Outing Guidelines

Go to Outing Reports—2014 or Outing Reports—2015 for reports and photos from 2014 or 2015 field trips. 

Go to Past Outing Reports for field trips prior to 2014.

 

December 10, 2016: The Creeks and Floodways of Western Sault Ste, ON December 03, 2016: Hike the Hub November 26, 2016: Red Rock Hike November 19, 2016: Odena Loop Hike November 12, 2016: Tower Lake Hike November 05, 2016: Garden River Conservation Reserve Hike October  29, 2016: Robertson Cliffs Hike October  22, 2016: Orphan Lake Hike October 15, 2016: Goulais River Provincial Park - Hike the Sault Naturalists Dragonfly Survey Sites October 02, 2016: Echo Bay Wetlands Paddle  September 25, 2016: Canoe to Voyageur Island Family Adventure September 24, 2016: Walking the A-Line September 21, 2016: St. Mary River Remedial Action Plan Awareness Cycle  September 10, 2016: Explore the Kensington Property August 27, 2016: Creeks, Floodways & Aquifers of Western SSM, ON – Urban Bicycle Tour August 06, 2016: Geology Courtesy of Ken Hatfield July 09, 2016: Black Hole / Hole in the Wall Paddle July 02, 2016: Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve  July 01, 2016: Hub Trail Festival June 25, 2016: Butterfly Walk with Mark Olivier June 12, 2016: Algonquin Family Trail Ride June 04, 2016: Morning Birding Tour, East of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario June 11, 2016: St Joseph Island – Bobolinks and Meadowlarks May 8-12, 2016: Annual Point Pelee Birding & Campout May 29, 2016: Michigan EUP Birding May 28, 2016: 2nd Annual Swift Night Out May 28, 2016: Garlic Mustard Pull at Sutton Park  May 24, 2016: Bee Identification Workshop with Elisa Muto May 22, 2016: Up Close With Nature: A Family Friendly Hike   May 21, 2016: Naomikong Birds & Botany   May 15, 2016: Family Birding Adventure   May 14, 2016: Robertson Cliffs Hike   May 07, 2016: Spring Birding   April 23, 2016: Swans & Waterfowl   April 09, 2016; Round Island Point Nature Preserve  April 02, 2016; Maple Syrup at Bob's Bush  March 26, 2016; Woollam Preserve and Derby Nature Preserve Hike (Michigan) March 27, 2016; Red Rock Hike March 19, 2016; Odena Hiawatha Loops Hike March 06, 2016; Family Tree ID Outing (Trees, Beautiful Trees!) March 06, 2016; The Canyon Ski  March 05, 2016; Trans Lake Tour 2  February 27, 2016; Rose Lake Dune Peatland Complex Conservation Reserve February 17, 2016; Winter Birds in Michigan January 30 2016; Backcountry Ski in the Kirkwood Forest  January 23 2016; Stokely Creek Snowshoe Festival  January 16, 2016; Maple Lake Loop  January 09, 2016; Woodlot Tour off Case Road

 To submit a report for a 2016 outing, follow these steps:  

1. After logging in, click on the "EDIT" tab above.

2. In the space above any previous report, write a title for your report, date it, and give the name of the leader and your own name. Select "Heading 2" for the date and title from the first boxed drop-down menu above so that the title will show up in the Table of Contents. (You can also select its color from the A menu above.) 

Example:

Sept 13, Birch Point Fall Migration

Leader: Tony Walker

Reported by Val Walker

 

3. Write or paste the body of the report. Leave a space between your report and any previous report.

4. Click on "Save" below.

If you'd like to include a photo from an outing:

1. Be sure you're in the "Edit" mode.

2. Click on the "Images and files" tab under Insert links on the right side of the page.

3. Click on Upload files.

4. Select the photo you want to upload from the window that drops down, then click on "Choose." The photo's file names should appear under "Images and Files."

5. Place the cursor where you want the photo to appear and click on its file name.

6. If necessary, resize the photo to approximately 2½" x 3¼".

7. Add a title and give the name of the photographer.

8. Click on "Save" below.

You can also e-mail your report and/or photos to valwalker8@yahoo.ca.

Space for photos on this page is limited. If you'd like to submit more than 1 photo, e-mail them to me.

 

December 10, 2016: The Creeks and Floodways of Western Sault Ste, ON

Report/Photos: Chuck Miller

Outing Report Sault Western Floodways Dec 10.pdf

 

December 03, 2016: Hike the Hub

Report: Val Walker

Photos: Carter Dorscht & Val Walker

Go to      to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Twelve folks materialized, despite the drizzle, to search for bird life and other wildlife along the St. Marys River near Bellevue Park and Whitefish Island. The usual suspects and one surprise (American Coot) were sighted. Thankfully Carter tallied and submitted our result to E-bird on the spot. Yes, they have an app for that.  Click on the links below for the species list and a few photos for Topsail Island and the Sault Locks.

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32834227

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32836870

 

Dave enlightened us on the finer points of avian cloacal anatomy and what is and isn’t there depending on the species. Apparently only 3% of birds have a penis and certain species of waterfowl…geese, some ducks and some swans, are in the club. Who knew? Thanks for that, Dave.

 

Mark took the opportunity to point out the white, waxy, filamentous covering of the Woolly aphid on an alder branch. Woolly aphids, as all aphids do, suck plant fluids as their source of food. One of their predators is the carnivorous larvae of the Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius), a butterfly. And we thought all butterfly larvae/caterpillars were vegetarians. The Harvester is apparently, the only butterfly with a carnivorous larva in North America.

 

Another intriguing finding was a clump of organic material in the branches of 2 separate trees on Whitefish Island. The first clump was mostly dry cattail leaves and moss and about 3m off the ground. The second clump was almost exclusively dry cattail leaves and about 4m off the ground.  Both were solid not hollow and had no depression on the topside. Approximate size would be a bit larger than a basketball. A photo is included below. A fabulous prize will be awarded to the person who correctly identifies this structure.

 

Of course, the clouds finally parted and the sun shone brightly just as we were walking the last 30 meters but we considered ourselves lucky for that. 

