Fall 2017 Newsletter

VOLUME 26, NUMBER 4
FALL 2017

Youth in Conservation — Habitual Action
I’m no stranger to habitual action and forming habits. I
started forming habits at a young age, as all of us do, but I
had a slightly different set of habits. The habits I developed
dealt with conservation and ballet, which seem very
different, but are more closely tied than one would think.
I started dancing
ballet
when I was
five years old,
and from that
moment have
gained habits
and muscle
memory that
have lasted
my whole life.
I danced ballet
from age 5 to
The author at a young age, after finishing The Nutcracker.
age 19 for
about seven or more hours a week. I went to summer
intensive programs and trained under some of the strictest
teachers. All this training and practice was developing
habits, habits that I didn’t realize were there until last
year. I had taken a break from ballet and just last year
started dancing again. It came back to me easily and I
realized that this was because I had formed these habits
and muscle memories at a young age.
So how does ballet relate to conservation? To borrow
from one of our volunteers, Dale Wenger, it all comes
down to establishing habits. Through all the blood, sweat,
and tears, I had established habits that will last a lifetime.
The same can be said about conservation habits. My family
has always composted, so I don’t even think about
composting anymore. It even feels weird if I don’t compost
something. My family also doesn’t turn on our heat
until December, no matter how cold it gets. Unfortunately,
(or fortunately depending on your view on walking
around the house with six layers on) this habit will probably
continue on until I have kids of my own. These conservation
habits are an important thing to be forming, as
they continue for your whole life. To learn more about
conservation habits in young kids, I decided to talk a little
to Christina Hunter, who runs the Little Sprouts eco-club.
Through her work with Little Sprouts, Christina is helping
kids connect with nature and develop these conservation
habits early on. She talks about how she can see some of
the participants develop these habits as they learn about
various things. She stressed that composting, recycling,
and experiencing nature really create this lifelong habits.
One thing she said that really stuck with me was: “Little
habits make for big change.” That sentence really highlights
what Christina is doing and the ideology that should
be encouraged in our youth.
By instilling positive conservation habits in youth, individuals
become ecologically minded and are willing to
contribute to keep Muskoka a beautiful place for everyone.
The more young people with a desire to protect
Muskoka’s natural beauty, the higher chance that it will
be protected in the future. So if you have children or
grandchildren, try taking them out in nature and establishing
these habits and giving them a sense for the
beauty of the natural world. And even if you’re older, it’s
never too late to make new habits. Join in one of our Nature
Quests, take a hike in the woods, or just go look at
some birds!
-Aaron Rusak
Getting to Know the Garden!
Over the past few months, we’ve
been posting little bits of information
on the plants in our native garden.
Since the snow seems to be
coming soon, we’ll be putting it on
hold, but check out our Instagram
to see some of the plants!
@muskoka_conservancy

