heavily barred than
Contributors
Tom Beaubiah, Barbara Bradfield, Harry Cleghorn, Holly Evans, Pat Hudson Mills,
Stefan Foerster, Rick Knapton, Karla Maki-Esdon, Larry McCurdy, Rob Mooy,
Lesley Rusk, Mara Shaw, Marie Surridge, Christine Woods
Truth is Stranger Than Fiction!
A visitor to Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area came in to the CRCA
Administration Office in late November to report a strange sighting.
2
Send mail to:
Editor
c/o Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
P.O. Box 160 Glenburnie ON K0H 1S0
E-mail: kmakiesd@cataraquiregion.on.ca
Phone: (613) 546-4228
Fax: (613) 547-6474
He was attacked by a muskrat on the road to the dam underneath the power line. The
muskrat's right eye was damaged. The gentleman shooed the muskrat away with his foot
(he had wellingtons on). Then a mink came out of the bushes and when it saw him, it
went back into the bushes.
The gentleman decided to walk down the road and when he looked back, the mink
came out and attacked the muskrat and a fight ensued. He figures that's how the muskrat
got the damage to his right eye originally. The creatures then scampered off into the bush­
es and no one knows if the muskrat made it or not. We suspect it became the mink's din­
ner.
CAT TALES
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
What's Up With Water Levels?
Water levels this year have been very close to normal, slip­
ping above and below during periods of higher and lower
input.
To the end of November 2004, we've had about average
rainfall. However, January to March, June, August and October
were below average, with April, May, July and September being
well above average. The summer and fall brought regular rain
every few days, with the end of July and early September drop­
ping as much over a day or two as the monthly averages.
Stream flows remained close to average into June, with the
lower precipitation through June causing them to fall below
normal. Levels stabilized over July, and stayed close to normal
through November, with the return to regular rain. Late­
November/early December levels are above normal, with
warmer temperatures, and some snow and melt events.
Groundwater levels continue to follow the same trends as
stream flows, higher in spring, falling over the summer, and ris-
Take a Trip to Owl Woods
Conservation Area
If you are interested in viewing owls, a great place to
visit is Owl Woods Conservation Area on Amherst Island.
This is the CRCA's newest conservation area, purchased
with the assistance of the Kingston Field Naturalists.
Amherst Island has, for many years, been noted for its
wintering hawks and owls. The success of the vole popula­
tion and the types of trees available for hunting and roosting
perches are the main attraction for the owls, providing a
wonderful opportunity for people to view and learn about
these rare northern visitors.
The most common owl species to be found here during
the winter are the Northern Saw-whet Owl and the Longeared and Short-eared Owls. You can also see Barred Owls,
Great Horned Owls, and a few Boreal Owls and Great Grey
Owls. Snowy Owls (our Creature Feature this issue), as well
as Northern Hawk Owls, are usually found in trees and on
fence posts or hydro poles near open fields throughout the
island.
We want you to enjoy your experience visiting Owl
Woods, but we ask that you respect the wildlife and vegeta­
tion on your visit. Remember not to get too closer than 2
metres away from an owl. Move and speak quietly as you
walk. If you are taking photos, please don't use a flash. It is
very disturbing to the owls.
To travel to Owl Woods, take Highway 33 (Bath Rd.)
west to Milhaven and the Amherst Island Ferry. Once on the
island, take Front Road east approximately 3 km to Marshall
40 Foot Road. The Sanctuary is located a few kilometres
from Front Road on Marshall 40 Foot Road.
The CRCA does not have maps of this area yet, but we
hope to have them in the near future. Happy owling!
ing again in the fall. They also seem to rise after rain events. The
groundwater monitoring wells are still in their infancy, and
don't have much data history yet, but levels appear to be nor­
mal so far this year.
The inland lake levels stayed at or above normal levels this
year. This has been the case over the last few years, probably
due to watershed manager efforts to keep spring levels high and
avoid very low summer levels as were seen in 1999 and 2001.
The regular rain also helps to keep lake levels up. Late fall tem­
peratures and snow and melt events did cause some higher than
normal levels.
Lake Ontario has been at or above normal levels for most of
the year. While Lakes Michigan and Huron still appear to be
experiencing low levels, Lake Ontario has benefited from the
extra precipitation this year.
Environment Canada released a long term forecast on
December 1, and the next one will be released on March 1. The
current forecast predicts below normal precipitation into next
summer, and above normal over the summer. The temperature
forecast predicts below normal temperatures over the winter,
normal temperatures in the spring, and below normal over the
summer. While the range for above and below normal is only 3
percent of average, this could affect water levels for next year.
2004 Summary of Precipitation
and Water Levels
PRECIPITATION
• January to March 65% of average
• April to June 106% of average
• July to September - 134% of average
• only April (120%), May (133%), July (221%),
September (144%) were above average so far, and well
above.
• January (68%), February (71%), March (54%), June
(62%), August (54%), October (66%) were all below
average.
STREAM FLOWS
• close to average until June, stable over July, with
regular rain
• back to average for August/September, below in
October, above in November, now at normal, or slightly
above with higher temperatures and rain in fall
INLAND LAKE LEVELS
• seem to have remained close to normal through spring
and summer, owing to the spring runoff storage and
regular rain
• remnants of Hurricane Frances dropped lots of rain,
which sent all lakes levels up significantly, but most are
back down to normal levels, with some remaining higher
than normal due to warmer temperatures and rain in
November and December.
GREAT LAKES
• Lake Ontario is just above normal, and has been all year.
Hurricane Frances Drops In on Cataraqui Region
While we haven't experienced anything like the
Florida hurricane situation here, we did get a little sam­
ple when the tail end of Hurricane Frances struck on
September 9, 2004. In the CRCA watershed, Hurricane
Frances brought us between 100 and 140 mm (3.9 to
5.5 inches) of rain. Throughout the day, CRCA staff mon­
itored our ten dams and water control stuctures, as well
as monitoring flows on area lakes and streams. The only
areas that had severe flooding problems were in some of
the urban parts of our watershed. For the most part, our
streams and rivers were able to handle the increased
flow. A lot of the rainfall was also absorbed by wetlands
and into the soil.
We were lucky. If this same storm happened during
the winter or early spring, the results could have been
quite different. Frozen ground cannot absorb water in
the same way. As a result, the runoff is faster, enters the
streams and rivers more quickly, and causes water levels
to rise rapidly. Melting snow and ice add even more
water flows. When the streams and rivers can't hold any
more water, the water spills out into the flood plain
areas adjacent to the river. That's why these are bad
places to build your house!
How does this compare to Peterborough's flood of
July 15, 2004? This was not a hurricane, but it was a
very heavy rainfall. Information from the Otonabee
Region Conservation Authority's web site indicates that
157 to 230 mm (6.2 to 9.1 inches) of rain fell over a 12
to 14 hour period. That's a lot more rain than we
received.
The storm centre was over the city of Peterborough
and caused all eight of the creeks in the city to overflow.
Another cause of severe flooding was the overflowing
and backing up of storm sewers. As a result of all the
rain, creeks overflowed, storm sewers overflowed, the
soil was completely saturated and all the excess water
flowed into low-lying areas. Unfortunately, many of
those low-lying areas happened to be people's base­
ments.
Similar flooding in the urban parts of our watershed
was experienced during Hurricane Frances. Overflowing
storm sewers resulted in flooded streets and basements
in several communities. Fortunately, the problems
caused by the Frances were not worse.
