Participants in the Hike Haliburton Festival explore Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. Kelly Stronks photo.
Newsletter contents
Land donation – Westermain Woods
President’s Annual Message — now delivered by email
The hike that revealed a blue-spotted treasure
Annual General Meeting – highlights
40th Anniversary Celebrations
Thank you to our recent members and donors
Land donation - Westermain Woods
In case you missed the news, we’re very grateful to Westermain Woods Inc for the generous donation of this 350-acre natural property
on the west side of Lake of Bays. Identified by the District of Muskoka as a Heritage Area, it supports over 240 species, including several Species at Risk. The Foundation will keep the land in its natural, undeveloped state, accessible only to naturalists for study and occasional guided
events.
President’s Annual Message — now delivered by email
In past years, the President’s year-end letter to members and supporters was mailed through Canada Post. To save on costs and paper—and reach you more directly—we’re moving to email delivery this year. You’ll receive the message in mid-November.
As always, the message will share highlights of the year and invite your continued support for our conservation and heritage work around the Lake of Bays area.
If you’d like to contribute today, please consider using Interac e-Transfer to donations@lakeofbaysheritage.ca — it helps us avoid processing fees so your full gift supports conservation.
You can also donate by credit card or PayPal, or by cheque payable to the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation, mailed to P.O. Box 81, Baysville, ON P0B 1A0, or through LOBA’s renewal process.
Rick and Kelly Stronks were delighted to lead a hike at Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve as part of the Hike Haliburton Festival, Canada’s largest hiking event. The group of seven enthusiastic participants from
the Haliburton and Minden area (top photo) set out on a warm, sunny September day—many visiting the reserve for the first time.
Along the trail from Sale Road to Marsh’s Falls, Rick and Kelly shared stories of the property’s history and protection. Many signs of wildlife were spotted including wolf scat, turtle nests, basking turtles, and—most exciting of all—a Blue-spotted Salamander, the first ever recorded on the property! Because this species depends on healthy forests and clean wetlands, its presence is a positive sign of a thriving ecosystem.
At the falls, hikers enjoyed a sunny picnic before returning, inspired by the beauty of the reserve and the Foundation’s conservation work.
It was a full house at our Annual General Meeting on August 16 at the Baysville Seniors Centre. The event featured reports from President Margaret Casey and Treasurer Jeff Richmond, the election of directors, and an inspiring presentation by Rick Stronks on wildlife discoveries at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve.
We are delighted to welcome three new directors to the Board - Joan Decarie, Laura Gilmour, and Ally MacLellan. Their experience in education, ecology, and communications will strengthen our conservation and outreach work.
The featured community this year was Whiskey Bay, with a video and
booklet tracing its history from early settlement to today’s multigenerational cottages. We thank everyone who contributed to this engaging project, including researcher Elaine M. Hutton and editors Susan Truscott and Wendy Wadham Gibson. Special thanks to former Foundation director Gloria Woodside, whose early efforts helped bring this project to life.
Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve was buzzing with excitement this summer as we celebrated our 40th Anniversary over two dates in July and August. Visitors of all ages explored 4 km of trails with naturalists, enjoyed the new StoryWalk and interpretive panels, and cooled off in the Education Centre with children’s crafts and refreshments. It was a celebration of both our history and the beautiful place we’re working to protect.
Thank you to our recent members and donors
We wish to thank new and renewing members and recognize significant donations by Steve and Kathy Coxford (new Heritage Advocates), Bill Howson and Joan Decarie, Margot Loosley-Millman (new Life Member), and Mark and Judy McLean.