 

   

       Woolly aphid orientation (VWalker)                                    Mystery clumpage (CDorscht)

 

November 26, 2016: Red Rock Hike

Report: Ron Prickett

Photos: Val Walker

Go to      to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

It was a grey day, not be confused with the national bird the Grey Jay/Canada Jay/whisky jack (oops not officially the national bird).  Whatever, nine hardy, affable Soo Nats took the bulk of the day to hike the Tom Allinson Side trail (Red Rock trail).  One of my favourite hikes.  

 

You travel along the shores of the great grey waters of Lake Superior walking on a carpet of brilliant green moss enveloped by cedar, spruce and birch trees blanketing you.  Protecting you from the sharp barbs of the winds and the weather off the great lake. There are moments along the trail where you see the infringement of Gitchigumi’s great waves licking into the trail during some forgotten storm. 

 

Warmed at noon by a roaring fire, courteous of Tom and the troop, we roosted, toasted marshmallows to various levels of blackness.  Someone mentioned the new flavour of ice cream, burnt marshmallow, imagine? À chacun son goût.  

 

During lunch, the entertainment was supplied by the leader executing a backward somersault, (difficulty level 10) off the makeshift bench at the campfire.  The judges awarded a 6.5.  Of course, the Russian judge recorded a measly 3.5. They said the finish was somewhat spasmodic.  

 

After lunch, we traveled up to the falls, ever so beautiful.  Someone, perhaps because of their passion forcing their imagination, envisioned the passage of a bald eagle. No other verification was forthcoming.  A good day with good company in a great location. Let’s buy the property.

 

On the Red Rock shoreline (VWalker)

 

 

November 19, 2016: Odena Loop Hike

Report: Val Walker

Photos: Chuck Miller/Val Walker

Go to      to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Well….it had to end sometime.

The prolonged, fabulous fall weather we have been enjoying finally came to a screeching halt on this day. Nevertheless, 9 hikers materialized for the 8 km traipse beginning with the Hiawatha Loop of the Voyageur Trail off 6^th Line.

 

At our blistering pace, we intercepted the Odena Loop in no time. The normally scenic lookout over the city was by this time shrouded in a translucent, white veil. Snow was approaching, obscuring the view and by lunch time was starting its accumulation on forest foliage.

 

Aside from a Pileated Woodpecker searching for insects and a cone munching Red Squirrel, there was little in terms of wildlife. Still, the greens of mosses, liverworts and lichens persisted for the moment before the inevitable blanketing of white.

 

Although the wind and snow were increasing in intensity, we were quite protected as we navigated the undulating trail under the forest canopy. Crystal Falls was as lovely as ever despite the deteriorating weather.

 

After a quick clearing of windshields and windows, we headed back into town for the usual refreshment break and contemplated the next season unfolding before us.

 

 Odena Loop (VWalker)

 

November 12, 2016: Tower Lake Hike

Report: Gale & Garry Koteles

Photos: Jerry Kroetsch & Val Walker

Go to      to see more photos on our Flickr site.

Go to Tower Lake Hike  for the track log and more details for this outing.

  

Sixteen participants hiked in 7 to 11 ⁰ C weather.

 

We started at Tower Lake and while enjoying the many majestic hemlocks; heard gun shots. There were quite a few hunters in the area as deer season had just opened.    Luckily, our bright colours of orange to yellow kept us safe.

 

We heard chickadees in the area as well as ravens and the call of a pileated woodpecker. The fall canker worm moths were present, but in much lower numbers than last week.

 

Mark explained how the bears in Jasper Alberta learned to open the strong dexterity bear proof garbage disposal bins. Resulting in the park moving the latch for garbage removal closer to the bottom and adding a second latch.    He also pointed out where a Yellow-Bellied -Sapsucker created holes in the bark for sap removal without hurting the tree. Humming birds follow the sapsuckers to get their first meal of spring from the same holes.

 

Much beaver activity was observed around Hansen's pond.  Birch, striped maples and many young saplings were ready for transport on their multitude of packed trails.   I wondered if they had a leader to show how to do all this.  Puddingstone alley became our rest spot for lunch on which one long log proved handy for us to sit. Many ferns, still quite green, adorned the landscape; they keyed out as Intermediate Wood Ferns. At lunch Judy entertained the group with a colourful reciting of  "Walking" by Dilys Bennet Laing (see Links below). 

 

We survived the echo of gunshots and lived another day in the wonderful outdoors and topped it off with coffee and treats at Lucy Loo's in Echo Bay.

  

LINKS

Intermediate Wood Fern ***

http://ontarioferns.com/main/species.php?id=4040

Walking by Dilys Bennet Laing ***

http://poetry-i-like.blogspot.ca/2011/02/walking.html

 

Puddingstone Alley (VWalker)

 

November 05, 2016: Garden River Conservation Reserve Hike

Report: Chuck Miller

Photos: Chuck Miller/Val Walker

Outing Report - Garden River CR Nov 05 2016.pdf

 

October  29, 2016: Robertson Cliffs Hike

Report/Photos: Val Walker

Go to      to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

On a day of mizzle (a term coined by Bob Currell for mist plus drizzle), 11 participants slipped and slid their way up to the Robertson Cliffs trail to the first lookout. Initially the view was obscured by the fog/low lying clouds but within minutes of our ascent, the skies cleared and we looked onto a bleak but nonetheless impressive landscape. Most leaves had dropped leaving a carpet of browns and yellows on the forest floor below the precipitous cliff face. Goulais Bay was evident on the horizon a washed in grey and blue pastels.

 

We were joined by members of Lake Superior State University‘s Regional Outdoor Center (ROC), who had ventured across the border to hike the same 5 km loop trail. They stopped and talked for a bit but soon blew past us and over the hill toward the yellow marked loop trail.

 

Fall Cankerworm moths, that we often see this time of year, were numerous and active in the understory of a primarily oak and maple stand. It’s this time of year that the male moths are searching for the wingless females buried in the ground emitting pheromones. Females will eventually come out of the ground and climb on to the branches of host trees where they will deposit their eggs. After overwintering, the eggs will hatch in the spring and the larvae will begin feeding on the foliage. Click the link for more about  Fall Canker Worm .