3
CAT TALES
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
Source Water Protection Planning Funding Announced
S
ource water protection means keeping our rivers, streams,
lakes, wetlands and groundwater healthy. All of these different
sources of water are linked as part of a watershed. All of our
activities in a watershed affect the environmental health of our
watersheds. That's why it's important to plan for the proper use and
protection of our water resources.
A long-awaited funding announcement from the provincial gov­
ernment finally came through in November 2004. Conservation
Authorities are now gearing up for the large job of undertaking
source water protection plans.
The Minister of the Environment Leona Dombrowsky and the
Minister of Natural Resources David Ramsay jointly announced that
just over $10 million will be directed to Conservation Authorities to
prepare for source water protection plans and for developing water
budgets that will identify the availability and use of water on a
watershed basis.
Most of the initial work will include pulling together a team of
staff to work on the plans, compiling existing data and determining
where we need to undertake additional research or data collection.
Once we have the staff team in place, one of our first tasks will be
to meet with municipalities and other agencies that share our inter­
est in ensuring clean water supplies.
Protecting water at the source is critical to the nearly two million
Ontario residents who draw their drinking water untreated from
wells and other sources.
One of the positive outcomes of the Walkerton water tragedy was
the province's commitment to improve how we manage, protect
and treat our water supplies. Peter Krause, Chair of Conservation
Ontario, the Conservation Authorities' provincial organization said,
"It makes good fiscal as well as environmental sense to protect our
sources of drinking water. Treating water is more expensive than
protection it in the first place."
Watch for updates on this important initiative on our web site, in
the local media and in upcoming issues of Cat Tales.
More Repairs to CRCA Dams Completed This Fall
Debris is
suctioned
from Temperance
Lake Dam as part
of our major dam
repair project.
Installing a coffer
dam at Sydenham
Dam before
undertaking repairs.
Commencing in early November, Corcoran Excavating and the
CRCA began the much needed replacement of stoplogs in three
CRCA dams. Temperance Lake Dam, located near Athens, BroomeRunciman Dam, in Brockville and Sydenham Dam, Sydenham have
all been spruced up.
To replace the stoplogs a steel plate called a coffer dam (or tem­
porary dam) was installed in front of each dam, sealing off water
from the old stoplogs. Then, water, silt and other debris which had
CRCA Staff News
for 2004
In May 2004, long-time
General Manager, Bill Warwick,
retired. He was replaced by for­
mer CRCA watershed manage­
ment coordinator, Stephen
Knechtel.
4
In May 2004, we welcomed
back Laura Dietrich, accounting
assistant/receptionist, after her
maternity leave. We also said
goodbye to Leanne Fletcher,
Laura's replacement during her
leave.
Weddings were also a popular
event, as three of our staff
decided to tie the knot in 2004.
Congratulations to Stana
Luxford, Tom Beaubiah and
Christine Woods (formerly
O'Malley).
One of our veteran operations
staff, Merv Grant, retired at the
end of June.
Andrew Marshall, environ­
mental planner, returned from
accumulated over the decades was removed carefully using a suc­
tion device. Once the debris was removed and a brief inspection of
each dam's foundation was conducted, the old stoplogs were lifted
and the new ones inserted in their place.
In these three dams, the number of stoplogs in the dam deter­
mine the water levels behind the dam, so they are important for
maintaining water levels. The logs need to be replaced every 20 to
25 years as part of an ongoing maintenance program.
his Australian travels in
September. He returned to his
former duties in the planning
department. Christine Woods,
who was filling in for Andrew, is
now working on the Central
Cataraqui Region Natural
Heritage Study.
At the end of August, we said
good bye to our HRSDC crew
and our summer students. Travis
York, Geomatics Technician
under the HRDSC program, is
continuing his work with the
CRCA. Travis is providing map­
ping and technical assistance on
several projects including the
Natural Heritage Study.
In September, Mara Shaw
joined our staff as watershed
management coordinator.
Welcome, Mara!
Laura Dietrich (left), account­
ing assistant/receptionist
returned from her maternity
leave in May 2004. Leanne
Fletcher (right) was Laura's
replacement during her leave.
Justice Dennis O'Connor, (left)
Commissioner of the Walkerton Inquiry,
receives the Canadian Water Resources
Association - Ontario Branch's 2004
Distinguished Achievement Award from
Sonya Meek.
Justice Dennis O'Connor
Receives Award for
Walkerton Inquiry Work
Justice Dennis O'Connor, Commissioner
of the Walkerton Inquiry, received the
Canadian Water Resources Association's
(CWRA)Ontario Branch's 2004
Distinguished Achievement Award in
November 2004 during the A.D. Latornell
Conservation Symposium in Alliston,
Ontario.
This award is presented annually to an
individual or group that has made a signifi­
cant contribution to the field of water man­
agement in Ontario.
"The outcome of his work will fundamen­
tally reshape water management policy and
institutions in Ontario," said Sonya Meek, a
Director with CWRA.
The award was presented to Justice
O'Connor at a luncheon with approximate­
ly 400 watershed specialists representing
Conservation Authorities, government, uni­
versities and non-governmental organiza­
tions.
CWRA recognized Justice O'Connor's
personal commitment and dedication to
the Inquiry into the Drinking Water Tragedy
in Walkerton, Ontario and his ability to for­
mulate constructive solutions to many long
standing water management issues.
Recommendations from the Inquiry are
already beginning to have a significant
influence on water management policies
and institutions in Ontario, and in other
provinces. CWRA promotes a watershed
based approach to water management and
regards source protection as an important
component in a drinking water manage­
ment framework. The role of watershed
based source protection was prominent
among Justice O'Connor's recommenda­
tions.
CWRA is Canada's largest, broad-based
non-governmental organization concerned
with effective water management.
CAT TALES
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
Phase Two of Access Lemoine Point Project Nearly Complete
T
he Friends of Lemoine Point have
been working diligently to create
handicapped accessible trails at
Lemoine Point Conservation Area in
Kingston. Those of us who don't have
mobility problems or have never tried to
push a stroller along a wooded trail may
take walking down a trail for granted. Not
so with the Friends! They are determined
to establish some accessible trails at this
popular conservation area located on the
shore of Collins Bay.
Work started in early July on Phase 2 of
the Access Lemoine Point project. The
North Accessible Trail is now complete
up to the point where it meets up with
the service road. It begins at the
Coverdale Road (north) parking lot, runs
along the Collins Bay waterfront up to the
edge of the woods and across a new
bridge replacing the old hump-backed
one. The trail then switches back, heading
north-east towards the service road. In
the spring, a section of the service road
will be resurfaced, allowing users to head
back to the parking lot without doubling
back.
The trail has been received with joy by
many visitors to Lemoine Point. A mother
with a stroller told us that it was now
much easier to bring her child to the con­
servation area. Two men with electric
scooters who had been using the service
road were delighted to find a new route
open to them. A senior citizen without
any particular mobility problem said she
was now able to enjoy the beauty of
Collins Bay whereas before she had had
to watch the ground for rocks and roots.
A wheelchair user who sails in the sum­
mer commented, "It has changed my life.
I used to be doomed to city streets once
the fall came."
The proposed South Accessible Trail will
eventually run along Trail 1 from the
Front Road (south) parking lot along the
Conservation Area boundary. It will reach
the special use area before crossing the
field to rejoin the service road, which will
again require some resurfacing.
