Winter News

Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve - update

The snowstorm over Christmas resulted in significant tree damage at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve leaving the trails impassable. Thank you to the volunteers who worked several days in early January to clear dozens of trees that blocked sections of the trails.

Two new surveys

In a continuing effort to inventory and monitor species utilizing our properties, we will embark on two new surveys in 2023. Some species, like plants, are relatively easy to monitor – they don’t move! Other species like birds or frogs can be identified through visual observation and song. But what about animals that don’t make a sound and rarely show themselves? These groups of organisms require specialized equipment and techniques.

Reminders

Winter access to the trails is from Sale Road (not from Highway 35) where two parking spaces are cleared. Please remember to register for your visit to the reserve at

https://www.lakeofbaysheritage.ca/marshs-falls-nature-reserve

Why are dogs not allowed on the property?

We are committed to protecting wildlife habitat in the nature reserve. The presence of dogs, on-leash or off-leash, causes wildlife to move away thereby reducing the amount of habitat in which to feed, breed and rest. Wildlife is repelled by the scent of dogs and this effect remains after the dogs have gone.

Thank you to our donors

Every November we send a letter to our members and supporters that summarizes the Foundation’s achievements and describes our plans for the upcoming year. The letter also requests donations to support our conservation, stewardship and educational programs that protect the Lake of Bays natural and community heritage. We thank the many donors who have responded so generously and extend a warm welcome to our new members.

The Foundation’s bylaw states that anyone who donates $40 is an annual member for the calendar year. Any individual or couple who donates $1000 or more in any one year becomes a permanent Life Member. There are various levels of permanent membership based on cumulative donations.

We acknowledge the following permanent members who recently made significant donations:

John and Ann Chamberlain (new Heritage Advocates)

Jason and Audrey DeZwirek

Phil and Peggy DeZwirek

Bill Howson and Joan Decarie

Bill and Carole Mackie

Ross MacKinnon

Mark and Judy MacLean

Al and Carolyn Paterson (new Protectors)

Jeff and Beth Richmond

John and Diane Saunders

Jennifer Wiser

And, welcome to the following new permanent members:

Claire Cornwall (Life)

Luciano and Donna Galasso (Life)

Jennifer and David Smith (Protectors)

Built Heritage Award
St. Patrick's Church Glenmount

This summer the Foundation will present St. Patrick’s Church Glenmount with a Built Heritage Award. The award is in recognition of the preservation of an historic and greatly appreciated Lake of Bays building that is now home to the Lake of Bays Sailing Club. St. Patrick’s was constructed in 1932 on land donated by Mr. James McGarvey, proprietor of the Glenmount Hotel. The Bigwin Ferry used to transport guests to St. Patrick’s mass on Sunday mornings from 1932 until the church closed in 1971.

The Muskoka Story:

A new exhibit at the Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre

Coming this summer!

An immersive experience of 10,000 years of Indigenous history will open in July at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst. Titled Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures, the exhibit will be complemented by two others: Evolving Muskoka (how the region has changed over the past 250 years) and Wanda III (a historic Lake of Bays yacht in transition from steam to electric power). This unique, one-of-a-kind exhibit is designed to educate, entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.

Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures

The historic and contemporary presence of Indigenous peoples in Muskoka is long, mostly unknown, and little understood. This important exhibit aims to close that gap. It’s designed to help reconnect the Indigenous community with the non-Indigenous community and facilitate greater understanding, truth and reconciliation. Muskoka-Aki is created by a curatorial circle of Indigenous elders, scholars, and linguists representing the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabek, Metis, and Haudenosaunee cultural groups.

Visitors will take a seven-stop metaphoric canoe trip covering 10,000 years of Muskoka history. The tour covers the arrival of Indigenous hunters and gatherers at the end of the last ice age, their adaptation as societies and nations to the changing environment, farming, colonial engagement, and contemporary times. More about Misko-Aki.

Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield

Over the past 250 years the Muskoka area changed rapidly from serene landscape to a collection of towns and thousands of permanent and vacation homes. This exhibit depicts the stages of these changes and the impact of technologies like steam, electricity, and the telephone. The nature and pace of these changes often challenged perceptions about the essence of Muskoka, but it survived to become a global destination. This exhibit provides insight into the character of the region and aims to inspire current and future generations to preserve its beauty.

Wanda III: Steam to Green

The Wanda III, one of the few surviving steam yachts of a bygone era, was on Lake of Bays for forty years before moving to a permanent berth at the Discovery Centre. As it transitions to electric power, Wanda III will become a symbol of sustainability and the need to make the world environmentally friendly. Details of the official launch to electric to be announced. More about Wanda III.

The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving, promoting and celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka district. Founded in 1973, it is a membership-based, not-for-profit registered charity with the objective of presenting compelling, entertaining and educational experiences, attractions and events. It is in Gravenhurst.