Early Summer News

Butterfly Count: July 1

The first half of July brings the greatest diversity of butterfly species to Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve. Rick and Kelly Stronks return to lead this event on Saturday July 1. Start time is 9:00AM and it will end around noon.

The focus will be on observation and learning about species as you stroll around the property. Bring binoculars, an insect net if available, clear jars (baby food size is great), a camera and insect repellent.

It's a great family outing! To register or for more information email us at
registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca

Dr Cathy Charles Birdcount: Results

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the original date for the Dr. Cathy Charles bird count at the Marsh’s Fall Nature Reserve due to heavy rain. We were able to complete the census a few days later on May 22 with a smaller group. With the help of volunteers Rick and Kelly Stronks, 35 species of birds were documented including a total of 14 species of warblers. The highlights include:

a Bay-breasted Warbler, a new species for the property,
8 Blackburnian Warblers including one that was carrying nesting material, and
10 Ovenbird warblers, the most abundant warbler we heard.

Another exciting find was four different Canada Warblers which is a bird designated as a Species of Concern in Ontario. Since they were all singing males, it is likely this species is nesting on the property!

Other observations included Painted Turtles basking on a log, a Northern Azure (an early spring butterfly), Painted Trilliums in bloom and a few False Morels.

Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve: Latest news

Spring Cleanup

Like many organizations, the Foundation relies on volunteers. We were fortunate to have a group of dedicated individuals participate in the first annual Marsh’s Falls Spring Cleanup on April 29.

The winter was challenging, with multiple storms downing many trees along our 4 km of trails. Although we have a small crew of regular trail maintenance volunteers, we needed extra help. We emailed everyone who had registered to visit the property, and nine individuals stepped up to help!

These intrepid volunteers braved a cool and rainy morning, persevered, and had the trails cleared by noon. They were rewarded with hot tea, sandwiches and snacks back at the Education Centre.

Thank you for your hard work and contributions to the Nature Reserve!

Summer Projects - can you help?

We're looking for people to join our volunteer team to help with projects at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve:

Re-staining the wooden benches on the walking trails
Cutting and brushing the area around the Education Centre to maintain the pollinating gardens
Removing non-native species from the garden areas
Repairing the decks on the Education Centre
Arranging for a small bridge to be built on one of the walking trails
Be onsite for a few hours (especially weekends) to open the Education Centre, greet visitors, and inform them about the property and the role of the Foundation.

If you would like to help or have any questions email us volunteer@lakeofbaysheritage.ca

Interested in visiting the property?

Foundation members and the public are welcome to visit this protected property to hike, bird watch and take photos. There are 4km of trails, most of which are level with some moderate slopes. We ask all visitors to register in advance at

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

To protect species and habitat, we don't permit camping, fires, motorized vehicles or pets.

Annual General Meeting and Featured Community: August 12

At every AGM, after the business portion of the meeting, we present the history of a selected community in the Lake of Bays area along with a video and printed guide. This year we focus on Ronville Road. The community originated in 1879 with a 200 acre land grant to Joseph D. and Isabella McCutcheon. They established a hunting and fishing lodge, then sold it in 1897 to the Crump brothers who expanded the operation and renamed it Ronville Lodge. Five heritage cottage owners will receive commemorative plaques.

Please join us!
August 12, 2023

Dwight Community Centre, 1014 Dwight Beach Rd, Dwight

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

Our Night Sky Heritage

Dark skies practices are crucial around cottage lakes. They preserve the natural environment and the splendor of the night sky. Light pollution disrupts nocturnal wildlife behaviours, harming our local ecosystems. It also obscures views of stars and other celestial bodies, diminishing our connection to the cosmos. Shoreline light is reflected and magnified across the water and impacts your neighbours.

Town of Huntsville and Township of Lake of Bays by-laws regulate outdoor illumination to ensure responsible lighting, minimize light pollution and conserve the night environment. Huntsville by-law Lake of Bays by-law

Minimizing light pollution begins at home:

Use outdoor lighting where and when it’s needed, in the amount required, and no more.
Light the ground, not the sky. Use shielded (aka full cut-off) fixtures that only shine downwards.
Utilize controls such as timers or motion sensors.
Use light bulbs that do not emit violet and blue light as this is harmful to wildlife. (Reference: Light pollution has cut humanity’s ancient connection with the stars – but we can restore it by Or Graur)

The night sky is an essential part of our natural heritage. Ensure your outdoor lighting is dark-sky friendly. Visit the International Dark-Sky Association website for more information.

Langmaid's Island Application: Update

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) divided the appeal proceedings for the Langmaid’s Island Corp’s (LIC) application to develop Langmaid’s Island into 2 phases. Phase 1, completed in 2022, approved the development of 32 waterfront residential lots and 2 conservation blocks. Phase 2 now focuses on the Plan of Subdivision under the authority of the District of Muskoka.

Phase 2 assesses the viability of individual lots, conservation easements, boating safety, and the adequacy of supporting infrastructure such as roads, parking, and waste disposal. A hearing was set for June 5, 2023. Parties to the process are Langmaid's Island Corporation, Lake of Bays Association (LOBA), Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF), District of Muskoka, Town of Huntsville and Township of Lake of Bays. Prior to the scheduled June 5 hearing date, the various parties all agreed to terms of settlement.

On June 7, a Settlement Hearing took place, presided over by Tribunal Member Bryan Tuckey. He reviewed the District’s Conditions for Subdivision Approval as well as Minutes of Settlement submitted on behalf of each party. The next step is for the Member to review the proposed settlement and deliver a written decision. When this document is released, LOBA and LBHF will provide details of the decision and a link to the final documents.

Foundation Picks: Good things to do at LOB and beyond

National Indigenous Peoples Day, Huntsville, June 21
Join the community celebration of National Indigeneous Peoples Day at River Mill Park in downtown Hunstville. It features live Indigenous music, education, storytelling, an arts and craft market and the Sacred Strength: Indigenous Ribbon Skirts exhibit. Event organizers include the Town of Huntsville, Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Hope Arises Project Inc, and the Huntsville Public Library. It's free and starts at 4:00PM See list of events and schedule.

Muskoka Discovery Centre
You can easily spend a whole day here, along with exploring downtown Gravenhurst and a bite of lunch. The Centre has great exhibits on all sorts of Muskoka-related topics. The Muskoka Story includes three exhibits and opens in July.

Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures is an immersive experience of 10,000 years of Indigenous history in Muskoka.
Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield focuses on how the region has changed over the past 250 years, and
Wanda III: Steam to Green. This steam yacht was on Lake of Bays for forty years before moving to a permanent berth at the Discovery Centre. With a transition to electric power, it will return to sailing after a 20-year absence.

See more info about the Muskoka Story in our previous newsletter