Please help to spread the news, and
please encourage users with mobility
problems to give us feedback. If it's nega­
tive, we need to know. We think it is
much more likely to be positive, and if
so, that will help us to obtain funding for
the projected South Accessible Trail.
Written comments would be most help­
ful. They should be sent to Marie
Surridge, Friends of Lemoine Point, by e­
mail at surridge@kingston.net or by
phone (613) 389-3515.
CRCA forestry technician Rick Knapton
(left) working with Friends of Lemoine
Point volunteers to build raised beds inside
the fence at the new Lemoine Point Native
Plant Nursery.
Lemoine Point Native Plant
Nursery Established
If you have visited Lemoine Point
Conservation Area recently, you may have
noticed that the Native Plant Nursery is
well underway. The nursery is located near
the north entrance off Coverdale Road.
A deer fence now surrounds the nursery,
site preparation has taken place and raised
beds have been constructed.
Seeds from spruce and white pine cones
have been collected. They are being
extracted and stored by a processing plant
to be ready for planting next spring.
Cuttings from a variety of other specimens
will be collected during the fall and winter.
This project is a partnership of the Friends
of Lemoine Point and the Cataraqui Rerion
Conservation Authority. Volunteers will be
needed to establish, maintain and manage
the nursery. There has already been a lot of
interest and support from the community.
If you would like more information about
the nursery, or would like to volunteer your
time, please leave a message with the
Friends of Lemoine Point at (613) 546-4228
ext. 306 or by e-mail at
lemoine@cataraquiregion.on.ca.
The entrance to Marshlands Conservation
Area was relocated from King Street to
Trailhead Place as part of the improve­
ments to the facilities.
A New and Improved
Marshlands Conservation Area
This past fall, CRCA staff, Harrison
Excavating, and Arbourcare Tree Services,
relocated the entrance and improved the
parking lot at the former Little Cataraqui Bay
Marshlands Area. This area, located next to
the Cataraqui Golf and Country Club on King
Street in Kingston, is also the start of the
Rideau Trail.
These changes were made as the result of a
new development, Trailhead Place, adjacent
to the conservation area. Funds for these
improvements came from a land exchange
with the Trailhead Place developers.
Public consultations were held to discuss
the proposed improvements. The conservation
area entrance has been relocated from King
Street to Trailhead Place. The new paved park­
ing area is a vast improvement over the old
pothole-filled and poorly planned parking lot.
Additional improvements in the spring will
include final landscaping, tree and shrub
planting, signs, information kiosk, picnic
tables and a bicycle rack. The name of the
conservation area will also be changed to
Marshlands Conservation Area to avoid con­
fusion with Little Cataraqui Creek
Conservation Area.
81 Princess Street
“YOUR HOMETOWN BOYS!”
149 Counter Street, 542-4957
Locally owned and operated for over 45 years!
In Support of Conserving
Our Natural Environment
New Watershed Management Coordinator
Mara Shaw (centre) joined our staff as watershed management
coordinator in September 2004. She is shown here with CRCA
secretary, Pat Hudson Mills (left) and Chair, John Conley.
5
Winter
Calendar 2005
Keep warm and active during the winter and
spring in one of our conservation areas. Visit
our web site at www.cataraquiregion.on.ca
to find the conservation area closest to you.
There are special winter activities at Mac
Johnson Wildlife Area in Brockville and winter and spring programs and events at Little
Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area in
Kingston.
Entry Fees
Gould Lake and Little Cataraqui Creek
Conservation Areas have a daily entry fee.
The fee is $4.00 per person for adults and
children over 12, $2.00 per person for chil-
dren 12 and under, with a maximum fee of
$10.00 per car. Annual passes are available
for $50.00 per year and provide unlimited
access to both of these conservation areas.
Donation boxes are located at our other con-
servation areas and at our boat ramps. Your
donations help to maintain these facilities, so
please make a contribution each time you
visit.
Hours of Operation
Conservation Areas
• 7:30 a.m. to dusk daily
Little Cataraqui Creek Outdoor Centre
• 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
• 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and
holidays from January 1 to May 5
Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Take Highway 29 north from Brockville to
Tincap, turn east on Debruge Road and drive
for 2 km to the main entrance. Enjoy 11 km
of hiking and cross-country ski trails, a
Nature Centre, picnic facilities and a skating
rink.
Little Cataraqui Creek
Conservation Area
Try out a new winter sport! We have great
facilities including 13 km of groomed crosscountry ski trails, a natural ice rink, warming
huts and an Outdoor Centre with lots of
great programs for the whole family.
In the early spring, plan a visit to our sugar
bush to enjoy the sweet taste of maple syrup.
As the snow melts and nature awakens, join
us for great spring activities.
Winter Activities
Cross-country Ski Lessons
Learn how to ski or improve your technique.
Cross-country ski lessons are offered on
Saturdays from January 8 to March 5, weath-
er permitting. Register in advance, or on the
day of the lesson, at the Outdoor Centre.
Cost is $12.00 per person or
$10.00 per person for annual
pass holders.
Group lessons are one-hour
in length. Private lessons
can also be arranged.
Group lesson times are as fol­
lows:
• 10:00 a.m. - lessons for children
14 and under (children must be able to put
their own equipment on or a parent must be
available to assist the child)
• 11:30 a.m. - all ages
• 1:30 p.m. - all ages
Equipment Rentals
Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent at the Outdoor Centre. A limited
selection of ice skates is also available.
Ice Rink Rental
The Friends of Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
will be serving hot chocolate and coffee at
the skating shelter every Saturday and
Sunday in January and February from Noon
to 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting).
Host your own evening skating party! Rink
rental includes access to the warming huts.
Call Shannon Fleming at 546-4228 ext. 222
for more information or to make a booking.
Winter Fun Day
Owl Prowl
Saturday, January 29
(9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
You won't want to miss our third annual
Winter Fun Day at Mac Johnson Wildlife
Area! In addition to dog sled races by the
Stormont and Glengarry Kennel Association
and a cross-country ski loppet hosted by the
Triangle Cross
Country Ski Club,
you can enjoy a
variety of winter
activities all day
long. Admission fee
$5.00 per car.
6
Saturday, February 5
(5:30 p.m.)
Winter is a wonderful time to get out and
learn more about owls that live at the Little
Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. You'll
have an opportunity to enjoy an introductory
session all about owls, make an owl caller,
and head out into the woods for the owl
prowl. Dress warmly and bring your binoculars.
What’s Happening 2005
Winter Sports P.A. Day
Monday, February 7
(8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Ages 6 to 11
Give your child(ren) an opportunity to have a
P.A. Day full of winter adventure and fun.
We'll be cross-country skiing, skating, sledding, and snowshoeing through the fields,
forest, and wetland areas of Little Cataraqui
Creek Conservation Area. Drop-off begins at
8:30 a.m. and the program runs until 4:30
p.m. Bring your lunch, snacks,
drinks, warm and extra clothes,
sleds and skates. The program
will run regardless of weath­
er, we have alternate plans
for interactive games and
activities, if there is not enough
snow. Cost is $30.00 per child
and you must pre-register.
Space is limited for this popular program, so register early. For
more information call 546-4228 ext.
251. Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and pick is
at 4:30 p.m.
Snowshoe Workshop
Saturday, February 12 (12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
$15.00 per person - pre-registration required
The Peak Experience is offering a snowshoe
workshop about the history, construction and
fitting of snowshoes. There is a raffle for a
pair of snowshoes and snowshoes will be
provided for the snowshoe hike following the
talk. The gate entry fee is included in the one
price of $15.00 for this workshop. Space is
limited so pick up your tickets at the Peak
Experience. For more information call the
Peak Experience at 384-2002.
