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: Wetland Ecology
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
FOMW Strategic Plan 2016-2018
The 2016 FOWM Board of Directors are happy to present our first strategic plan!
Spring Paddle Announcement
**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.
Winter Trip Announcement
Reply
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.
Minesing Tree Planting Event
TD Tree Days – Minesing Planting Event
Volunteers Needed!
TD Tree Days Sept 20 2015 Flyer
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2015 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Minesing Wetlands – Mad River, 9196 County Rd 10 (Brentwood Rd)
Help plant 450 beautiful native trees and shrubs along the banks of the magnificent, fish-filled, Mad River. You can make it even more magnificent!
* Bring: Closed-toed shoes/boots, Gloves, Sunscreen, Hat, Water, and a Shovel if you have one
* Students: remember to bring your volunteer form!
Register: https://www.tdtreedays.com/en-ca/events/231-minesing-wetlands-mad-river#.VakGnE3bKAY
Need more information? Contact Shannon Stephens 705-424-1479 ext 239 or sstephens@nvca.on.ca
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.
Ontario Trumpeter Swan Restoration
The Friends of Minesing Wetlands support the efforts of the Ontario Trumpeter Swan Restoration program and their efforts to improve the population of Trumpeter Swans to Ontario. The Minesing Wetlands is a part of this species migrating and breeding range. If you are interested in more information about this program please see the brochure below with information about reporting sightings of the Trumpeter Swan in the Minesing Wetlands.
The brochure also has tips for protecting and aiding in the recovery of Trumpeter Swans in Ontario.
Currently the Trumpeter Swan population in Ontario is estimated at 800-1000 individuals and growing, which is good news for the restoration of this species to its former migration and breeding range.
To report sightings please visit their facebook page: Ontario Trumpeter Swans
To view their brochure in PDF form click: OTSR Brochure
Empowering Citizen Scientists
Bird Studies Canada has invited interested members of the Friends of Minesing Wetlands to partake in a day learning what the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program is and how you can be a part of it. See below for details. To register click here: Empowering Citizen Scientists
Event Details
Bird Studies Canada, through support from Government of Canada’s Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean Up Fund and in partnership with Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is hosting an orientation workshop and social for the volunteer-based Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program (GLMMP) .
Spend the afternoon with us at the Tiffin Centre Picnic Pavilion to:
- Refresh your knowledge or be introduced to the techniques used in the nationally-recognized GLMMP with the folks who coordinate it.
- Help advance the study and protection of marshes in YOUR watersheds.
- Contribute to knowledge and understanding of coastal and interior marshes including gathering information on birds, frogs and habitat characteristics.
- Classroom portion runs 2:00 – 5:00
Join us for a social evening outdoors sharing knowledge.
Picnic with us:
- Bring your own supper and enjoy a picnic at the pavilion before we go into the field.
- We will be picnicking from 5:30 -7:00 before traveling to Minesing Wetlands
Come birding and frogging at the Minesing Wetlands viewing station:
- At 7:30 pm we will reconnect at the viewing station parking lot.
- For a map visit http://goo.gl/maps/OZGVM
- Then spend an evening of birding and frogging with Bird Studies Canada’s Doug Tozer and Kathy Jones.
- Share your wetland id knowledge or learn from others.
- Experience the GLMMP techniques in a natural setting.
All are welcome!
- New naturalists can come and learn about the program and decide if it is right for them.
- Registered participants can update their knowledge and enjoy the evening.
- You can choose to attend the classroom activity, the evening event or both. Just pick the tickets that suit your schedule best and all attendees are welcome at the picnic.
This is a free event but donations for access to the NVCA are always welcome.
Friends of Minesing Wetlands 