 

Avian species spotted were Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker and a Common Raven soaring between cliffs at eye level. Spinulous Wood Fern formed contrasting clumps of green against fallen yellow leaves as we approached the waterfall. There was a decent amount of water cascading down the face and Tom managed to climb to the top waving the obvious requirement for fall restraint gear. He had, thankfully, already signed the liability waiver.

 

After a brief stop at the falls, we followed the trail out to the parking area, happily with the same 11 participants. At the North Winds Restaurant in Goulais, we paused for refreshments and wrapped up the day.

 

With members of the LSSU Regional Outdoor Center (ROC)

 

October  22, 2016: Orphan Lake Hike

Report/Photos: Ron Prickett

Orphan Lake hike Oct 22 2016.pdf

 

October 15, 2016: Goulais River Provincial Park - Hike the Sault Naturalists Dragonfly Survey Sites

Report: Chuck Miller

Photos: Chuck Miller

Outings Goulais River Oct 15 2016.pdf

 

October 02, 2016: Echo Bay Wetlands Paddle 

Report & Photos: Chuck Miller

Outings Echo Bay Oct 02 2016.pdf

 

September 25, 2016: Canoe to Voyageur Island Family Adventure

Report & Photos: Emily Weber

Voyaguer_Island_Park_Report Sept 25 2016.pdf

 

September 24, 2016: Walking the A-Line

Report: Dave Euler

Photos: Dave Euler

Sept 24 Walking the A-Line.pdf

 

September 21, 2016: St. Mary River Remedial Action Plan Awareness Cycle 

Report: Billy Wilson, St. Marys River Remedial Action Plan Outreach Assistant

Photos: Chuck Miller

 

The cycle event began at the Parks Canada Office and ended at Bellevue Park with several stops along the way.

• Talked about why the river is listed as an area of concern and what that means.
• Pointed out how many alterations have been made to the area since the late 19th century.
• Pointed out Whitefish Channel and talked about how it is a rearing area for young cold water fish, particularly salmonids. Later during the ride we happened to see a number of young fish, likely salmonids, jumping for flies in one of the beaver ponds.
• Discussed the importance of the St. Marys Rapids as a fishery and how the predominant fish species in the rapids has changed to rainbow trout as well as pacific salmon which use the rapids to spawn in.
• Mentioned the feasibility study to restore the rapids and their associated wetlands.
• Went over to the former St. Marys Paper mill site to discuss the improvements that the mill had made to its discharge prior to its closure.
• Stopped by Fort Creek to talk about tributaries to the St. Marys River and how there have been initiatives to plant trees alongside the creek to provide stability to reduce the amount of sediment being discharged into the creek.
• Outside of City Hall we talked about how municipal policy is important in rehabilitating the river. We talked about the Stormwater Management Plan and the Sewer Use By-Law.
• Mentioned shoreline hardening and contrasted it to the Brookfield Wetland near city hall.
• While at the Bellevue Park Marina, we talked about how the river is frequently used for recreational activities and how degraded aesthetics and undesirable algae can negatively impact the enjoyment of the river. These two beneficial use impairments are currently being considered for delisting.
• Stopped at the Bellevue Park storm sewer outlet to talk about how the Bellevue Park Sanitary Overflow Tank has helped decrease the frequency of infiltration during high flow events.
• Refreshments and prizes were provided at Bellevue Park.

 

  

             Surveying the St. Marys River Rapids                          Inspecting the City's storm water system

 

September 10, 2016: Explore the Kensington Property

Report: Dave Euler

Photos: Dave Euler

Sept 10 Exploring Kensington Property.pdf

 

September 03, 2016: North Channel Paddle

Report: Val Walker

Photos: Val Walker  

 

Go to North Channel Paddle 2016   to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

The North Channel Paddle on Saturday Sept 3 had all the criteria for a perfect day.  Not too much wind, warm & sunny. Who could ask for anything more?

 

Our clockwise circumnavigation of Campement d’Ours Island began with picking up Teresa and Murray (in their canoe) at the north end of the island, who were patiently awaiting those of us originating from the boat launch in Desbarats. With some headwind from the south, 1 canoe and 4 kayaks made the pass along the outer eastern shore. Once around the bottom end of the island, we rendezvoused in Gawas Bay with Dave & Mark (in their canoe) coming from the St Joe Island Bridge via the inside passage.

 

At the lunch stop we noted, sitting in a white pine, what was probably the same Bald Eagle trailing the party taking the outside passage. Flying above, was probably the same Osprey accompanying the party on the inside passage. Garry discovered Hooded Ladies’-tresses, a delicate white orchid, spotting the damp soil deposits between the exposed rock along the shore.

 

After lunch, we pushed off further into the protection of Gawas Bay, through the inside passage, under the causeway and back out into the North Channel. Here the leader bade a farewell to the rest of the kayakers as Ila stepped up to the plate to lead them safely back to the Desbarats boat launch. Thanks Ila!

 

Teresa & Murray made the paddle back to Murray’s camp off Port Findlay Road while Dave, Mark and Val steered toward the picnic site off the St Joe Island Bridge.

 

We all gathered at Murray’s camp where our ever so gracious host, provided us with refreshments beneath the shade of the tall oak tree. A very fine day.

 

Paddling the North Channel toward the St Joe Island Bridge

 

 

August 27, 2016: Creeks, Floodways & Aquifers of Western SSM, ON – Urban Bicycle Tour

Report: Chuck Miller

Photos: Val Walker and Chuck Miller

 

Go to SSM Creeks, Aquifers and Floodways  to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Six Sault Naturalists took to bicycles and foot in drizzle and light showers to explore the urban creeks, floodways, aquifers and underground channels in the area between the St Mary’s River and the Third Line. The Naturalists had been asked about the waterways and this was an opportunity to visit some of them. One question posed was “is there is much potential for enhancement of wildlife habitat as well as non-motorized recreation? 

 

The tour began where the East Davignon Creek goes underground at Farwell and the Second Line and we worked our way north. The man made channel featured frequent concrete structures and a floodway recently cleared of vegetation. The group met with a local resident to get a perspective on management of the floodway / creek.  North of Rossmore Road the Creek took on a more natural appearance.