Tim Hortons Evening Skate
Saturday, February 12
(5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Free Admission
Bring out the whole family for a skate under
the stars on Kingston's largest natural ice
rink. Admission and hot chocolate are free,
courtesy of Tim Hortons.
Brown Bag Seniors' Program
Winter Activity
Thursday, February 17
(10:30 a.m.)
Come to the Outdoor Centre for a winter
outing of walking, skiing or snowshoeing,
depending on the weather. Be prepared,
dress warmly and bring lunch and water to
drink.
• 10:00 a.m. - Family Fun Relay, skate,
snowshoe and ski.
Registration fee is $5.00 per team.
• 1:00 p.m. - Cross-Country Ski Loppets, 5
km or 10 km.
Registration fee is $2.50 per person or $5.00
per team.
This annual winter fun day is hosted by the
Canadian Ski Patrol Frontenac Zone.
Astronomy Series: The Winter
Experience
Saturday, February 26
(7:00 p.m.)
Come on out for the second session of our Astronomy program. Everyone is welcome
and the focus will be
astronomy in the winter.
Join presenters from the
Royal Astronomical Society
of Canada Kingston Centre
for an exciting talk about the
stars, galaxies, the moon and
much more for their winter
presentation. Families are welcome and the
talk is geared towards all ages. Learn about
winter constellations through their high pow­
ered telescope.
Beautiful Belize
Sunday, February 27
(2:00 p.m.)
Escape the winter blahs with a slide show
trip to beautiful Belize with CRCA education
officer Stana Luxford and Lachlan Oddie.
Learn about the culture and nature of this
breathtaking Central American country.
Maple Madness
March 12 to 20 (March Break)
March 26 and 27 (Easter)
April 2 and 3
(9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Remember the delicious
smell of pancakes, the tasty
maple syrup and the beautiful fresh air at the sugar
bush? Take a tractor-drawn
wagon back to our sugar
bush to see how maple syrup
was made in the olden days
and how it is made now.
We've got special activities
happening on different days
throughout the program. You'll
want to visit us more than once.
Olde Thyme Sugar Bush Chores
Little Cat Classic Ski Loppet
Sunday, February 20
Pre-register for each event 30 minutes before
start time. The day's events include:
Saturday, March 12
Today children can try their hand at some
"olde thyme" sugar bush chores like emptying sap buckets, log sawing, butter making
and tapping trees. We will also have a
candy-making demonstration complete with
taffy-on-the-snow.
Guided Tours
Sunday, March 13
(10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Take a guided tour of the sugar bush. Learn
how maple syrup was made in the past and
how we make it today.
Puppet Shows
Monday, March 14
(10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30
p.m.)
Start your visit to the sugar bush with a puppet show at the Outdoor Centre. Our fun-
loving and entertaining puppets tell the story
of the sugar bush and how maple syrup is
made.
Guided Tours
Tuesday, March 15 (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) (See March 13)
Puppet Shows
Wednesday, March 16
(10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30
p.m.) (See March 14)
St. Patrick's Day Guided Tours
Thursday, March 17
(10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
(See March 13)
We'll also have a special
appearance by Michael Griggs of
the Rob Roy Pipers back in the sugar bush to
add some Celtic flavour to our celebrations.
Brown Bag Seniors' Program
Sugar Bush Visit
Thursday, March 17
(10:30 a.m.)
Meet at the Outdoor Centre at 10:30 a.m. to
hike or catch a wagon ride back to the sugar
bush. While we're back there, take in a guided tour and have a pancake lunch. Puppet Shows
Friday, March 18
(10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and
2:30 p.m.) (See March 14)
Cataraqui Conservation Foundation
Bake Sale Saturday, March 19
Pick up a sweet treat from the Cataraqui
Conservation Foundation bake sale table.
There will be lots of tempting treats available
to enjoy here or to take home.
Guided Tours
Sunday, March 20
(10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) (See March 13)
Easter Egg Decorating
Saturday, March 26
In addition to a trip to the
sugar bush, you can stop by
the Outdoor Centre and decorate some eggs to help celebrate
Easter. Our self-serve egg dip
and stick decorating centre will be set up, so
hop by for a fun time.
Guided Tours
Sunday, March 27
(10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) (See March 13)
Music in the Maples With David
Archibald Saturday, April 2
(10:00 a.m.)
Join local musician and songwriter David
Archibald for a fun-filled performance at the
Little Cataraqui Creek Outdoor Centre.
David's musical style appeals to all ages
from babies to grandparents.
Guided Tours
Sunday, April 3
(10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
(See March 13)
Nature Challenge and Scavenger
Hunt
Sunday, April 24
Bring your family and friends to go on a selfguided "Eyes Only" Scavenger Hunt. You are
also encouraged to take part in the Nature
Challenge in celebration of Earth Day.
Watercolour Workshop
Wednesday, April 27
(9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.)
Returning for another watercolour workshop
is artist Gerry DeJong. Learn to paint or
improve your technique. Bring your own art
supplies, lunch and drinking water. The cost
is $35.00 per person and you must pre-register by calling Moira at 544-9529. Space is
limited to 20 people, so be sure to register
early.
Monarch Magic in your own
Backyard!
Sunday, May 1
(2:00 p.m.)
Do you want to make your
garden more butterfly friendly?
Come join Elisabeth Sorensen
and other garden enthusiasts to
learn about host and nectar plants to
attract butteflies to your garden this summer.
Beginning gardeners are welcome!
Astronomy Series: The Spring
Experience
Snakes of the Kingston Region
Sunday, April 17
(2:00 p.m.)
Matt Ellerbeck, snake enthusiast will share
his passion about snakes. He will bring in a
snake friend to introduce the importance of
snakes. Families are welcome.
Brown Bag Seniors' Program
Signs of Spring
Winter
Calendar 2005
Thursday, April 21
(10:30 a.m.)
Meet at the Outdoor Centre for a walk in the
woods to look for spring arrivals. Dress for
the weather, bring lunch, water, sunscreen
and insect repellent (just in case!).
Creatures of the Night Hike
Saturday, April 23
(7:30 p.m.)
Come out on a night hike to learn all about
the creatures of the night at Little Cataraqui
Creek Conservation Area. All ages are welcome. You'll have an opportunity to play
games, take part in other activities that pro-
mote awareness regarding many unseen
creatures that come out at night. Learn to
feel comfortable and to love the wilderness
at night!
Saturday, May 7
(7:30 p.m.)
Join the Royal Astronomy Society of Canada
Kingston Centre for a the final talk about the
spring sky. Learn more about stars, galaxies,
the moon and much more! Families are welcome and the talk is geared towards all ages.
There's always something to look at through
their high powered telescope.
Frog Night Hike
Friday, May 13
(7:00 p.m.)
All ages are welcome to join Conservation
Authority hike leaders for our third annual
Frog Night Hike. Bring your friends and family to this fun and educational frog identification walk. We'll be identifying species of
frogs by their calls as we walk around nearby
wetlands.
Conservation Authority. Regular conservation
area admission fees apply, but there will be
no charge for canoe rentals today.
Brown Bag Seniors' Program
Gone Fishin'
Thursday, May 19
(10:00 a.m.)
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at
Kingslake Plaza to carpool to
Loughborough Lake Inn for a
hike followed by a shore
dinner prepared by Larry York,
fishing guide par excellence.
