FOMW Spring Canoe Trips 2015

Posted on March 31, 2015 by FOMW

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.

Spring Paddles 2014

Posted on March 6, 2014 by FOMW

Paddle the Minesing Wetlands

The Friends of Minesing Wetlands (FOMW) are excited to announce the dates for our annual spring paddle in the Minesing Wetlands. They are:

April 12, 2014

May 3, 2014

May 17, 2014

To R.S.V.P. for one of these paddles (space is limited) please contact nsaunders@nvca.on.ca

All trips depart from the Willow Creek Canoe Coral on George Johnson Road (County Road 28) and will take approximately 5 hours.

Dress appropriately for the conditions of the day, which should include high cut boots for possible portages. Bring your own warm drinks, water, and snacks for the go – as well as a packed lunch for our break around noon.

Midday break for lunch

At least a basic paddling know-how is required for this trip and ensure that you bring the required safety equipment for your boat (life jacket, bailer, throw rope, whistle, flashlight). We can arrange for the rental of canoes and life jackets if needed.

The cost is $40 for non-members and $20 for members. This includes safe passage with certified leaders and ecological interpretation of the Minesing Wetlands.

Heronry Snowshoe March 1

Posted on March 3, 2014 by FOMW

On March 1 the Friends of Minesing Wetlands led another successful tour into the Minesing Wetlands

: FOMW trip leaders Sean and Dave

Weather conditions were very similar to the snowshoe a month earlier with overcast skies and cold temperatures, but it didn’t take long to warm up once we started snowshoeing.

FOMW begin snowshoe to the Minesing Wetlands heronry

Along the way we came across evidence of active wildlife in the wetlands including an Otter track (slide) that lead to a hole marking the entrance to its hunting grounds under frozen Willow Creek. In the trees along the Nottawasaga River we could here the calls of woodpeckers.

The group collected Hackberry fruit again, which will end up in a nursery for up to 4 years before being planted along the Nottawasaga River levee as part of an afforestation project aimed to bolster forest cover in the Minesing Wetlands.

Gathering the low hanging fruit!

From the levees of the Nottawasaga river we pushed out onto the frozen floodplains where the Great Blue Heron nesting site (heronry) is located. As reported earlier this month we confirmed 8 nests. The decline in nests in the Minesing Wetlands could be attributed to declining forest cover (less suitable nesting sites) and, as pointed out by our trip leaders, territory issues related to neighboring Bald Eagle nests.

Across the floodplain

It was a fun and educational day that gave our guests a unique look at the Minesing Wetlands. Thanks to all who participated!

Second Snowshoe to Minesing Heronry

Posted on February 22, 2014 by FOMW

The Friends of Minesing Wetlands will be leading a second snowshoe to the Minesing Wetlands heronry on Saturday March 1, from 10am until approximately 2pm. Departure is from the corner of Glengarry and Ronald Road.

The snowshoe is a moderate hike to the current Great Blue Heron nesting site in the Minesing Wetlands. This heronry is one of Southern Ontario’s oldest and was once one of the largest. The nesting sites are located close to the Nottawasaga River levee where more stable trees provide nesting habitat for these big birds!

The FOMW are supporting afforestation initiatives in the Minesing Wetlands by collecting Hackberry tree seeds, which will act as nursery crop for tree planting projects aimed at bolstering tree cover in the wetlands. Improving forest habitat for will benefit birds, fish and other wildlife.

To be a part of this special look at the Minesing Wetlands contact minesingwetlands@gmail.com

The cost of this trip is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. If you are interested in further supporting the Minesing Wetlands, our yearly membership is $20 and includes a Conservation Lands Pass from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.

Friends of Minesing Wetlands

Inspiring Respect and Sustainability for a World Class Wetland, for People, Forever

Tag Archives: nottawasaga river

FOMW Spring Canoe Trips 2015

FOMW Spring Canoe Trips 2015

Spring Paddles 2014

Paddle the Minesing Wetlands

Heronry Snowshoe March 1

On March 1 the Friends of Minesing Wetlands led another successful tour into the Minesing Wetlands

Second Snowshoe to Minesing Heronry