Spring 2016 - Nature League

INCORPORATED AS SENIOR LEAGUE SOCIETY OF COLLINGWOOD
Spring Issue 2016
Nature League
Welcome to Spring
Special Events
Spring Social
Tobermory 2016
Wednesday April 27th
All Saints Anglican Church
Wed June 15th to Fri. June 17th
32 Elgin Street, Collingwood
Join us for this popular Bruce Peninsula
Adventure. You can choose a 1 or 2 night
stay at the Coach House Inn, Tobermory.
Due to the popularity of this outing all
attendees must be nature league members.
Social 5-7 p.m.
Start off the 2016 spring program by
joining us for snacks and refreshments.
This will be a great time to renew
acquaintances before the spring hikes
begin.
Note cards will be available for purchase.
We encourage you to bring a friend!
Spring Speaker
Room Rates:
Thursday, May 19th
Double occupancy: $122.04* two people
per night. This includes accommodation,
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
L.E. Shore Library, Thornbury
Single occupancy: $90.40* per night.
This includes accommodation, breakfast,
packed lunch, dinner.
President of Procyon Wildlife
Debra Spilar
Procyon Wildlife rescue, rehabilitate
and release wild animals in need of
care.
* Costs have been updated to 2016 prices.
BOOKING STARTS APRIL 18th
Coffee: 10:00 a.m.
Presentation: 10:30 a.m.
See page 10 for booking information and more
details from leaders Terry and Cathy Sears.
1
Asian Carp Threaten Great Lakes
Asian Carp on Our Doorstep
By Joan Latimer
Asian Carp are big, aggressive, and always hungry. They have wreaked havoc in some
parts of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers where they now comprise an estimated 90
per cent of the biomass. These invaders have moved upstream to the Chicago Area
Waterways System (CAW), and are now only about a 100 kilometres way from the
gateway to the Great Lakes.
Their northward migration comes to an abrupt halt when the fish arrive at the
electrical barriers installed in the CAW System. So far the barriers seem to have turned
them back. But some experts are convinced that the system is not foolproof and that
sooner or later a few fish may slip through. A few fish would be all it would take to
pose a serious threat to the Great Lakes. According to Professor Kim Cuddington of the
University of Waterloo, as few as 10 Asian Carp would be enough to begin establishing
a population. She explains that these fish are experts at finding one another in a body
of water.
Last summer, nine Asian Carp were discovered in Lake Ontario, the biggest find ever.
Of these, six were fertile including the two found swimming in contained ponds in the
Leslie Street Spit. Scientists still don’t know where these fish came from as they were
not born in this country. Ongoing testing in Canada’s Asian carp lab in Burlington,
Ontario, and in several U.S labs, will eventually determine their origin.
To date no self-sustaining population of this invasive fish has been found in The Great
Lakes.
Continued on page 3
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Asian Carp continued
Recent Arrivals
It is hard to believe that this invasive species, which only a few decades ago did not exist in
North American waters, has emerged as such a huge environmental and economic threat.
These fish, native to China and Russia, only arrived in the American South in the 1970s. They
were imported to control bottom algae in catfish ponds. When flooding occurred some escaped
into nearby waterways and thus began the Asian Carp invasion. Chalk up another major victory
for The Law of Unintended Consequences, the very law that has disrupted the ecological balance
in many other countries.
Today most people who are aware of the Asian Carp problem think of this invader as one single
breed of fish. Not so. Four distinct species are considered part of the Asian Carp family. They
are the Grass, Silver, Bighead and Black carps. All are big - some top 45kilos (100 pounds) - all
have huge appetites and all reproduce with super efficiency. One species, the Silver Carp, jumps
up to three metres out of the water when startled by noise. Boaters and anglers in the
Mississippi River basin area have sustained severe injuries when fifty pounds of flying carp have
smashed into their face or upper body.