 

The group explored the natural aquifers along Korah Road and observed the aquifer recharge area map of the SSM Conservation Authority. The cool, clean aquifers provide water to the creeks and drainages. We then hiked and cycled the unnamed man made floodway (Central Creek?) from Korah Road to the Second Line – perhaps considering recreation trail potential as well as stopping to look at a snow dumping area.

 

It was then on to the natural creek channels of the West Davignon and Bennet Creeks at the Third Line and Leighs Bay Road – with a stop for lunch on a road guard rail with a view of West Davignon Creek. The next stop took us to the Base Line where the Bennett Creek joins the West Davignon meet in a manmade channel. At Wallace Terrace we followed a creek to the Bayview area of the city and a channel at Glasgow Park. Then followed a path covering an underground channel along Central Street to Douglas where the underground channel begins. All the Creeks enter the Essar Steel Mill area to the south and were not explored.

 

There is a very real need for flood control. Is there much potential for enhancement of wildlife habitat as well as non-motorized recreation? Could some sections of the waterways benefit from some removal of old tires and garbage? Should the Sault Naturalists become involved? Would any involvement be best to input on strategic planning, direct action or education or a combination? 

 

The purpose of the day was not to answer these questions – but rather to explore the watershed and get people thinking.

 

 Bennett Creek meets West Davignon Creek near Wallace Terrace

 

August 06, 2016: Geology Courtesy of Ken Hatfield

Report: Carl Linhart

 

As luck had it, Ken was able to come along with three of us to show and tell us about local geologic features on the Michigan side of the river, much different than that north of the river, of course.  We were shown a fossil new to us, pentamerus, in dolomite bedrock at a quarry site.  We viewed Ken’s glacial chatter mark site which has been so fondly mentioned by many SN members over the years as we would drive by it on Hwy. M-134.  Whitefish for lunch at the fish market/restaurant in Moran was a delicious bonus.  The disappearing creek was dry but still an impressive site to view and gave us an adventure in trying to locate the steeply bounded decline of the channel.  

 

 Glacial Chatter Marks

 

 

July 09, 2016: Black Hole / Hole in the Wall Paddle

Report: Ron Prickett

Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Black Hole / Hole in the Wall Photos to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Yes, it was Holey Saturday for the Soo Nats over the weekend.  Yes, we made the pilgrimage to the sacred places along the north channel of the St. Marys River. A stout group of six paddlers ventured forth on the ninth to pay homage to the two holes. Yes, the Hole in the Wall and the Black Hole. 

 

You may think this took great courage or foolishness on our part facing the paralyzing possible prospect that no one escapes from a Black Hole.  But fear not, I was assured by our illustrious leader Val, we would certainly return in good time for a coffee or in this case a beverage at Murray’s cottage.  Thanks Murray, after a day of pilgrimaging paddling, the beverages hit the spot. 

 

Along the way we saw a full body dive into the water from the top of a pine tree by a determined Osprey. We also saw a Sharp-shinned hawk, a Merlin, an American Bittern and a GBH. Some Mallards, Wood ducks and Common Mergansers joined us along the water ways. The Fragrant Water-lilies that festooned the channels were in magnificent bloom. Water Smartweed, Pickerelweed and Water-shield were in also in full bloom.  We saw flotillas of vegetation sprouting Rose Pegonia, Round-leaved Sundew, Swamp Candle, Common St. Johnswort, Large cranberry and Pitcher-plant, all in flower.

 

 

The weather was very good.  The clouds kept our bodies cool and the breeze kept the bugs down.  The flash short rain storm at the end of our journey was like a baptism from the heavens rewarding the efforts of the paddlers’ pilgrimage. A great day to be out in the water. And yes, we had to make at least four portages in order to enjoy the panorama of these holey places.  Thanks, Val for planning the trip and Murray for your hospitality.

 

    

                                    To the Black Hole                                                                        Through the yellow water lilies

 

July 02, 2016: Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve 

Report: Chuck Miller

Photos:Chuck Miller & Val Walker

 

Go to Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve  to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve – Surf, Sand, Sun & Bowfin!

 

This Nature Reserve park encompasses 2,395 hectares, protecting an extensive sandy “bird’s foot” delta at the mouth of the Mississagi River where it meets the North Channel of Lake Huron near the Town of Blind River. 

 

Six Sault Naturalists launched kayaks into the main channel at the mouth of the Mississagi River where it meets the North Channel of Lake Huron at a place called Boom Camp (the name dates to the areas significant lumbering era). The surf was rolling in a stiff breeze on the Channel so the group headed up the River (more of an inlet) passing a former Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Post site. The old trading post is at the confluence of the four major channels making up the birds foot delta.

 

The sandy banks of the delta islands offer many habitats where they meet the river’s edge.  We were greeted by a Kingfisher as we neared is nest in the river bank as we headed west toward the more westerly middle channel known as “Monkeys Run”. The delta channels offered good protection from the westerly winds that were in the main North Channel. We stopped at a sand beach for some sun and lunch in a bay on Lake Huron and explored the raised beach ridge and intervening wetlands.  The beach was protected somewhat from the wind by a peninsula to the west. We would later return to here to round the point and head north on the more easterly of the middle channels.

 

After lunch we headed upstream in Monkey’s Run to the most westerly channel as it enters into Mississiagi Bay at a large marsh complex on Lake Huron behind the French Islands and in particular the largest island in the chain, Hennepin Island. En route we were rewarded with a splendid surprise of nature … a dark mass moving in the water. On closer inspection, the mass was found to be a school of several thousand young of the year bowfin accompanied by the male parent. Bowfin (sometimes referred to as dogfish) are a relatively primitive fish with a long dorsal fin and a heterocercal (round) tail fin. They also have a bony gular plate located between the lower jaws on the underside of the head which is diagnostic for this species. During the spring, the male bowfin constructs a round nest in root mats in the sloughs, slow-moving rivers, lakes and backwaters that they prefer. The male parent protects the young as eggs and continues to oversee for about a month after the fry become mobile and begin searching for food. 