A message from our Executive Director
Change is in the air!
September and October were flat out gorgeous in Muskoka!
I know I wasn’t alone swimming on Thanksgiving
weekend, right? And sure, it’s not unheard of to be out in
a canoe in late October, but my gosh, I’ve never felt such
a complete lack of urgency. I mean, where’s the sense of
impending doom? Winter is coming, isn’t it?
When I stop lolling around in the sunshine long enough
to think about it, I have to admit this autumn weather
makes me a little uneasy. News of record-setting wildfires
and hurricanes doesn’t help. And so, with conflicted
reluctance, I ask myself, what is to be done to put an end
to all this luxuriant October swimming?
The answer of course, is a scary three-headed beast, and
so not to be overwhelmed, I find it best to focus on the
possibility of the change right before my eyes—change I
can actually grasp.
Good thing, too, because change is in the air at Muskoka
Conservancy. We are protecting more space for nature,
we’re improving The Wetland Access Trail, and we have
some new faces and new energy propelling our organization
forward.
The newest of new faces appeared back in July, when a
small boy entered the scene. Finley is the newborn son of
Muskoka Conservancy’s Land Stewardship Coordinator,
Jenn Lemesurier. Congratulations to Jenn and her husband
Kyle, who are all about change now—diapers,
mainly.
As Jenn turned her attention to family, our conservation
team was suddenly without one of its key people. Enter
another new face, that of Aaron Rusak. Aaron is a biology
graduate from the University of British Columbia who
just happens to live right here in Muskoka. Aaron is proving
to be a quick study and very capable, and joy to
many, he’s an avid birder! Aaron is learning the ropes,
and he has really embraced our Nature Quest program.
In a very short time, he has already lead a paddle quest
and a dawn birding quest. He is now organizing his third
quest, one, I’m told, that will appeal to dog lovers.
Amidst the changing faces, we were incredibly honoured
and thrilled to accept and celebrate the addition of The
Bert Cross Family Nature Reserve to our inventory of conservation
lands. This 10-acre wetland is perfectly situated
directly adjacent to The Great Trail (Trans-Canada Trail)
and the popular Henry Marsh, a regionally renowned
birding hotspot. This is a meaningful action that Muskoka
Conservancy members can be extremely proud of.
Several other changes are occurring as I write this. Soon,
there will be a new picnic shelter and an outhouse at the
Upjohn Nature Reserve. The board of directors is working
on renewing and clarifying our strategic plan. Who
knows, it may even be snowing by the time you read this!
All of which is to say that change is happening. We just
want to stay focussed on doing our part to affect the best
change we can in Muskoka: to protect space for nature.
Thanks for your support!
Scott Young
Volunteer Highlight: Dale Wenger
Volunteers are very important to the Muskoka Conservancy, as we wouldn’t be
able to do much of what we do without them. I decided to talk to one of them,
Dale Wenger. For the full interview, check out our website.
Can you start by giving us a little background on yourself?
Dale: I was born in Barrie and moved to Muskoka when I was a kid. As a kid, I
wanted to come home, go outside, and explore. I took Environmental Studies at
Algonquin College in Ottawa and after finishing I decided to do some travelling.
After that, I took an outdoor naturalist program at Pembrook College.
What got you interested in volunteering for the Muskoka Conservancy?
I got a call one day from Bill Dickinson, who called me to see if I was interested in
doing an outing in August. I started talking to him about being more involved in
the community and the fact that the Muskoka Conservancy puts aside land for
nature’s sake is important.
What are some things you want to accomplish?
I would definitely want to make volunteering with the Muskoka Conservancy a
regular thing. It’s important to form habits. The more you do something, the
more positive reinforcements you get to continue to make it a better experience.
If you could turn into any animal, what would it be?
Can I choose three? A chimpanzee, a dolphin, or any kind of bird. I’d love to see
the world through their different perspectives.

Bert Cross Family NR
A huge thank you to the Cross Family for donating our
37th property! Their donation encompasses a 10.5-acre
section of Henry Marsh, a popular destination for both
birders and naturalists. In the past, the marsh has been a
critical area for the breeding of local bird species, such
as the Golden-winged Warbler and the Least Bittern. In
addition to being critical habitat for breeding birds, it’s
also important to the mammals of the area. Otters and
beavers are seen here frequently, and the occasional
Black bear and Moose has also been seen. Thanks to the
Cross Family again for donating this beautiful nature reserve
and helping keep the area protected forever!
Emerald Ash Borer Update!
As some of you may have heard, the emerald ash borer
traps have been taken down. These traps are being used
in an early detection project to detect the spread of emerald
ash borer. This year, 24 traps were hung in the
Gravenhurst and Bracebridge areas. After being analyzed,
we have concluded that no emerald ash borers
were caught this year! Visit our website for the full 2017
report.
We’d like to thank Bioforest Technologies and their staff
for the generous donation of materials, expertise, and
time with this project. Additionally, we’d like to thank all
the volunteers who helped with the project or allowed
use of their property for traps.
Little Sprouts
This year the Little Sprouts Eco-Club partnered with Big
Brothers Big Sisters Muskoka to celebrate Canada's 150th
birthday. This was made possible by Muskoka Community
Foundation, and was attended by approximately 20 -
50 children along with their families at each event.
Together the group celebrated 6 different events
throughout the year, celebrating Canada's natural heritage
and local wildlife, as well as Canada's Indigenous
culture by attending Rama's First Nations Pow Wow in
August.
Events included a snowshoe and hot chocolate trek in
February, a tree planting day at Annie Williams Park in
May, a tour of Aspen Wildlife Sanctuary in June, a Pow
Wow excursion to Rama in August, a visit to local equine
farm Back of Beyond in September and finally a day of Art
in the Forest with Artist Elke Sholz in October.
Each event brought a unique way to celebrate our Country
and the kids loved learning about how they can better
protect our beautiful forests, animals and culture.
Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters Muskoka was an
amazing opportunity that brought older children to see
what the Little Sprouts is all about, and many new faces
that continue to join in on our monthly outings.