The carp infestation in US waters so close to Canada is a constant reminder of the ecological
catastrophe that could happen here . “We are seeing an invasion happening in the U.S.” says
Becky Cudmore, manager of the Asian Carp Program for Canada’s Oceans and Fisheries. “We
are seeing native species pushed out for food and space, we’re seeing loss of habitat in wetlands
areas and we’re seeing declines in commercial fishery values”.
The Sierra Club (U.S) has this blunt warning on its Web page. “If the fish were to reach The
Great Lakes it would be an ecological and economic disaster…. “They could devastate the
region’s $7 billion recreational fishing and boating industry and take away our ability to boat,
fish, swim and enjoy our lakes and their many tributaries.”
Public awareness
Public awareness has a big role to play in the Asian Carp battle maintains Kristine Pinkney,
Asian Carp specialist at the Invasive Species centre, She wants individuals who love the Great
Lakes to get involved by learning all they can about the issue. “The more eyes on the water the
better,” she says.
Pinkney put together a series of five web seminars, called Webinars, featuring a variety of
experts. The most recent was last month when Becky Cudmore outlined the current state of
Canada’s fight to block Asian Carp. This lecture, along with others in the series, is available on
line. Want to listen to these webinars? The quickest way is to Google Asian Carp Webinar
Series. Then click on “webinar series-asian carp” (first listing).
Pinkney was also involved in organizing a contest for university and college students who were
asked to develop a device, technology, equipment or other method to prevent or manage Asian
Carp. Winners will be announced later this month.
We need your help!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Please let us know of any member who
is ill at home or in hospital.
AGM
LECTURE
POT LUCK
Contact either:
Carole Hill 705-429-2869 or
carolvhill@rogers.com and copy Clare
Wed. September 14th
Thurs November 17th
Tues December 6th
Details to follow later
Clare Capon 705-446-9874 or
clare.capon@gmail.com and copy
Carole
3
FOR THE BIRDS !
Environment Canada biologists have concluded that collisions with windows on small buildings
( we already know the effects of glass office towers ) are the leading cause of bird deaths, taking
millions of lives every year. Windows deceive birds; reflected trees or sky, a tempting potted
plant seen through glass or a view straight through the building or glass balcony railing
( becoming popular) can trick birds into thinking that they can sail through to the other side.
Birds that do not die on impact can go into shock, becoming easy prey for predators such as
cats.
Injured Bird? Should a bird hit your window, gently place it inside an unwaxed paper bag or
cardboard box. Place it in a quiet location for recovery away from people and pets – no food or
water. Should you find a bird killed or injured by a window collision, you can contribute to
research by recording the incident on the FLAP MAPPER, a citizen – science global mapping
data base at flap.org/mapper guide ( FLAP = the FATAL LIGHT AWARENESS PROGRAM ) Learn
more at flap@flap.org.
Preventive Measures: Consider covering the outside of windows with contrasting patterns
( visual markers) of any shape to reduce the reflective window area, hanging ribbons or strings
on the outside of the window, drawing patterns on windows with a bar of soap or highlighter
pen, installing window screens, applying special film or applying hawk silhouettes. Products /
Info: featherfriendly.org. ;birdsavers.com ; birdscreen.com ; collidescape.org ; abcbirds.org ;
flap.org .
Additional Tips:
Bird Feeders/ Baths: Position half a metre ( 1.5 feet) or less from your window. Over this
short distance, birds cannot build up enough momentum to injure themselves should they hit
your window.
House Plants: Move away from your windows or install blinds to be drawn during the day with
slats turned open.
Pet Cats: Keep your cat indoors.
Plants: Plant native trees, shrubs & flowering plants in your yard to provide food & nesting
areas for birds ( see nanps.org for tips).
Information taken from brochure “ Homes Safe For Birds” funded by the Government of Canada)
Submitted by: Gary Cauthers
4
LOREE FOREST
WINTER SURPRISE
On February, 1, 2016 the Council of the
Town of the Blue Mountains met to make a
decision on the restriction of motorized
vehicles on the 5th line in order to access
the Loree Forest section of the Bruce Trail.