You must pre-register by May 1
by calling Moira at 544-9529. Numbers are
limited and there is a cost for the dinner.
Brown Bag Seniors' Program
Wonderful Wildflowers
Thursday, June 16
(10:30 a.m.)
Meet at the north parking lot of Lemoine
Point Conservation Area (off Coverdale Dr.)
to take enjoy and photograph the spring
flowers. Wear a hat, bring sunscreen, insect
repellent, lunch and water.
Cataraqui Conservation Foundation
Educational Talks on Topical Issues
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
Outdoor Centre
$12.00 per person
Wednesday, March 23 - Green Power
4:30 p.m. Registration and Refreshments
5:00 p.m. Presentation
Panelists: Samit Sharma, Gaia Power;
Stephen Lapp, SGA Energy Inc. and Dr.
Vikram Varma, Fuel Cell Technologies
Limited
Wednesday, April 13 - Exploring the Night
Sky
7:00 p.m. Registration and Refreshments
7:30 p.m. Presentation
Speaker: Terence Dickinson, Astronomer
Wednesday, April 20 - West Nile Virus
4:30 p.m. Registration and Refreshments
5:00 p.m. Presentation
Speaker: Dr. Ian Gemmill, KFL&A Health
Unit
Canoe Fun Day
Sunday, May 15
(Noon to 4:00 p.m.)
Come out and spend an afternoon paddling
on the reservoir at Little Cataraqui Creek
Conservation Area. Try out canoes and
kayaks courtesy of the Cataraqui Region
7
CAT TALES
What is the Value of Natural Capital?
Well, first of all, what is natural capital?
According to a 2004 report published by Ducks
Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy
of Canada, natural capital is "natural resources,
environmental and ecosystem resources, and
land." The report called The Value of Natural
Capital in Settled Areas of Canada was pre­
pared by Nancy Olewiler of the Department of
Economics and Public Policy Program at Simon
Fraser University in British Columbia.
The report attempts to put a dollar value on
natural capital, but not in a traditional way, by
looking at the sale of products (e.g. lumber,
minerals, etc.). Instead the report suggests that
we look at natural and ecosystem resources as
assets that yield "goods and services that are
essential to the sustained health of our environ­
ment and the economy." Protection of natural
capital has the following benefits:
• improved water quality
• lower water treatment costs
• increased recreational opportunities
• reduced flood damages
• lower greenhouse gas emissions
• better air quality
• improved wildlife habitat.
The loss of natural capital is occurring contin­
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
ually across Canada and we may fail to recog­
nize the value of these losses until it is too late.
Four case studies were looked at in this report –
the Lower Fraser Valley, the Grand River
Watershed, the Upper Assiniboine River Basin
and the Mill River Watershed. Protecting the
natural capital in these watersheds may save
society hundreds of millions of dollars each
year. The report found that the estimated net
value of conserving or restoring natural areas is:
• about $195/hectare/year in the Grand River
Watershed in Ontario
• about $65/hectare/year in the Upper
Assiniboine River Basin in SaskatchewanManitoba
• about $126/hectar/year in the Mill River
Watershed in PEI.
The report recommends that various levels of
government have important roles, since they
are the decision-makers when it comes to
land use and development. These roles
include:
• collecting and providing data on natural
capital
• coordinating and funding efforts to measure
and value natural capital
• ensuring that natural values are considered
before releasing public lands for development
• providing conservation incentives for private
landowners.
If you would like to learn more, or read a
copy of the report, please visit the Ducks
Unlimited web site at www.ducks.ca.
Preserving Our Natural Heritage
T
he ultimate goal of completing and
implementing a natural heritage strategy
is a healthy, functional, and diverse
ecosystem. A system of woodlands, wetlands,
and other natural areas provides for the long­
term survival of flora and fauna species, the
protection of our valuable water resources,
opportunities for passive recreation, traditional
resource-based economic activities, and other
benefits.
Recognizing that natural heritage systems
cross political boundaries, the CRCA is under­
taking a natural heritage study with Loyalist
Township and the City of Kingston. The study
area for the Central Cataraqui Region Natural
Heritage Study is comprised of an extremely
diverse landscape. It consists of two distinct
geological regions (Canadian Shield and
Limestone Plain), and contains the lower por­
tion of five major watersheds. The study area
also consists of urban and rural lands.
Last fall, staff were busy compiling data,
developing signifi­
cance criteria, and
researching imple­
mentation strategies
used in other regions
of Ontario. With the
help of summer stu-
8
dents, staff will conduct field checks for
selected parts of the study area during the
spring and summer of 2005. The field checks
will help staff to verify the findings of the ini­
tial data analysis.
Two public consultation sessions will be
held for the Central Cataraqui Study in 2005.
The first public consultation will be held this
spring to discuss initial findings and options.
The session will help inform the community
of the work that has been completed to date.
At the second public consultation in the fall,
we will be gathering feedback on a set of
draft recommendations.
Loyalist Township and the City of Kingston
will be able to use the information and rec­
ommendations of the Central Cataraqui
Region Natural Heritage Study to improve
their natural heritage information, to develop
management strategies, to incorporate this
knowledge into their policies and decisions
regarding land use planning, and to undertake
stewardship and restoration activities.
If you would like more information about
the Central Cataraqui Region Natural
Heritage Study, please contact Christine
Woods, ecological planner, at (613) 546-4228
ext. 235 or by e-mail at woods@cataraquire­
gion.on.ca.
CRCA Seeks Urban Watercourses for Buffer Enhancement Program T
he Cataraqui Region
Conservation Authority,
in partnership with the
Biosphere Network, is looking for urban landowners
interested in enhancing vegetative buffers along watercourses. The Urban Stream
Buffer Program funded by
EcoAction provides planting
advice and plant stock that
can be used for stream cor­
ridor enhancement on both
private and public lands
within the local villages,
towns and cities located in
the CRCA watershed.
Healthy vegetative buffers
provide shading, improve
bank stability, intercept
nutrients from surface
runoff, and provide habitat
and migration corridors for
a variety of wildlife. The
program will be offered
both spring and fall with
the last planting season
offered May 2006. A nomi­
nal fee for participation is
requested and is deter­
mined on the quantity of
plant material requested.
12
.
EB
.F
T
SA
Plants are native to the
region and include bare root
stock, live cuttings, and
whips. If you have a property
that you would like to plant
or if you would like more
information, please contact
Tom Beaubiah, CRCA biologist at (613) 546-4228 ext.
240 or by e-mail at beaubiah@cataraquiregion.on.ca.
THE INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
YOUR PORTFOLIO DESERVES
Nancy Foster, FCSI
Portfolio Manager
RBC Dominion Securities Inc.
(613) 549-6484 • nancy.foster@rbc.com
2"#$OMINION3ECURITIES)NC
AND2OYAL"ANKOF
#ANADAARESEPARATECORPORATEENTITIESWHICHARE
AFlLIATED
-EMBER#)0&¸2EGISTEREDTRADEMARK
OF2OYAL"ANKOF#ANADA5SEDUNDERLICENCE¹#OPYRIGHT!LLRIGHTSRESERVED
SNOWSHOE FUN CLINIC
February 12 at Cataraqui Conservation Area (off Division St.)
Our Tubbs rep will be attending. Participants eligible to
enter a draw to win a FREE PAIR OF SNOWSHOES!
Tickets available at Gardiners Rd. store $15. pp.