Birding at Henry Marsh!
On October 1 st , we hosted a fall birding Nature Quest.
Participants in the outing went to the newest Muskoka
Conservancy property, the Bert Cross Family Nature Reserve,
located in Henry Marsh. This conservation area
encompasses a 10-acre section of the marsh, with most
of that space being wetland. Although the morning was
foggy and cold, the participants bundled up and got to
check out the birds and the beautiful fall colours. With
the fall migration wrapping up, worries arose that not
many birds would be seen. However, a number of species
were spotted by the sharp eyes of the birders, including
the Black-billed cuckoo, Wood duck, and a flock of around
80 Canada geese! A huge thank you goes out to the three
volunteers, Dale Wenger, Janice House, and Al Sinclair,
who generously donated their time and knowledge to
assist with the outing.
Hike with your Hound!
Our Nature Quests take place year-round and involve a
variety of outdoor activities including paddling, hiking,
bird watching, and more. If you’re interested in learning
more about the programs they offer, check out muskokaconservancy.org
or call them at (705) 645-7393 ext
200. It’s never too late or too early to find your love for
the outdoors!
Our November Nature Quest was Hike with your Hound.
On this outing, we lead a number of hikers and hounds on
a hike of our Upjohn Nature Reserve Wetland
Access Trail. A great time was had by all as we
explored the Nature Reserve and discussed
some plants that are harmful for dogs to consume.
The dogs seemed like they had a great
time as well, with even the puppies seeming to
be a bit tuckered by the end. Sporting Muskoka
Conservancy ‘ruffs’ we managed to get a picture
of all the dogs at the end. If you’re interested in
our Nature Quest program, call 705-645-7393
ext 200. Stay tuned for the next Nature Quest, which will
take place in December!
Christmas is coming and we’ve got you covered!
From stocking stuffers to presents, the Muskoka Conservancy has got it
all! We have Canadian-made tea towels, an assortment of books, and
Christmas cards. Give us a call or visit us in the office if you want to grab
some merchandise. Or, if you’re in the Toronto area, please give Elizabeth
Mason a call at: (416) 924-4868 to arrange a pickup or delivery.
Additionally, we’d like to extend a big thank you to the following stores
for stocking our merchandise during the summer:
Hamer Bay Marine, Rosseau General Store, Indian River Trading Co., and
Windermere Garden Centre Too

Giving Tuesday!
Keep an eye on your mailbox!
With the new year coming up
quickly, we’ll be sending out
forms for purchasing or renewing
your membership! At the
Muskoka Conservancy, we’re
grateful for everyone that supports
the great work we do. A
membership to the Muskoka
Conservancy means you support
the protection and conservation
of natural spaces in Muskoka
and want to see these spaces
protected forever!
If you have any questions, please
contact Aaron at 705-645-7393
or email
info@muskokaconservancy.org.
Feedback? Questions?
We’re trying out a new format
for our newsletter and welcome
any and all feedback.
To let us know what you think,
send an email to
info@muskokaconservancy.org
or call (705) 645-7393 ext. 200.
Thank you to our official partners!
MUSKOKA CONSERVANCY OFFICERS
PRESIDENT JOHN BURTON
PAST PRESIDENT ISOBEL HEATHCOTE
VICE PRESIDENT MARGARET MCLAREN
DIRECTORS
ALLYN ABBOTT CHRISTINA HUNTER NORM MOFFAT
MIKE EVANS ROB MCLENNAN CYNTHIA SMITH
BOB WEEKES ELSPETH WOOD
HONORARY DIRECTORS
RUSS BLACK JOHN FINLEY ELIZA NEVIN
WILLIAM CLARK PETER GOERING ROB PURVES
BILL DICKINSON ELIZABETH MASON GEORGE SNIDER
MUSKOKA CONSERVANCY STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRAM
COORDINATOR
SCOTT YOUNG
AARON RUSAK