Early Summer News

New Developments at the Marsh’s Falls Property

The Foundation has given the Marsh’s Falls property a new name: Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve (MFNR). The Reserve consists of three parcels we acquired, with the support of many generous donors, between 2008 and 2016. Our priority is to conserve and support the natural growth and evolution of these properties. The new name reflects this protected status while allowing for low-impact activities like nature appreciation events and trail walks.

We have made changes to improve MFNR visitor experiences. The highlight is a new colour-coded trail map that is displayed on site and available online. It provides for easy navigation of four connected loops that range in length from 0.6 to 1.1 kilometers. (Total trail length is 4 km.)

Anyone who wishes to visit the Reserve must first register a request at https://www.lakeofbaysheritage.ca/MFNR

The link takes you to a set of frequently asked questions about MFNR followed by a registration button. After you register you will receive an email with an acknowledgement, information about access and parking, and the trail map.

New signs have been posted at our entrances on Highway 35 and Sale Road and also at the landing on the river below the falls. The signs include a QR code that takes you to the registration page on the Foundation website. If you haven’t registered in advance, we ask you to use this feature to do so just before entering the Reserve.

Annual General Meeting - August 13

At every AGM we present the history of a selected community in the Lake of Bays area along with a video and printed guide. Heritage cottage owners receive commemorative plaques. Conducted near the featured community, the meeting usually includes a walking tour and visits to some heritage cottages.

This year’s video and tour of the Wahawin community and Brae Heid, on Glenmount Road, includes some of the earliest cottages on the lake.

August 13, 2022

Lake of Bays Sailing Club, 1111 Glenmount Road

Coffee 10:00 am
Meeting 10:30 am, followed by lunch and tour

Photo: Brae Heid by Gloria Woodside

Volunteers Needed at Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve

We are looking for Foundation Ambassadors!

Here’s an opportunity for you to enjoy the lovely Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve, while informing visitors about the property and the role of the Foundation.

The need: The primary purpose of the Reserve is protection, but we do allow visitors to enjoy the view of the falls and hike the trails. To help manage these activities, we ask all visitors to register. This allows us to monitor overall use and to inform visitors of permitted activities. However, some visitors are unaware of the registration process or what is, or is not, allowed.

The solution: We are forming a team of volunteer Foundation Ambassadors who will spend some scheduled hours at the property. Their role is to welcome visitors who come by land or by water, ask them to register if they haven’t, share information about the site and the Foundation, gift them a copy of the Foundation’s publication “Paddle Guide to the Lower Oxtongue”, and share their favourite things about the property.

The joys of being an a Foundation Ambassador: You get to spend (mostly) quiet time communing with the lovely natural environment of Marsh’s Falls. Relax in a lawn chair on the Education Centre deck or wander around the shore until you see a visitor coming. When visitors turn up, you get to meet some Lake of Bays neighbours and enlighten them on what Marsh’s Falls is all about. Washrooms, potable water, a fridge, microwave and tea kettle in the Education Centre are available for your use.

How to become a Foundation Ambassador: You commit to any number of scheduled three-hour time slots, primarily, but not exclusively, on weekends. We will provide you with a short orientation, a tour of the Education Centre and where to find the sign-in book and printed handout materials. To sign up or find out more, email us at volunteer@lakeofbaysheritage.ca.

Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count - May Results

Despite forecasted showers, we had an excellent morning on May 21 for our annual Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count at the Marsh’s Fall Nature Reserve. An enthusiastic group of nine volunteers, led by Rick and Kelly Stronks, amassed a total of 37 species of birds either seen or heard. The highlights include 12 species of warblers, two mallards dabbling in a small vernal pool (potentially nesting?) and a ruby-throated hummingbird, the first time this little gem has been recorded on the property. This brings the total number of species recorded on this protected property to 74. Other observations included painted turtles basking on a log, a northern azure (an early spring butterfly), trilliums blooming and a few false morels.