HIKE ● SKI ● CLIMB ● PADDLE ● TRAVEL ● CAMP
Kingston’s original outdoor store. Locally owned for 17 years.
2 Locations:
795 Gardiners Road
166 Wellington Street
384-2002
547-2797
CAT TALES
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
Fall Potted Tree Sales a Success!
For the second year, the CRCA sold potted tree stock in the fall as a way of raising funds for
our tree planting and buffer programs. We're pleased to report that we sold over $8,000.00
worth of potted trees this fall. The money will be used to support our Urban Stream Buffer
Program, the Lemoine Point Native Plant Nursery and our other tree planting programs.
A portion of the funds will also be used to upgrade the potted tree sales facility in 2005, by
adding new fencing, gravel base and a watering system. The facility is located beside our
main workshop, which is in Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area.
In total, we sold over 700 trees and shrubs, with a variety of more than 20 species. Look for
us again in September 2005.
The CRCA would like to thank Laura Tattersall for her generous donation of some of the
nursery stock, as well as 600 pots used for growing the stock.
Plan Now for Spring Tree Planting
Jim O'Meara (left) shows CRCA environmental technician Holly Evans his newly installed
watering device and solar powered electric fence. The fencing keeps his cattle out of
Morton Creek. A pump in the creek provides water in the trough for his cattle.
CRCA's Program for Farm
Improvements Draws to a Close
T
he CRCA's Healthy Watershed Program:
Agriculture ended on December 31,
2004. The program provided grants to
farmers for environmental improvements on
their farms, with a view towards improving
water quality.
Throughout the three years of this program,
$116,000 in grants were provided for a total
of 33 projects. The actual value of these
projects, including the landowner contribu­
tions, is more than $171,000. In addition,
many other landowners were assisted with
technical advice and provided with informa­
tion about other grant programs.
Another benefit of the program was a part­
nership with area Stewardship Councils and
landowners to improve two area watersheds
– Wilton Creek and Foster's Creek.
Two Kingston area projects, done under
this program,were recently showcased in the
fall issue of Ontario Farmer. If you would
like to have a look please go to www.ontar­
iosoilcrop.org/Preventive_Maintenance_for_
Watersheds.htm.
Interest in this type of water quality
improvement program remains high. We are
hoping to be able to offer another similar
program in the future, if we can obtain more
funding. If you would like more information,
please call Holly Evans at (613) 546-4228
ext. 244 or e-mail hevans@cataraquire­
gion.on.ca.
There are three different CRCA programs to choose from if you are interested in planting
trees this spring, but you must act quickly if you want to participate. Call Rick Knapton at
(613) 546-4228 ext. 247 or (613) 389-3651 if you are interested in any of the following pro­
grams.
Forest 2020 Program
The CRCA is a Local Program Delivery Agency (LPDA) for the federal Forest 2020 Program.
This program is geared towards helping Canada reach its Kyoto Protocol commitments by
2010 by reducing greenhouse gases. Planting trees helps to remove carbon, one of the green­
house gases, from the atmosphere. As a result, the federal government hopes to plant 1,100
hectares (or 2,000,000 trees) in Ontario this coming spring.
So far, we have lined up about 36 hectares, or about 60,000 trees in the watershed. We do
have room for more landowners.
To quality for the program, you must plant a minimum 2.0 hectares (5.0 acres) and provide
a landowner contribution of $550.00 per hectare. This provides you with site preparation, tree
stock, planting and one tending application. In-kind contributions can be considered (e.g.
landowner do their own mowing), to reduce the $550.00/ hectare cash contribution.
It is possible to still be considered for this program, provided the area you wish to plant is
already site prepared. For example if you have taken off hay in fall 2004, this would leave the
site prepared for spring.
The Forest 2020 program is only available in the spring of 2005, so call us today if you want
to participate!
Trees for Peace Program
Once again, local Stewardship councils, school boards and the CRCA are offering the pro­
gram for spring 2005. A generous donation of $8,000.00 received from TD-Canada Trust
Friends of the Environment Foundation to support this program in 2005.
Landowners interested in having a minimum of 1,000 seedlings (about 1.3 acres in area)
planted on their property under this program, should call either Rick Knapton, CRCA, at (613)
389-3651, Stephen Pitt, Lennox and Addington Stewardship, at (613) 531-5723, or Bret
Colman, Frontenac Stewardship, at (613) 531-5714, right away.
Trees are provided at no cost. The landowner is required to pay a planting fee of $0.50 per
tree, plus taxes, to cover the costs of planting and administration.
The trees are planted by local school children, in grades 6 to 8. The students receive an inclass presentation on the ecological and social benefits of trees and plants provide us with,
prior to the planting day. They are also trained and supervised while on the site. It's a great
hands-on learning experience, which also helps the local environment.
Trees and funding are limited and not every property can be planted in any given year, so
please apply soon to increase your chances of being eligible for the spring of 2005!
We are now entering our 7th year of this program, with local school children responsible for
planting over 90,000 seedlings to date.
Over- the-Counter Tree Sales
A frost-free watering device and cattle fencing was installed by Kevin Bovey on his farm
near Latimer. This helps to improve water quality on a tributary of Collins Creek.
If you prefer to buy your own trees and plant them yourself, we also offer that option.
Landowners interested in planting their own trees, may purchase seedlings through the CRCA.
The minimum order is 500 seedlings. Group orders are welcome.
We have many species to choose from. Prices vary from $0.32 - 0.55 each, plus taxes and a
$15.00 order charge. Order forms are available on the CRCA web site
(www.cataraquiregion.on.ca).
Order early. Species numbers are limited. For an up-to-date list of
species that are still available, please call Rick Knapton at
(613) 389-3651.
9
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
Stresses on the CRCA 2005 Budget
Children and adults enjoyed pond dipping at the Mac Johnson Wildlife Festival held in
October 2004.
Mac Johnson Wildlife Festival a Big Success
T
he Friends of Mac Johnson Wildlife
Area and the CRCA combined forces
to host a very successful Wildlife
Festival this past fall. The CRCA was also cel­
ebrating our 40th anniversary.
Beautiful weather encouraged visitors to
come out to Mac Johnson Wildlife Area and
participate in the many activities that were
offered. Stana Luxford, CRCA education offi­
cer; Don Wright of the Friends of MJWA; and
Jack Henry of the Grenville Land Stewardship
Council all led guided hikes focussed on dif­
ferent aspects of the area. Stana led a nature
hike. Don explored the history of the area,
while Jack taught us about forest ecology.
Shelley Gallagher, Claire Lefrancois and
Ron Gardner of Environmental Connections
provided plenty of activities for the kids
including the ever-popular pond dipping. A
children's nature hike and campfire singalong rounded out the activities.
Beautiful music provided by the RiverWinds
ensemble from Brockville added to the
enjoyment of a beautiful fall day.
A fabulous bake sale and lunch was
organized by the Friends of MJWA, with
many delicious contributions from bakers.
Nothing was left over and no one went away
hungry. Thanks to Linda Wright, Anne Grant,
Lesley Rusk and everyone else who helped
out with the food.
The CRCA also provided canoes and
kayaks for people to try out on the reservoir.
Thanks to Ron Gardner and Lachlan Oddie
helped out with the rentals.
10
The day was round­
ed out by beautiful
chamber music provid­
ed by RiverWinds and
wildlife carving
demonstrations and
Grenville Stewardship Coordinator and
Friends member Jack Henry leads a forest
ecology hike at the Mac Johnson Wildlife
Festival.
displays at the picnic shelter.
