Early Summer News

Join us in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the
Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation

Two family parties at Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve

Saturday July 12th noon-4pm

Sunday August 10th noon-4pm

Come for one or both, rain or shine. Bring your children and grandchildren. Explore the trails, meet with naturalists, sit by the falls, enjoy refreshments. Explore our summer StoryWalk, draw, paint or other activities. The parties are free but please leave your pets at home. Please register at registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca

Accomplishments
Our volunteers with support from our members and donors have many achievements to celebrate.

Preserving Natural Heritage

Acquired 170 acres and 6.5km of shoreline on the Lower Oxtongue River below Marsh’s Falls.
Helped preserve the Boothby property with 47 acres and 1.8km of shoreline on Lake of Bays.
Partnered with Ontario Heritage Trust to be the stewards of the 100 acre Pyke property.

Preserving Community Heritage

Rescued the sunken Bigwin ferry in 1991 and conducted feasibility studies for restoration.
Researched and published the history of 14 communities in written and video format.
Recognized over 60 owners of heritage properties with Foundation plaques.

Engaging the Community

Annually held 5 nature events including a Silent Boat Rally on the Lower Oxtongue River.
Established the Harriet T Weaver Trust that annually funds 2 bursaries for local students.
Welcomed many visitors and school children to discover and learn at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve.

Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve – spring report

Bird count recap

On May 3 we hosted a very successful Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count. A total of 18 participants enjoyed the morning and tallied 30 species of birds. It was a chilly start of 1°C in the morning, but warmed up nicely to 12°C, with the compilation and lunch enjoyed on the deck overlooking Marsh's Falls. Trailing arbutus and Red Maple flowers were observed, wolf and Ruffed Grouse scat were seen, and Painted Turtles were out basking on logs. See the eBird checklist for the list of 30 species. Check out the video of the outing – turn up your volume. Thank you volunteer Becky Logan!

Volunteer Kelly Stronks recently visited the property. Here’s Kelly’s report.

Today was a day when several turtles decided it was egg laying time! One was on the driveway near the culvert with a little egg excavation nearby, and two were on the re-grassed driveway section around the education centre. There was also a larger excavation from a snapping turtle there.

Lots of common milkweed is coming up in the grassy areas around the centre, which is good to see as Monarch butterflies made their appearance in this area yesterday and will be looking for those plants to lay their eggs on very shortly.

Coming soon

This summer we are installing a StoryWalk at the Nature Reserve. A StoryWalk is a fun, innovative way to combine literacy, physical activity, and outdoor exploration — especially for children and families. This activity for all ages, but especially for children ages 3 and up, aligns with our mission to engage the community in protecting our natural heritage through education and nature events. The walk at MFNR will feature the book A Mischief of Mice by Christie Matheson. Pages of the book will be mounted on stakes and placed along a walking trail. Visitors read the story one page at a time — moving from one sign or station to the next. It’s like reading a book in motion, surrounded by nature. Stay tuned for the timing of the installation of this exciting family-oriented activity!

Connect with nature

Join us for a series of guided outdoor events that explore the beauty, biodiversity, and heritage of our local landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just curious to learn, there's something for everyone.

🦋 Annual Butterfly Count – Saturday July 6, 9:00am-noon
Take part in a butterfly survey and help track local species while enjoying a morning at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. You’ll learn how to spot different butterfly species and contribute to vital conservation data. No experience needed—just a keen eye and love for nature! A great activity for all ages.

🛶 Silent Boat Rally – Saturday July 26, 9:00am – Dwight Beach

Our signature event, this is an ecological tour of the Lower Oxtongue River in your canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Partake in a leisurely paddle along the meandering, nearly motionless, breathtaking beautiful river. A wildlife sighting contest includes prizes over lunch beside Marsh’s Falls. $25 per person.

🍄 Mushroom Forays – Saturday Aug 23 and Saturday August 30, 9:00am
Join us for a walk in the woods to learn about wild mushrooms—their habitats, features, and importance to the forest ecosystem. Great for curious minds of all ages! August 23 will be on a Bondi Village trail. August 30 begins on the Sherborne Lake Access Road.

We’d love to see you out on the land. These popular events fill quickly – register soon!

Annual General Meeting, Saturday August 16
Baysville Autumn Leaves Senior Centre
coffee 10am, meeting 10:30am followed by lunch

Everyone welcome!

The AGM features:

a presentation by local naturalist and Foundation Director Rick Stronks – Capturing Nature - Using Trail Cameras to Explore Wildlife at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve
a Foundation video about the Whiskey Bay community and built heritage award presentations

These will be preceded by the annual business meeting which includes reports from the LBHF President and Treasurer, and election of Directors.

The Foundation’s booklet about Whiskey Bay will be available for $20 cash at the AGM. The oil painting “For the Aurophiles” reproduced on the cover is by Fallon Milloy, 2023.

Your support makes it possible

As a non-profit charitable foundation, we rely on the generosity of our community to help us protect the natural and community heritage in the Lake of Bays area. Your donations help us conserve land, protect habitats, maintain trails, offer nature programs for all ages, and document community histories. Every gift—large or small helps.

Please visit our website if you would like to become a member or donate.

We wish to thank new and renewing members and recognize significant donations by Judith Mills, Mark McLean and Gerald Panneton.

Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month — a time to learn, reflect, and honour the deep, enduring relationships Indigenous Peoples have with the land.

As a land trust, we recognize that our conservation work takes place on traditional Indigenous territories. This month, we invite our members and supporters to take time to listen to Indigenous voices, histories, and teachings about land stewardship that long predate our own efforts.

Here are a couple of recommendations:

‘See Muskoka Through Our Eyes’ Annual Traditional Powwow June 29-30, Bracebridge. Muskoka's second annual Powwow.

Explore the Misko-Aki Confluence of Cultures exhibit at the Muskoka Discovery Centre, Gravenhurst