 

We returned to our lunch beach and did a short crossing around the point to the most easterly of the middle channels of the delta – stopping briefly at a large sand beach where the channel meets Lake Huron. There were a few campers here and we had a stretch and friendly chat. A Clubtail dragonfly larva was also making its way to the beach, no doubt thinking about emerging as an adult. We all had a close look at the splayed wing pads and the 4-segmented antenna. Once returned to the water, the larva made a quick escape by taking in water through its rectum and then forcing the water out to jet propel itself along. It’s faster than crawling. 

 

After 6 hours in the delta with sun and wind we were ready for a fine meal at the nearby Pier 17 restaurant.

 

                                                                                        Paddling the Delta                                                             

 

July 01, 2016: Hub Trail Festival

Report: Ron Prickett

Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Hub Trail Fest July 01  to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

It was Canada Day and a small band of Sault Nats braved the blustery, cool winds on the hill at Fork Creek to meet and greet the Hub Trail Festival bikers and hikers.  

 

Robert and Joy handled the busy and demanding job of issuing and punching Hub Trail Passports.  Don and Vivian brought along two games to entertain the crowd.  One was match the bird with the beak and the grub.  The other match the bird with its habitat.  With Viv’s coaching everyone was a winner.  Val came out and took some pictures of some proud participants and their children.  

 

A lot of people visited our site, we promoted our club and wished everyone a happy Canada Day.  A fun day for all. 

 

Hub Trail cycling clan

 

 

June 25, 2016: Butterfly Walk with Mark Olivier

Report: Bob Currell

Butterfly Photos: Mark Olivier

Other photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Butterfly Walk Photos to see more photos on our Flickr site. 

 

On a sultry and down-right hot (+30 degrees) July 25th a group of six dedicated naturalists joined lepidopterist extraordinaire Mark Olivier for a sweep of the fields, shrubs and woodlands of the Sault College woodlot to search out butterflies. 

 

Mark prepared us for the foray by briefing us with a series photos he’d taken of Algoma Lepidoptera which he’d mounted and hung in plastic for easy viewing.  

 

After being pumped up and eager to identify we headed off through the woods to the overgrown fields, and reforested areas south of 2nd Line on Sault College’s property. Using Mark’s observational skills and his sweeping butterfly net technique we soon collected (and released) Skippers, Swallowtails, Blues, Brushfooted-butterflies and many other four winged insect species.

 

The day was hot the company was good and the collecting and identifying great. Thank goodness it’s been dry or we would have had a soggy time in the back end of the property near Black Road sloughing through the sedges, ferns and other lush vegetation.

 

Thanks to Mark, now we know the difference between a European skipper and an Arctic skipper. Size isn’t everything you know, it’s also their colour and the way they hold their wings when resting!

 

Species observed:

 

Northern Crescent

Arctic Skipper

European Skipper

White Admiral

Common Ringlet

Viceroy

Harris’s Checkerspot

Silvery Blue

Little Wood Satyr

Mourning Cloak

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

 Northern Pearly-eye (possible)

 

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Mark Olivier)

 

June 12, 2016: Algonquin Family Trail Ride

Report: Emily Weber

Photos: Emily Weber

 

A small but energetic group had a wonderful family trail ride at Algonquin in Soo, MI.  The weather was sunny with a pleasant breeze to keep the mosquitos away.  The children enjoyed riding their bikes over the bridges and picking wintergreen leaves to chew on as "refreshments" to keep pumping their legs through sandy sections of the trial.  

We rested our legs and wandered to a near by lake and were pleasantly surprised to see pink lady slippers.  In addition bunchberry, starflower, Wild-Lilly- of-the-Valley, and velvet leaf blueberry were spotted. The ovenbird, hermit thrush, white throated sparrow, and black throated green warbler charmed us in the distance.

Leaders: Emily Weber & Jen Parks

Cycling enthusiasts

 

June 04, 2016: Morning Birding Tour, East of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario

Report: Christopher Zayachkowski

 

Go to  Morning Bird Walk East of Soo Ontario  to see more photos on our Flickr site. 

 

Started off at the Loonie Boardwalk, a fairy nice walk although the number of mosquitoes. There were some nice listens to the Sora Rail but sadly no sighting. Lots of alder flycatchers, common yellowthroats and swamp sparrows within. Two pairs of Caspian terns flying by and in smaller numbers then we’re used to, yellow warblers and American redstart. Also, heading back to the cars to continue our outing a call from a Wilson’s snipe in the distance. So, a descent walk along the boardwalk.

 

Then to look for the water birds, we had a look at the Lake Street platform. Not a lot of birds at the platform but I was notified quickly of a bittern just flying above the grass then a quick landing. The ducks there included only a single widgeon which was hard to see considering it would stay in the reeds 90% of the time. Also, there was a fly by from a small group of blue winged teal but they never landed.

 

Afterwards, we went to the Bar River flats in search for some bobolinks. The first area included a song from a bobolink but no sighting so we continued on the search. The next place in the Bar River Flats was much more successful in that we had 7-8 bobolinks in that area with eastern phoebe and kingbird, a song of a clay-colored sparrow, Nashville warbler and a Baltimore oriole spotted by Ron Prickett.

 

Our Final Destination, was going down Pumpkin Point Road and stopping at the platform and park. At the platform, a surprising sighting for Vivian and Don Hall was an osprey because of something seen the weekend before. Also, a pied-billed grebe in the water, a wood duck and a reoccurrence of the sora rail song and the addition of a Virginia rail’s song. At the park though, it was all ducks including a raft of redhead with a scaup sp. in the mix and a goldeneye in behind which I almost mistook for 2 scaups.

 

It wasn’t the best weather, but the birds were pretty good at a count of 53 species.

 

Birding on the "Looney Boardwalk", Lake George Marsh

 

 

June 11, 2016: St Joseph Island – Bobolinks and Meadowlarks

Report: Chuck Miller

Photos: Chuck Miller

 

Go to Bobolinks and Meadowlarks  to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

On June 11, 5 naturalists headed out on bicycles from Richards Landing to look for Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks. The north end of the island is agricultural and has many hayfields. 