“Xtreme Adventures” had been operating
hummers on this trail, causing extensive
damage in the form of huge ruts. A
deputation was made by Ros Rossetti of the
Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club
recommending stopping up and closing 5th
Line north of the 21st Sideroad. Letters in
support of this recommendation were
submitted by the Nature League, Blue
Mountain Watershed Trust and many
individual citizens. Several Nature League
members were in attendance. A favourable
decision was made by Council at that
meeting and the proposed By/Law was
ratified on February 17th. There will no
longer be restricted vehicles in the Loree
Forest. Concerned citizens can make a
difference!!
Migs Baker
Submitted by Gary Cauthers
I was able to get this photo recently
through our kitchen window. A nice
Winter surprise!
With the assistance of birder Margaret
McFadyen we discovered that we were
observing a female Red-bellied
Woodpecker. The males have the red area
coming right down the forehead to the
beak. The colour on the belly is often just
a tinge. Last year Margaret saw a male &
the blush on his lower abdomen was
actually rosy- a very different shade from
his head colour.
This species is extending its range
northwards- used to be just along Lake
Erie & the Niagara peninsula.
Paid Parking Coming to Beaver Valley
The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority is
implementing a paid parking system which
will affect users of The Bruce Trail in the
Beaver Valley section as well as Blue
Mountains, Sydenham and the southern
Peninsula sections. The new system does
not allow for cash payments. Parking
permits must be obtained prior to your trip
or at the trailhead using your smartphone.
The daily parking rate is $5.00 and each
parking lot will have an associated Zone
Number that you use to indicate at which
lot you are parked. Or purchase a season's
pass for your vehicle, which covers the
calendar year, by registering the license
plate for only $30.00.
Prepay by phone (toll-free) 1 844 334 7078
or online at mackaypay.com or download
the Mackay App (for Android and Apple
devices) to your smartphone and pay on the
fly. Upon initial use, you will need to create
a user account and enter your payment
information.
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2015 Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Environmental Leadership
Dear Nature League
I wish to sincerely thank you for sponsoring my weekend at the Ontario Nature Youth Summit
2015. I had a blast, and have made some great friends! To be honest, I had never heard of the
Youth Summit and wouldn’t have considered going before my guidance counsellor approached
me about the opportunity. Thanks to your support, I was able to go, and I learned about native
bees, some small steps I can take myself to help combat climate and social issues, as well as
learning about the Youth Council’s mission. I made a small pollinator garden named Kale the
Kale (named after the fabulous Kale Black of Burlington Green – a truly amazing young man!)
and jumped in the lake every morning for Polar Bear Dip! The location was gorgeous and I could
tell that it really got everyone into the right mindset for the weekend. Apart from taking a new
interest in watching for and protecting endangered wildlife, this conference also piqued my
interest in lobbying for change. I have a voice, and this weekend helped me remember that. One
of my goals is to install a compost system in my school. So far, so good!
I am very interested in sustainable agriculture, and I was able to meet a couple of people who
were going through post-secondary in this field! It has me looking at taking a degree in
sustainable agriculture instead of biology. One of these people is also very into raising backyard
poultry (just like me) and I actually met him later at a bird sale!
I just wanted to say thank you for making it possible for me to have spent such a memorable
weekend among so many open-minded, passionate youth! Sponsors like you are what make
connections like these possible and without groups like the Nature League, it is possible that
over 60 participants in this past summit would not have had the means to attend. Thank you
for all you do, and I hope others are given this same opportunity in the future. It truly is life
changing!
Alyson Wright - Grade 12 Student SCI
Hi Migs Baker,
I wanted to thank the Nature League for sponsoring me
to go to the 2015 Youth Summit by Ontario Nature. I
had a wonderful time connecting with people my age
who care as much about the environment as I do. I
made wonderful friendships and memories that will
endure and their impacts on my decisions and actions
will and have already affected my life.
