We are pleased to provide you with a report on the results of our 2017 Bioblitz:
Minseing Wetlands BioBlitz 2017 Results
Thanks to Brittany Hope at the Nature Conservancy Canada for producing this report.
Category Archives: Science
Minesing Reeds, Fall 2017
Our Fall 2017 edition of the Minesing Reeds includes great stories on our first Bio Blitz, a wetland restoration project and science piece on invasive species.
Download it here: Minesing Reeds, Fall 2017
Minesing Wetlands Bioblitz
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:
- Expert Leaders and Participants will be able to sign up for a morning or afternoon hike post-registration, there is no expectation that you commit to a full day, but to simplify the ticket process we have made it an all day event.
- There will be a kid-friendly hike available. Parents will be required to stay with their children at all times during the event.
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
Minesing Wetlands Evening of Information
Local reptiles and amphibians take centre stage at “Evening of Information” presentation.
Utopia, Ontario, Thursday November 10th 2016 – Wonder what’s creeping around in the Minesing Wetlands? The Friends of Minesing Wetlands present an educational program about the reptiles and amphibians found in Simcoe County.
Special guest speaker Jeff Hathaway from Scales Nature Park will discuss identifying, handling and the threats faced by snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders and other reptiles and amphibians. As Jeff will be bringing local species, following the presentation will be an opportunity for hands-on interaction with the animals.
This event takes place at the Tiffin Conservation Centre for Conservation in Utopia, Thursday November 10, 2016. It is part of the Friends of Minesing Wetlands ongoing “Evening of Science” series.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation begin at 7:00 p.m. While this is a free event, donations may be made at the door. Registration: Limited seating available – first come, first served!
All Friends of Minesing Wetlands ‘Members’ who join us for this event are entered into a free draw to win a beautiful framed photo of the Highway 60 Corridor in Algonquin Park by David Walsh. The winner must be present to win the draw.
To register please click the button below
Tree planting volunteers needed!
The Friends of Minesing Wetlands need volunteers to help with several tree plantings in and around the Minesing Wetlands. Individuals and community groups/schools welcomed!
Community Volunteer Tree Plant
Date: Monday, May 16, 2016 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Minesing Wetlands Conservation Area
Contact: Shannon Stephens at 705-424-1479 ext. 239 or sstephens@nvca.on.ca.
Community Volunteer Tree Plant
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2016 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Minesing Wetlands Conservation Area
Register online www.conservationvolunteers.ca. Please note you must RSVP as chest waders are limited.
Contact: Jennifer McCarter, NCC at 1-877-343-3532 x237
Register online www.conservationvolunteers.ca. Please note you must RSVP as chest waders are limited.
Contact: Jennifer McCarter, NCC at 1-877-343-3532 x237
Community Volunteer Tree Plant
Date: Saturday, May 28, 2016 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Minesing Wetlands Conservation Area
Register online www.conservationvolunteers.ca. Please note you must RSVP as chest waders are limited.
Contact: Jennifer McCarter, NCC at 1-877-343-3532 x237
Register online www.conservationvolunteers.ca. Please note you must RSVP as chest waders are limited.
Contact: Jennifer McCarter, NCC at 1-877-343-3532 x237
Minesing Reeds: Fall 2015
Reply
Evening of Information
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.
FOMW Spring Canoe Trips 2015
FOMW Spring Canoe Trips 2015
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 18th and May 9th.
To join us on the 18th of April, please contact:
Kristyn Ferguson at 519-826-0068 x.222/519-400-9140 Kristyn.Ferguson@natureconservancy.ca
If you would like to join us on May the 9th, please contact:
Sean Rootham at
s_rootham@ducks.ca
This will reserve a spot for yourself and anyone accompanying you.
We only take 20 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.
The Ethics Around Snowy Owls
We are in the midst of a second straight year of a snowy owl irruption (some have referred to this as an “echo”) where snowy owls move south in large numbers from their tundra habitat. In this area, snowy owls are typically seen on hydro/telephone poles, fence posts and trees in open agricultural landscapes though some have even been observed in urban Barrie! Snowy owls are typically not migratory – they are moving south into the area due to food scarcity. They have expended significant energy to get here and are basically trying to find enough food to survive the winter months and fuel up for their return trip back to their tundra habitats in northern Canada.
Snowy owls are magnificent birds to view and are often quite visible in their open habitats. They are thrilling to observe and photograph. Unfortunately, reports have surfaced of unethical behaviour with issues ranging from purposefully flushing the birds and even baiting the owls using live mice to get the “perfect photo”. Lack of respect for private property is also a significant concern. The snowy owls are using these “working landscapes” created by our agricultural community. Trespassing – aside from being an illegal act – disrespects the very landowners that are providing habitat for the owls.
The Ontario Federation of Ornithologists has a Code of Ethics that provides some common sense approaches to this issue. http://www.ofo.ca/ofo-docs/Code_of_Ethics.pdf
Bottom line…the snowy owls need space to hunt, rest, and keep from becoming overly fatigued in order to survive. Please enjoy these unexpected winter visitors responsibly – let’s give them the best chance possible to return again one day!
A Public Evening of Science and Stewardship on the Minesing Wetlands
A public evening on science & stewardship in the Minesing Wetlands
For copies of this evenings presentations please visit the Educational and Cultural Functions page
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2014 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Tiffin Conservation Centre in Utopia
The Friends of Minesing Wetlands presents this exciting evening on the science and stewardship of the internationally significant Minesing Wetlands.
Local experts will discuss the ecology, hydrogeology and forest health of the Minesing. Special presentations include a discussion on the rare Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly and land securement and stewardship activities within this special part of our watershed.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and presentations begin at 7:00 p.m. A suggested donation of $10 may be made at the door.
With limited seating available preregistration is encouraged. Click below to register via Eventbrite.
Friends of Minesing Wetlands 