Fall 2017 Newsletter

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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 <strong>2017</strong> 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
Page 1 and 2: VOLUME 26, NUMBER 4 FALL 2017
Page 3: A message from our Executive Direct

Fall 2017 Newsletter

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