It gives me great excitement to persevere in helping
protect the environment as I have learned its
importance and beauty both through the presentations
and hands on experience during that weekend. I
learned many things that I will and have already
applied to my community as well as my club Earth
Link at CCI.
I also attached a few pictures below that I took
throughout the weekend of some friends I still keep in
touch with and some wonderful nature scenes .
I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to
participate in the Youth Summit, I can't thank you
enough,
Melissa Dosne
6
Ontario Nature Regional Meeting
April 23, 2016
In Memoriam
The Nature League is a member of Ontario
Nature and we are always welcome to attend
their regional meetings. The Spring meeting
will be hosted by “Friends of Nancy Island and
Wasaga Beach Park”. This club is a non-profit,
charitable organization dedicated to furthering
the educational and interpretive programs of
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and Nancy
Island Historic Site.
Don McFadyen
Our condolences go out to his wife
Margaret and to all the members of
his family. Don contributed greatly
to the Nature League as editor of our
Newsletter. He will be missed.
Karen Alexander, a biologist with Ontario
Parks will speak on “Healthy Beaches”. The
beach story is an interesting one that must be
shared. The effects of wind, waves and
currents from the Bay shape the movements
that change the landscape. As the sand moves,
native beach plants such as Marram Grass and
Wormwood help establish freshwater dunes, an
ecosystem so rare, it is considered globally
imperilled.
The dunes, beach and shoreline all offer
unique components to the wildlife that make
the beach their home. Threatened species, like
the piping plover, need the beach ecosystem for
breeding. The “Friends” through their
successful piping plover program of 8 seasons
have witnessed 40 chicks fledge.
So save the date of April 23 to come to Wasaga
Beach to meet with other like-minded
naturalist groups and to explore and learn
more about the world’s largest freshwater
beach.
We will be notified soon of the Location of the
meeting and the Agenda (which usually
includes a hike).
Keep the Nature League in Mind
When Writing Your Will: Consider remembering the
Nature League in your will. Monies bequeathed will
be used to further the promotion, preservation, and
understanding of nature and the environment.
When Making a Donation: When you make a
donation in memory of a deceased person, consider
remembering the Nature League.
Tax Receipts are issued for all donations
7
Welcome New Members
Nancy Jackson
Glenn Velick
Nature League winter programs in pictures. Perfect ways to spend snowy
winter days! Thank you to program co-ordinator Migs Baker and the many activity leaders, “soups on”
hosts and potluck volunteers. Photo credits Annie McGouran.
Winter 2016
8
Nature League Spring Hikes and Programs 2016
Walkers meet On Wednesdays
at Metro parking lot to car pool
(unless noted otherwise).
Please note car pool times for
each event.
For carpooling the leader will
meet participants in the N. E.
corner of the Metro parking lot in
Collingwood. If the weather
conditions are unfavourable the
decision on whether or not to
continue with the outing will be
made by those who show up. If
cancelled those showing up may
wish to adjourn to a local café to
socialize and enjoy a coffee.
Walks start at 10:30 am at
Trailhead, unless stated
otherwise, and will last about 2
hrs. Come prepared with lunch,
a beverage, suitable clothing,
sturdy footwear, and if possible
a cell phone. Please no pets.
All participants must sign the
waiver before the activity. Each
leader will have a waiver form
with them. Any questions
should be directed to the leader
of each walk. If you need more
details on how to get to the
hiking location please phone
the hike leader. Bring a friend
to encourage new memberships!
Need a ride to a walk or meeting?
Contact:
Collingwood: Clare Capon 705446-9874
Wasaga Beach: Carole Hill 705429-2869
Creemore: Gary Cauthers 705466-2272
April 27th
Spring Social
All Saints Anglican Church
32 Elgin St., Collingwood
5-7 pm.
See front page.