The Wildlife Day wrapped up with three
great wildlife presentations. Gary Nielsen of
the Leeds Stewardship Council spoke about
Peregrine Falcons. Stefan Foerster, CRCA,
talked about Trumpeter Swans, while Stana
Luxford, CRCA, entertained everyone with
her Monarch Butterfly presentation.
The Wildlife Festival Committee of Colin
Boag, Karla Maki-Esdon and Ron Purser
organized a very successful event. The pro­
ceeds from the day were more than $1000,
more than double what similar events have
raised in the past. It also encouraged ten new
families to become members of the Friends.
Other Fall Activities
The Friends of Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
have had a busy fall working on a number of
different projects. These included fencing
along Centennial Road, work on the Nature
Centre and trail improvements.
Winter Activities
Once again, the Friends will be hosting
skating parties on the weekends at Mac
Johnson Wildlife Area. Drop by and warm up
after skating or skiing with a tasty cup of hot
chocolate.
More volunteers are needed to help with
hosting. If you have some time to spare,
please call Linda Wright at (613) 342-6399.
And don't miss the third annual Winter
Fun Day on Saturday, January 29 from 9:30
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We'll have dog sled races,
a cross-country ski loppet, skating, activities
for the kids and great food. Admission is
just $5.00 per car.
As we go to print, the CRCA is in the
process of developing and approving our
2005 budget. Our fiscal year is from
January 1 to December 31, and under the
Conservation Authorities Act, our budget
must be approved by the end of February.
Most of our funding comes from our 11
member municipalities. They are all feeling
their own financial pressures and have
requested that Conservation Authorities,
and other agencies that receive municipal
funding, keep their budget increases to a
minimum.
• inflation +1.8%
• complying with new regulations (e.g.
drinking water, oil storage tanks) +2.6%
• insurance and utilities +0.6%
• Provincial Water Management Grants
(have remained the same since 1997)
+0.25%
• maintaining our technological capa­
bilities (e.g. computers, mapping and air
photos) +1.4%
• additional staff resources (fundraising
and improving effectiveness) +4.0%
• healthy lifestyle – increased public
demand for outdoor experiences +1.1%
This will be difficult for us as we contin­
ue to cope with increasing costs and pres­
sures to improve service in all areas of our
operations. Here is a quick summary of the
pressures we are facing, expressed as a per­
centage of municipal levy.
With these pressures on our resources,
particularly in areas where we have no con­
trol over the expenses, such as complying
with new regulations, it will be nearly
impossible for the CRCA to achieve a target
increase of 2.5 per cent for municipal levy.
What is the One-Tonne Challenge?
The One-Tonne Challenge is a federal
government initiative to encourage
Canadians to reduce their personal green­
house gas (GHG) emissions by one tonne
per year (or 20 percent of the GHG emis­
sions of an average Canadian).
In Canada, most of our GHG emis­
sions come from driving our cars (49.9
percent). Next is heating and cooling (29
percent), followed by water heating (11.1
percent), appliances (7.5 percent) and
lighting (2.4 percent).
Through the One-Tonne Challenge,
Canadians are being asked to use energy
more efficiently, both in transportation
and at home; make wise consumer choic­
es like buying energy efficient appliances;
and to produce less waste by practicing
Three Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle). For
more information, or to take the OneTonne Challenge, go to www.climate­
change.gc.ca or call 1-800 O Canada.
What You Can Do
Since most of our GHG emissions
come from transportation, the best way to
make a difference is to drive less, carpool
or take public transit, where available. If
that's not possible, driving a fuel efficient
and well-maintained vehicle can also
make a big difference. The next time that
you have to replace your vehicle, please
give consideration to the environmental
impacts of your new vehicle.
CAT TALES
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
Forever Green Donors
FOUNDATION NEWS
The Cataraqui Conservation Foundation
would like to thank the following donors
and supporters who made our annual
fundraiser such a success.
Forever Green Fundraiser a Big Success
Foundation Conservation Award
The Cataraqui Conservation Foundation
experienced a very busy and successful
year in 2004, culminating in our annual
major fundraiser on Friday, November 20.
This year the event, which we named
Forever Green, was held at the Royal
Military College, Senior Officers' Mess.
One hundred and fifty people attended the
dinner, which was accompanied by a silent
and live auction.
Alicia Gordon, of Gordons Auctions, led
the guests in spirited bidding for the items
in the live auction. This year these included
a family getaway for a week at a cottage on
Otter Lake donated by a Foundation sup­
porter. Another popular item was the guid­
ed two-day canoe trip in Algonquin Park
and, once again, Peter Milliken, M.P.
offered a personal tour of Parliament Hill
with luncheon in the Parliamentary
Speaker's private dining room. All this with
two Via Rail first class train tickets for travel
to Ottawa!
The evening raised over $24,000, the
Foundation's most successful single event
fundraiser to date. Two thirds of the pro­
ceeds will help to support the CRCA's con­
servation education programs. The balance
of the proceeds will go toward upgrading
trails, trail markers, interpretive signs and
brochures, and to our land fund. The
Foundation is deeply grateful to the individ­
uals and businesses who contributed to the
evening as patrons, sponsors and supporters
and who gave so generously to the live and
silent auction. Our list of donors and sup­
porters is included below. Please consider
giving these individuals and businesses your
support when it is time to make a purchase.
It's time to start thinking about nominating
a group or individual for the Foundation's
annual Conservation Award. The Award is
given annually in recognition of an individ­
ual and/or group contribution to our under­
standing and protection of the Cataraqui
Region Conservation Authority watershed
through education, conservation or advoca­
cy. Those receiving the award must have
volunteered and demonstrated a commit­
ment in advancing conservation and eco­
logical values.
The nomination deadline is April 15,
2005. Nomination forms are available on
the CRCA web site
(www.cataraquiregion.on.ca) or by calling
(613) 546-4228 ext. 221.
Partners in Outdoor Education
The Partners in Outdoor Education annual
appeal which the Foundation spearheads
was still ongoing at the time of writing for
this newsletter. To date, however, over
$9,000 has been raised. This annual appeal
raises funds for the conservation education
programming which the CRCA and
Environmental Connections offer at the
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area in
Kingston and at Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
in Brockville.
Contributions are welcome throughout the
year. Every dollar raised through this appeal
is used to provide area students with high
quality, curriculum-based education experi­
ences in a natural setting. What a great way
to learn about the environment!
Cleghorn & Associates Ltd. ◆ Steve
Pollock - Edward Jones ◆ Robert Ivimey Ivimey & Hogeboom, Chartered
Accountants ◆ Brad Johnson - Landon Bay
East ◆ Martin Secker - Secker, Ross & Perry,
Chartered Accountants ◆ Thomson Jemmett
Vogelzang Insurance Limited ◆ XCG
Consultants Ltd.
Patrons
The Davies Foundation
Sponsors
James and Jane Bayly ◆ Collins Bay
Marina ◆ Mike Jefferies - TD Waterhouse
Canada Inc.
Supporters
Annual General Meeting in May
Anchor Concrete ◆ Maurice Johnson ­
CIBC Wood Gundy ◆ Cruickshank
Construction Kingston ◆ Jack Bowes Auto
Service ◆ Thomas Wightman - KPMG LLP
◆ Len Corcoran Excavating ◆ Tim Arnaud ­
RBC Investments ◆ Rose Richardson
Yanovsky ◆ Janet and Charles Sorbie ◆
Taggart Construction ◆ Graham Thomson
◆ Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang Insurance
Ltd.