 

Bobolinks and Meadowlarks are moderately tall grassland species and historically moved from tallgrass prairie and meadows to hayfields and pastures when clearing of native prairies occurred. Both species are listed as “threatened” on Ontario’s Species at Risk List. Threats in Ontario are generally due to changes in farming practices – including mowing during the breeding season and development.

 

The morning cleared after overnight thunder storms and the winds dropped – changing to partly cloudy skies with light variable winds to a sunny afternoon. The island was alive with bird activity including two Broad-winged Hawks soaring over Boyles Road. The first Bobolinks were seen in a hayfield just off the “A Line” just north of the “D Line”. The group stopped for lunch at Sailors Encampment with a welcoming cool breeze off Munuscong Channel.

 

The first Eastern Meadowlark was seen on the A Line between the D and FG Lines. Crossing the F&G Line and returning to Richards Landing on the 10th Side Road we found four locations with Eastern Meadowlarks and additional Bobolinks at the intersection of the 10th and F&G. 

 

A great day with highlights including 10 Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, Broad-winged Hawks, Cedar Waxwings, Harrier, Clay-colored Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Indigo Bunting. Multiple deer were also seen including a doe and fawn.

 

As the humidity, winds and temperature all increased the day ended with ice cream back in Richards landing.

 

Riding the rural roads on St. Joe's 

 

 

May 8-12, 2016: Annual Point Pelee Birding & Campout

Report: Christopher Zayachkowski

Bird Photos: Christopher Zayachkowski

 

Go to 2016 Point Pelee Birding & Campout  to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Point Pelee 2016 This year’s Point Pelee outing was an exciting one! With a fairly small group of 13 birders we had some great birds and a great total of 152 species.

 

On the first full day of our adventure, Euan, Christina and I were about to board the trolley when we realized that a short distance down the road there was a rare Kirtland’s Warbler. What a great highlight for the first day! Also on Day 1 I found a Woodcock just 3 feet from the trail that leads to Tilden Woods. Steve Thorpe and Euan rounded out the day with some good species, including Pied-billed Grebe, Bufflehead, Great Egret, American Coot and a Virginia Rail.

 

On the second day the tip was quiet for songbirds but we did find a solitary Caspian Tern and also a nice pair of Horned Grebes in breeding plumage. There were rumours of a Screech Owl and a Hooded Warbler in Tilden Woods. The adults often send me out as a scout to check out reports like this because people are always anxious to help out young birders. So I went scouting. Luckily the screech owl was easy to find because people already had scopes set up on it. The Hooded Warbler scouting backfired because it hadn’t been seen for 10 minutes and I learned from a text that that my grandparents had seen one in another location. Near the end of the day we went looking for the Woodcock again, it had been sitting tight and we thought might be planning on nesting by the trail. The Woodcock was gone but in its place was a Sedge Wren, really surprising in that dry, brushy location.

 

Wednesday morning there was an incredible fallout of warblers. My grandparents have been regulars at Point Pelee for about 25 years and they said they had never seen anything like it. In just 30-60 minutes we had 19 species of warblers including Blue-winged, Canada and Bay-breasted. Also there were amazing numbers and close-range views of Northern Parula, Blackburnian Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler and Magnolia Warbler. After the trip we heard from Sarah Rupert, the park birding expert. She said the fallout was surprising because “the classic conditions, like overnight rain, fog or thunderstorms didn't happen on the evening of May 10th. [Perhaps] the cooler weather leading up to this day had stalled birds up and the evening provided ideal conditions to move and they arrived in large numbers.”

 

Day four was not a whole day as people were packing up to leave. Although there was no fallout there were some great additions to our group list including a pair of Cerulean Warblers (my target bird), both types of cuckoos and a very rare Fish Crow. Also, after most people had left Val and Ron saw Greathorned Owl fledglings and a Yellow-breasted Chat.

This was a really great trip, with really great birds! I hope my grade 10 teachers are okay with me going again in 2017! 

 

1st year Northern Parula (Christopher Zayachkowski)

 

May 29, 2016: Michigan EUP Birding

Report: Carl Linhart

Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Michigan EUP Birding  to see more photos on our Flickr site.

  

Six Soo Nats turned out for the drive to points south in search of interesting birds.  With early high temperatures, this was a difficult birding day after about 0900.  In the past, this trip has been quite rewarding; the places visited hold great potential. The list of birds I hoped to see was long.  Instead of misses, I will mention several highlights found and enjoyed.  

 

At the Munuscong Potholes, numerous displaying snipe were making their winnowing “woo-woo-woo-woo-woo” aerial mating display.  Several of us were able to pick them out, with their long beaks, in the sky as they performed.  Male bobolinks provided their cheerful bubbling chortle in flight.  

 

A large emergence of dragonflies leaving their larval shells and drying their wings for first flight entertained us at lunch near the Cedarville marina.  

 

The predator which found us, Dermacentor variabilis, gave us much conversation.  Wood ticks are essentially harmless if removed before they embed but are surely a nuisance.  We are still trying to know if we found a tickle of ticks, a tragedy of ticks, or a trauma of ticks.  Any elucidation in this matter is welcomed.  

 

Our outing ended with a stop at the Palace Restaurant on Portage St. 

 

Scanning potholes country for snipe and LaConte's sparrow.

 

May 28, 2016: 2nd Annual Swift Night Out

Report & Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Swift Night Out 2016   to see more photos on our Flickr site. 

 

Well, just when you think you have a species figured out, and you can make plans around and predictions about, you get a good, 'swift' kick in the butt. A little reality check that you can't control nature as much as you think you can.

 

This appears to be the message from our neighborhood chimney swifts on Saturday's Swift Night Out. We had the entertainment, the speaches, the refreshments, the adoring crowd. At precisely 30 minutes before sunset when our esteemed guests were to fly-by, nothing happened. All eyes strained skyward, looking, searching, hoping. An hour passed. Nothing. Then it registered.....we got burned by the birds. Oh, the humanity!

 

There are a number of plausible theories for this unfortunate (not to mention embarrassing) Swift No Show:

 

1. There was a failure to communicate. The swifts never got the memo re: Party on Saturday Night.

 

2. Somebody (Christopher) said something or somebody (Christopher) did something to totally put off the swifts.

 

3. The strong winds earlier that day, blew the swifts eastward and they are now sitting poolside at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Montreal. 