MAY 4th
TOWN TRAILS
Meeting time is 10.30 at the Birch St parking lot. North of
First Street near the treatment plant.
This will be a relatively easy but interesting walk on the
trails which will include the shipyards pier, the new
amphitheatre, the three signs donated by the Nature
League, the labyrinth, the boardwalk , Silver Creek and back
through the arboretum. Optional lunch at a restaurant to
be decided. Leader Joan Latimer 705 446 6122
MAY 11th
OLD BALDY AND KEN YOUNG SIDE TRAIL TRILLIUM WALK
Car pool time 9.45
South on Osler Bluff Rd, west on Grey Rd 19, cross Grey Rd
2, continuation is side rd 9. Continue on side rd 9 through
Duncan to 10th line and turn right then take left on 3rd line.
Continue on 3rd line to side road 7B on right. Take it to the
corner and park at entrance to Ken Young Side Trail.
After completing this 1.5km easy loop through woodlands
we will walk down to the parking lot and take the Mac Kirk
side trail to the Old Baldy lookout. A 1.5 km loop.
Moderately easy walk uphill through woodlands but there is
a very rocky downhill section after the lookout. There is an
amazing display of trilliums on both sections of this walk in
early May. Leader Marlene Esson 705 445 5793
See pg 5 re parking rates. Check with Marlene to see if this lot has parking fees.
MAY 18th
JOHN HAIGH SIDE TRAIL and NORTH RIM OF PRETTY RIVER
VALLEY PARK
Car pool time10 a.m.
South on Osler Bluff Rd. West on Grey Rd 19 to 2 nd line.
South on 2nd line, past Petun Conservation Area to end at
junction with 6th side rd. Park in small lot or on side of
road. Limited parking so carpooling is advised (6.5 kms.)
This trail has the highest point on the Bruce Trail so there is
some climbing but generally the terrain is through mature
woods, fairly level, easy intermediate, gorgeous views from
the main trail and impressive geological features .
Rosemary Bolitho and Linda Burney 705 444 6301
May 19th
SPRING SPEAKER
L.E. Shore Library, Thornbury
Debra Spilar, President of Procyon Wildlife
10am coffee, presentation 10:30am
9
MAY 25th
MARGARET PAUL SIDE TRAIL
Car pool time 9.45 a.m.
Take Scenic Caves Rd to Banks. Turn right at Banks on 4th line and then left on 18th sideroad
to 5th line and park. Walk is approx.4 kms on interesting terrain through bush and trails and
some not too difficult hills.
Leader Jean Reed 705 443 8738
st
JUNE 1
WALTERS FALLS
Car pool time 9.45
Take Hwy 26 West to Cty Rd 40.Go left and continue on 40,up the hills, to the T- junction at
the end. Turn right to Walters Falls and then go left on Victoria Street and right on Front
Street to the end. Meet in the parking lot of the Falls Inn at 10.30 a.m.to take a 4.5 km loop
hike up one side of Walters Creek and back down the other side. This is not a difficult hike but
there are some hills so may be difficult for people with knee or hip problems. Bring packed
lunch to eat on the trail. Optional visit to Falls Inn for dessert or beverage after the hike.
Leader Beth Theis 705 627 2606
JUNE 8th
LOREE FOREST
Car pool time 10 a.m.
Take Scenic Caves Road to Banks. Turn right on 4th Line, proceed to end, then turn left on 21st
side road and continue. Park on broad shoulder to right opposite house number 729150.
Approx 5.5kms, starts with a hill then mostly level walking. Some rougher parts but a
moderately easy walk.
Leader Jerry Finczak 705 444 5384
JUNE 15th
TOBERMORY
Three days of hiking/walks (or whatever one may choose to do) takes place June 15, 16 &17,
2016. Your Leaders will be Terry & Cathy Sears.
Our Stay will be at the Coach House Inn in Tobermory.