The Foundation's annual general meeting
will be held in May. The tentative date is
May 31. Watch the CRCA web site and
your mailbox for confirmation of the date
and time of the meeting.
Foundation 2005 Lecture Series
In 2005, the Foundation is presenting a
series of lectures on environmental topics.
Topics included in the series are:
•links between breast cancer and certain
environmental toxins;
•the impact of genetically modified foods
and related regulatory safeguards in
Canada;
•alternatives to fossil fuel energy and
answers to your questions on energy;
•exploration of the night sky with an
expert;
•the possibility of an outbreak of West
Nile Virus in our region and our safe­
guards.
For more information, turn to page 7 or
visit the CRCA web­
site at
www.cataraquire­
gion.on.ca The price
for each session is
$12.00.
To register, call
Laura Dietrich at the
Cataraqui Region
Conservation
Authority at (613)
546-4228, ext. 221.
Seating is limited, so
be sure to register
early.
Advertisers
Supply ◆ Hershey Canada Inc. ◆
Hochelaga Inn ◆ Holiday Inn Waterfront
◆ Hoppin' Eddie's ◆ Hotel Belvedere
◆ Hughes Downey Architects ◆ Hurley
Fasano Barristers & Solicitors ◆ James Reid
Furniture ◆ Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises
◆ Kingston Expert Tees ◆ Kingston Farm &
Garden ◆ Kingston Field Naturalists
◆ Kingston Frameworks ◆ Kingston
Outfitters and Cottage Shop ◆ Kingston
Symphony Association ◆ Krown Auto
Services ◆ Loyalist Township ◆ Margann
Fitzpatrick Interiors Ltd. ◆ Marine Museum
of the Great Lakes ◆ Minakers Nursery
◆ Misty Isles Lodge ◆ Money Concepts
◆ Neil's Flowers Ltd. ◆ NHL Players Assoc.
◆ Odyssey Travel ◆ Parmalat u Pasta
Genova ◆ Potter's Nurseries Ltd. ◆ Queen's
Performing Arts ◆ Reid & Siemonsen Design
Group ◆ Rigney Building Supplies Ltd.
◆ Scott Wentworth Landscape Group Ltd.
◆ Sepp's Ski Shop ◆ St. Lawrence Cruise
Lines ◆ Staples - Downtown ◆ Templeman
Menninga ◆ Theatre Kingston ◆ The Apple
Mill ◆ The Glass House ◆ The Grizzly Grill
◆ The Healing Arts Studio ◆ The Landings
◆ The Novel Idea ◆ The Peak Experience
◆ The Pilot House of Kingston ◆ Thousand
Islands Playhouse ◆ Totten Sims Hubicki
Associates Ltd. ◆ Trugs ◆ Ware on Earth
Pottery ◆ Wellness In The Woods Salon,
Spa and Tanning ◆ W.I. Villager Ltd.
Individuals
Businesses
Ace Auto Leasing Limited ◆ Agnes
Etherington Art Centre ◆ Ambassador Resort
Hotel & Convention Centre ◆ Bearance's
Grocery ◆ Brafasco ◆ Camera Kingston Ltd.
◆ Campus Bookstore at Queen's University
◆ Canadian Tire-Cataraqui ◆ Canadian Tire
- Kingston Centre ◆ Casa Bella ◆ Cataraqui
Golf and Country Club ◆ Cataraqui Region
Conservation Authority ◆ Catering by Cory
◆ Catering by Craig ◆ Chien Noir Bistro
◆ Collins Bay Marina Inc. ◆ Copper Penny
◆ Creative Framing ◆ Curry Original
◆ Darbar Exotic Indian Cuisine ◆ Deborah
Murray Designs ◆ Diva Esthetics ◆ Echo
◆ First Choice Haircutters ◆ Fort Glass ◆
Frontenac Animal Hospital ◆ Frontenac
Outfitters Inc. ◆ Gananoque Boat Line
◆ Grand Theatre ◆ GUSTO Italian
Restaurant & Bakery ◆ Hendrix Restaurant
Reg Aitken ◆ Hazel Allen ◆ Dan R.
Atack ◆ Faith Avis ◆ Robert Bateman
◆ Robert Boucher ◆ Barbara Bradfield
◆ Katherine Cartwright ◆ Patricia
Chamberlain ◆ Robert Climie ◆ Mary
Louise Colquhoun ◆ Valerie Dalton ◆ Tim
De Rose ◆ Laura Dietrich ◆ Joan Drady
◆ Moira Drummond u William Elliott
◆ Elizabeth Evans ◆ Holly Evans ◆ William
Forbes ◆ Nancy Foster ◆ Pat Frontini
◆ Stewart Fyfe ◆ Carolyn Hetherington
◆ William Heyes ◆ William Higginson
◆ James Hoover ◆ Aaron Hudson ◆ Dora
Hunter ◆ Harry Jordan ◆ William Kenny
◆ Stephen Knechtel ◆ Graham Lodge
◆ Donald MacNaughton ◆ Helen Mathers
◆ Thomas McAneney ◆ Janet McDonald
◆ Janet Miles ◆ Peter Milliken ◆ Robert
Morrison ◆ William Murdoch ◆ Lachlan
Oddie ◆ Martin Perry ◆ Ineke Quartel
◆ Don Ruddy ◆ Elizabeth Schell ◆ Roger
Shaw ◆ Audrey Sims ◆ Joanne Sims ◆ Janet
Sorbie ◆ Guy Thorne ◆ Susan Tunnicliffe ◆
Bardi Vorster ◆ Ineke Wevers ◆ Tim Wilkin
- Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little and
Bonham, LLP ◆ Christine Woods ◆ Larry
York
Pleased to partner with the
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
Nature Books
Animals
2511 Princess Street
Puppets
384-4885
(corner of Princess and Gardiners Road)
Sewing our community since 1984
11
CAT TALES
WINTER 2005 ISSUE
CRCA 40th Anniversary Photo Contest Winning Entries
We received many great entries from enthusiastic amateur photographers across our
watershed. However, there could only be five winners – one for each category and one
best of show.
The winning photos will also be up soon on our web site, so you'll be able to view
them in colour. We will also have a photo gallery featuring some of the other photo con­
test submissions.
The winning photos are: (clockwise from top left)
Best Flora & Fauna - Barry Hanna; Best of Show - Eliot
Frymire; Best Landscape - Richard Casselman; Best Outdoor
Recreation - Dan Wainman; Best Water - Tim Couling.
Skating Rink at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area to Remain Open
he CRCA board decided to keep the skating rink
at Little Cataraqui Creek open for at least one
more season. Because of the high maintenance
costs and difficulty of maintaining a good ice surface
on the reservoir, the staff and board considered a
proposal to close the rink.
One of the problems of maintaining a good ice sur-
T
12
face was corrected this fall when the CRCA had the
aquatic weeds cut in the skating rink area. Weed
build-up in the ice surface was causing part of the
ice to melt resulting in a very rough surface. The
CRCA is still looking for donations to help offset the
cost of the weed cutting.
The other problem, and one that we can't do much
about, is the variable winter weather that we have in
Kingston. Mild weather and even rain can force the
closure of our rink, making it difficult to plan events
and to generate revenue from the skating rink.
Weather permitting, however, it will be open this
winter, so come out and enjoy it for as long as it's
cold!