 

4. The swifts considered the terms of their “sunset performance” contract a breach of their creative freedom. They are currently on strike. Their lawyers will be contacting our lawyers.

 

5. Anything has got to be better on a warm, spring evening than a fly-by for a crowd of slack-jawed locals.

 

6. The swifts had a previous engagement on Saturday night. They were washing their hair. 

 

7.  Dorothy, a young Naturalist, suggested the likely cause was a strong tornadic activity taking the swifts to central Kansas

 

Do you know where the swifts went?? Seriously....we really want to know.

 

On a positive note, the band was entertaining, the sweets were great, the conversation was lively and it was a fine evening to be out socializing and learning a bit more about our local swifts. It was heartening to see the community rally their support for this threatened species. Apparently there was some additional excitement for some behind the Courthouse when a black bear strolled by. 

 

Thanks to Jenni Pearce and Brandon Norman of Algoma SwiftWatch for their efforts in organizing this special night.

 

Thanks also to the Downtown Association, specifically Harlee Kimsal; Dr. Jennifer Foote of Algoma University; the news media: The Sault Star, CTV Northern Ontario, Northern Hoot; and Shabby Motley for the much appreciated donated refreshments. 

 

And of course, a huge thank you to members of the Sault Naturalists Club and the concerned citizens of Sault Ste. Marie and beyond, that attended our 2nd Annual Swift Night Out.

 

Remember- tomorrow’s another evening to swift watch at the Courthouse chimney.

 

Swift supporters at Swift Night Out

 

May 28, 2016: Garlic Mustard Pull at Sutton Park 

Report: Dave Euler

Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Garlic Mustard Pull Sutton Park to see more photos on our Flickr site.

  

From the Battle Front:

We pulled and pulled and pulled some more, and still they kept appearing; under branches, deep in the dark, fern-inhabited reaches of the over-grown urban forest. Beside the asphalt surface of the Hub trail in a stream of green, spike-like foliage, these invaders from Europe mocked our efforts to remove them.

 

On a Saturday that started out rainy, then cleared to bright sunny skies, then rained again, the Sault Naturalists and several other people who live along the Hub trail, worked to clear Sutton park of Garlic Mustard, that toxic invader that threatens to crowd out the native vegetation like Trillium, Trout Lily and Agronomy. At least 40 people were involved for all or part of the day, and we removed at least a ton if not more, of Garlic Mustard plants. It was hard work. If you were there, and you pulled this Mustard, your hands were dirty, your back ached and you probably had blisters where no blisters should be.

 

Garlic Mustard has the potential to change northern woodlots, if it gets established and continues to thrive in the Algoma area. The plant emits toxins which inhibit growth of other plants, like maples and oaks, and could do consider damage to stands of healthy northern hardwoods. While we probably can’t eliminate it entirely we can at least reduce its abundance and do our best to protect the native trees and shrubs that are an integral part of our northern ecosystems.

 

As I write this tonight, sore and tired, I am feeling something that I don’t often feel at the end of the day.  Today I did something that made the world a teeny, tiny, bit better, and I am proud.

 

Some weekend warriors with the spoils of war

 

 

May 24, 2016: Bee Identification Workshop with Elisa Muto

Leader: Elisa Muto

Report & Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to  Bee Identification Workshop   to see more photos on our Flickr site. 

 

Elisa Muto, professor at Sault College, gave a presentation on how to identify native bees to functional group. She began with some basics such as how to distinguish bees from look-alike species of flies (Diptera), moths (Lepidoptera) and wasps.

 

Next .... anatomical features, habitat requirements and behaviour were used to group bees into functional groups including Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, Carpenter Bees, Leaf-cutter Bees, Digger/Long-horned Bees, Dark Bees, Green Sweat Bees, Metallic Hairy Belly Bees and Dark Hairy Belly Bees.

 

A field trip was to a hydro right-of-way containing a wide diversity of plants provided rich hunting grounds for several pollinator groups including bees. A number of bee species were captured with nets, examined and released. A few were reserved for a reference collection.

Elisa provided a link to two very useful pocket guides that anyone can use as a first step to classifying bees:

 

http://www.xerces.org/download/pdf/PA_Pocket_Guide.pdf

 

http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/BumbleBeeGuideEast2011.pdf

 

Right-of-way bee hunting grounds      

 

May 22, 2016: Up Close With Nature: A Family Friendly Hike  

Leaders: Jen Parks & Emily Weber

Report: Jen Parks

Photos: Val Walker

Go to Up Close with Nature  to see more photos on our Flickr site. 

 

On Sunday, May 22, twelve aspiring naturalists of all ages met at the trailhead near Big Bear Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

 

The first thing we noticed when we arrived was trash on a big pile of dirt in the nearby pond. But upon further inspection, it was three turtles sunning themselves on a muskrat lodge. This made my daughter Claire really happy because turtles are one of her most favorite critters to see in nature.

 

We passed out journals, pencils and magnifying glasses to all the children and away we went down the trail. We saw a variety of flowers and leaves, moss, bark, worms and fungus and used our magnifying glasses to see them in more detail. Emily Weber, the trip co-leader, and Val helped identify many of our nature discoveries. I think the favorite flower from the hike was the forget-me-not.

 

We filled out a couple pages in the journal, but really it was way more fun for most kids to go running like deer down the trail. One especially neat discovery, made by Clayton, was a sleeping lodge complete with a nearby fire pit and log benches.

 

After our hike, we had lunch in the warm spring sunshine and played on the playground located near the trailhead.