Single Occupancy - *$90.40 per night, hst incl.($90.40 x 2 nights = $180.80)
Double Occupancy - *$122.04 for two people, per night, hst incl.. ($122.04 x 2 nights = $244.08)
This would include 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and of course your accommodation.
Terry will be collecting $15 (cash) per person to cover gratuities for all staff. BYOB and bring
an appetizer for the Happy Hour.
Booking will be open from April 18th, 2016 until June 3, 2016. Space is limited to 46
people. Due to the popularity of this outing all attendees must be nature league
members.
To book call Ruth Vance at 1-519-596-2361 and let her know you are part of the Nature
League Group. Once you have registered with Ruth please email Terry Sears
tjinblue@rogers.com and advise whether you will be hiking, walking or your own thing.
Check –in time is after 1:00 pm and cancellation policy is 12 noon the day prior to arrival.
Please advise Terry Sears of cancellation.
* Costs for accommodations and meals have been updated to 2016 prices.
10
June 22nd
HIKE AND BBQ
BBQ
Gary and Lois Cauthers will host a BBQ for members of the Nature League. Please arrive at
11:30 am for lunch at noon. Sausages and buns only are provided, bring your own
salad/dessert if you wish. Please call 705-466-2272 if you are a vegetarian or need directions.
HIKE
Mad River Trail
Car pool time 10 a.m.
Take Hwy 124 through Duntroon to the Glen Huron turn on the left.In Glen Huron go as far as
the water wheel where the road turns to the left.Make the left turn and park on the right hand
side of the road. This is an easy walk along the river valley through trees to the base of Devils
Glen Ski Club returning on the same route. Approx 1 ½ hrs.
Leader Carolyn Moerschner 705 445 0267
June 29th
STANDING ROCK SINGHAMPTON
Car pool time 10a.m.
Take concession 10 or Hwy 124 to Duntroon Side Rd [formerly Simcoe Cty Rd 91] Turn Right
and proceed to T- intersection [Clearview Osprey Townline] and turn right. Drive to the end and
park. Easy walk with interesting views.
Optional lunch at Mylar and Lorettas.
Leader John Capon 705 446 9874
July 13th
POT LUCK SUPPER ON THE BEACH
At Fritzy and Jerry Nydam’s cottage.
151 Cameron St., Thornbury.
3:00 pm swim and socialize. 5:00 pm supper.
Bring your own contribution to the meal, swim suit, plate, cup, cutlery, chair, and beverage.
Tea, coffee and before dinner snacks will be provided.
Please let Fritzy know by the 10th if you are going to be attending this event. 705-4455941 or nydam@bell.net
Directions:
Hwy 26 to Thornbury, go through the lights on Hwy. 26 to the 4 th street (Peel St.) Turn right,
proceed to the second street (Cameron) and turn left.
11
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Ongoing Fundraiser
Wallpaper Envelopes/Wood Cut Cards
Don’t forget that you can buy packages of
these unique envelopes/cards throughout
the year by contacting Clare Capon. She
has the entire inventory and arrangements
can be made for you to pick your favourite!
Proceeds from the sale of these
envelopes/cards which are handmade by
Ann McGouran and John Capon are used to
sponsor a student at the Ontario Nature
Youth Summit each September.
Heartfelt thanks to our generous in-kind
sponsor, Robinson’s Paint & Wallpaper,
for their ongoing support of this initiative.
VISIT US:
www.natureleague.ca
(includes events/newsletter in colour)
CONTACT US:
enquire@natureleague.ca
(questions/membership info.)
Please Support our Advertisers
NEWSLETTER PRODUCTION
Chris Dudley
Chris.dudley8@gmail.com
We thank our advertisers for their generous
support and encourage our members to do
likewise when patronizing these establishments.
Jim Richardson / Advertising
INCORPORATED AS SENIOR LEAGUE
ENDOWMENT SOCIET OF COLLINGWOOD
P.O. BOX 572 COLLINGWOOD ON L9Y 4E8
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