Another year of outreach and education from the Friends of Minesing Wetlands. As usual we were very busy.
This collage of pictures shows:
Thanks to all our members and partners for another successful year!
The Friends of Minesing Wetlands are excited to announce the first Bioblitz of the Minesing Wetlands on June 3, 2017.
What is a bioblitz?
A Bioblitz is a volunteer-based biological inventory of a specific area. Participants include local scientists, professional naturalists, amateur enthusiasts and members of the general public. The goal of the Bioblitz is to identify as many species as possible in a set amount of time. This event provides community members with hand-on learning opportunities that can enhance their knowledge of species identification, biodiversity, citizen science and stewardship.
Why the Minesing Wetlands?
The Minesing Wetlands is one of Southern Ontario’s largest wetland and is home to many unique habitats, vegetation communities, and a vast array of wildlife. The Minesing Wetlands, previously known as the Minesing Swamp, are a Ramsar-designated (internationally significant) wetland located in south-central Ontario. The Minesing Wetlands are one of the largest wetland complexes in southern Ontario and host the largest and best example of a string fen in this part of the province. The Minesing Wetlands have also been designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and a provincially significant Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
How does it work?
You will be conducting surveys on a series of hiking trails located in the peripherals of the Minesing Wetlands. You will meet your expert leader and/or participants at your designated hiking trail (which you will choose after you register). All participants will be required to stay with their expert leaders, within close proximity to the designated trail at all times. After the morning and before the afternoon sessions happen, everyone will reconvene at Basecamp (Edenvale CA) to enjoy lunch and brief words of thanks from the organizers.
Schedule:
8-11 am – First round of hikes
11:30-1 pm – Lunch at Basecamp (Edenvale CA)
1:30-4:30 pm – Second round of hikes
Please note:
Want to get involved?
We are currently searching for expert leaders to lead or co-lead one of 7 hikes. Please see “Expert Leader” ticket type for more information.
We are also seeking behind the scenes help to set up, tear down, prepare food, etc. Please see “Behind the Scenes” ticket type for more information.
We will now be accepting participants! Please see the “Participants” ticket type for more information.
To register as a leader, behind the scenes person, or participant for this event please click on the Event Brite button below (this is a free event):
For more information on the Bioblitz please contact us at friendsofminesingwetlands@gmail.com
FOMW will be leading three winter activities in the Minesing Wetlands this winter.
Snowshoe in the Minesing Wetlands Jan 28, 2017 RSVP with Dave: dfeatherstone@nvca.on.ca
or for Feb 25, 2017 RSVP with Naomi: nsaunders@nvca.on.ca
Cross-Country Ski in the Minesing Wetlands Feb 11 or 12 (unconfirmed) RSVP with Byron bwesson@nvca.on.ca
$10 for members, $15 for non-members.
The 2016 FOWM Board of Directors are happy to present our first strategic plan!
As part of the Adopt-A-Highway Program the Friends of Minesing Wetlands will be cleaning up the garbage along side George Johnston Road (Cty Rd 28) on Sunday April 17 from 9am to 12pm. There will be a BBQ and warmup at the Tiffin center following the clean up.
To participate in this FOMW event please meet us at the Willow Creek Canoe Coral on George Johnston Rd. for 9am on Sunday April 17. Garbage bags, gloves and safety vest will be provided.
Please RSVP for this event by contacting Naomi Saunders: nsaunders@nvca.on.ca
**FULL – both paddles are now full and we are not accepting anymore RSVPs**
The Friends of Minesing Wetlands are excited to announce two dates when we will be leading trips into the Minesing Wetlands via canoe or kayak! April 23rd and May 7th.
To join us on the 23rd of April, please contact Naomi Saunders:
nsaunders@nvca.on.ca
If you would like to join us on May the 7th, please contact Kristyn Ferguson :
Kristyn.Ferguson@natureconservancy.ca
This will reserve a spot for yourself and anyone accompanying you. We only take 12 guest boats per trip.
We will meet at 8:30 a.m. (at the latest) at the Willow Creek Canoe Coral on George Johnson Road (County Road 28) in Springwater Township. This should give us enough time to off-load our canoes and shuttle our cars to the end destination which is approximately 10 minutes away. Hopefully this will be done quickly so that we can get on the water for 9 a.m. The trip will take approximately 5 hours.
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions of the day, which should include high cut boots or rubber boots for possible portages. Also, bring extra clothing in case you get wet. Bring your own warm drinks, snacks for along the way, and a packed lunch for our break around noon.
At least a basic paddling knowhow is required for this trip. All boats must be equipped with the required safety equipment (lifejackets, bailer, whistle, light and throw rope). We do not rent equipment however if you need a boat there are at least three local providers you can contact.
The cost for joining us is $40 for non-members and $20 for members. This includes safe passage with certified leaders and ecological interpretation of the Minesing Wetlands.
Hello Friends of Minesing Wetlands!
We are happy to announce our 2016 winter trips into the Minesing Wetlands.
January 30, 2016 – Snowshoe (contact dfeatherstone@nvca.on.ca to RSVP and for more information)
February 14, 2016 – Cross-country ski (contact bwesson@nvca.on.ca to RSVP and for more information)
February 27, 2016 – Snowshoe (contact Laura.Robson@natureconservancy.ca to RSVP and for more information)
Each trip is $10pp for members, $15pp for non-members and $5pp for students. Space is limited so RSVP early.
We are happy to announce the FOMW Evening of Information will be on Nov 25, 2015 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Tiffin Center for Conservation, Jose Building.
There is no cost for this event all though we do accept donations. To register please follow this Eventbrite link:
6:30 Doors Open
7 pm Welcome: Naomi Saunders, Chair, Friends of Minesing Wetlands
7:10 History of First Nations in the Minesing Wetlands: Jeff Monague, Manager of Springwater Provincial Park from the Beausoleil First Nations
7:40 Lost in the Wetlands: Search and rescue in Minesing. Darren Buck, Assistant Team Coordinator for the Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue
8:10 Break
8:25 Ontario Master Naturalist Program (OMNP): Bob Bowles, award-winning environmental consultant, educator and naturalist: speaking about this new community program brought to Canada
9 pm Questions (Speaker Panel)
We look forward to sharing the wonders of the Minesing Wetland!
Event is free however donations will be accepted.
All members of the Friends of Minesing Wetlands who attend will be entered into a free draw for David Walsh’s beautiful photo canvas of the Snowy Owl.
Great turnout to our 2015 Bonspiell. Thanks to all the teams and friends for helping out!
We had 8 teams take the ice in Stroud and it was The Rockers (Paul, Dave, Todd and Sierra) that took home the trophy. Congrats! Special mention goes to past champs GIS Rocks for second place.
In the house!
Great prizes
Aim here!!
Curling for conservation
Friends of Minesing Wetlands 