 

Fascinating fern facts 

 

May 21, 2016: Naomikong Birds & Botany  

Leader: Ev Simon

Report: Ev Simon (pending) 

Photos: Rob Routledge & Val Walker

 

Go to  Naomikong Birds & Botany   to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Low sweet blueberry (Rob Routledge)

 

May 15, 2016: Family Birding Adventure  

Leaders: Don & Vivian Hall and Christopher

Report: Vivian Hall and grandson Sam

Bird Photos: Bill Purnis  Other Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to  Family Birding Adventure   to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Today was our family bird outing at Whitefish Island, to introduce families to the joy of birding. Thirty six people of all ages came out on a cold, windy day to search for birds. When asked “What did you like about the bird outing today?” five year old Sam answered “I like to see all the different types of nature, and my favourite bird that I saw a yellow warbler. I knew it was a yellow warbler because it was yellow.”  Each child was given a bingo card of birds and other animals, with stickers to mark all their sightings and each family was also gifted with a birding journal to keep track of the birds that were not on their bingo card. Everyone thought it would be interesting to bring their journals back next spring and share the birds they saw over the year. 

 

Hot chocolate, apple juice and goodies were enjoyed at the end of the walk.  In spite of the weather everyone had a good time right down to baby Paul, who seemed to enjoy all the action around him.

 

Sam commented “That's a big number of birders and its cool bird watching with that many people.”

We agree with Sam, it is always fun to bird watch with lots of other cool people.

Sam and Gram.

Gazing at gulls and geese

 

May 14, 2016: Robertson Cliffs Hike  

Leader: Ila Aho

Report & Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to  Robertson Cliffs   to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

It was a cold day and blustery even in the forest, making it difficult to hear birds. A Black-throated green warbler was one of the few songs that could be distinguished.

 

Several spring wildflowers were emerging but many were in a very early stage and had not yet flowered. Despite the challenges, we managed to identify some of the more familiar species. Trout lily, which is in full bloom elsewhere, was just starting to bloom here. Canada mayflower, Clintonia or Blue bead lily, False Solomon’s seal, Solomon’s seal and Twisted-stocked had flower buds only. Blueberry, Fly honey suckle, Dutchman’s breeches and Marsh marigold were in full flower.

 

Unfortunately we cannot report seeing a Peregrine falcon. There might have been one there but we would never have heard it over the roar of the wind. Turkey vultures were soaring above and one Raven dropped by.

 

As per usual, we took the circle route in a clockwise direction and swung by the falls on the way back. At the parking lot, Ila decided to 'suss' out the report that another falls was nearby and sure enough we discovered one a stone’s throw from the parking area opposite the Robertson Cliffs trail head. Apparently this falls is on the creek draining Robertson Lake and it was certainly more impressive on this day than the falls on the trail we just completed. Who knew? Thanks, Ila.

 

One of the cliffs 

 

 

May 07, 2016: Spring Birding  

Leader: Dave Euler

Report: Dave Euler

Bird Photos: Bill Purnis  Other Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to  Spring Birding   to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Somewhere a Caspian Tern knifes the air, somewhere a Black Crown Night Heron sits passively in a tree and somewhere a Yellow Warbler exuberantly flies to a small bush.  But none of that happened at the Sault Locks, South and North St May’s Island on May 7, 2016 at 7:00 AM. No, at that time and on that day, it was cold and windy, although not raining, and most birds flew to shelters deeply hidden in some Harry Potter landscape. 

 

Fortunately for the Sault Naturalists no amount of bad weather, or lack of birds keeps them from enjoying a walk in a green, riverine environment. Hardy folks that we are, we ventured forth, looking and thinking, watching and observing and enjoying spring wildlife flowers and the renewal of spring.

 

Buy wait, what’s this??  Jerry Kroetsch, ever alert and with the instinct of a born naturalist, glimpsed a movement to his right, and found one of the hidden gems we were looking for. A Northern Flicker, perhaps a male, perhaps a female, cleaning out a cavity, ready for the eggs that will soon tumble from the female into the carefully prepared nest. 

 

With a great shout from Dave E., Bill P. came running, hoisting his long telephoto lens and within seconds, he captured the natural event occurring within a dead tree, just a few meters away.  And so, despite the cold and wind, and the absence of lots of birds, the hardy nature lovers left satisfied with the excursion.

Northern flicker (B.Purnis)

 

April 23, 2016: Swans & Waterfowl  

Leader: Mark Olivier

Report: Dave Euler

Photos: Val Walker, Brenda Gallander & Peter Burtch

 

Go to Swans & Waterfowl to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Saturday, April 23, was a good day to welcome the birds back to Algoma. Just one day after Earth Day, 15 Sault Naturalists and friends drove east of Sault Ste Marie to check out the migrating waterfowl, just back from their wintering grounds. Mark Olivier, leader of this group, spotted an American Coot, just south of the Bridge in Echo Bay on the second stop of the day. Mark attributes his ability to spot birds from years of playing "Where's Waldo".  Our first stop at a roosting vultures tree, had revealed that these birds had left for the day. Nothing to spot.

 

The viewing platform at Echo Bay had four Northern Shovelers, not rare in Algoma, but we don't see them often. We also saw swans in the distance, two eagles, and numerous waterfowl including scaup and mergansers from the platform.

 

At the Lake George Road wetlands, at least 15 Greater Yellowlegs were feeding in the wet ares but flew away shortly after we arrived.

 

Our best view of Tundra Swans was at the viewing platform on Pumpkin Point Road.  Although they swam slowly away as we came onto the platform, everyone had a good view of them.

 

A very good day for viewing waterfowl and other birds east of SSM.  These sighting  were also reported to e-bird, please let Dave know if I missed something and he will edit the lists.

 

For some images of this outing go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/134373147@N03/albums/72157667480651476

 

If you have any photos from this outing that you would like to contribute, pass them along to me (Val) and I will put them on Flickr as well.

 

Sault Ste. Marie--Echo Bay (board walk area south of bridge 17B), Algoma, Ontario, CA
Apr 23, 2016 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments:     stopped just south of the bridge, and found birds west of the bridge
6 species

Bufflehead  2
American Coot  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Song Sparrow  2
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Common Grackle  3

 

Sault Ste. Marie--Echo Bay (viewing platform), Algoma, Ontario, CA
Apr 23, 2016 11:25 AM - 11:45 AM
Protocol: Stationary
9 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  20
Tundra Swan  50
Northern Shoveler  4
Greater/Lesser Scaup  30
Bufflehead  20
Hooded Merganser  2
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Bald Eagle  3
Swamp Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  6

 

Bar River Flats--Lake George Road wet fields, Algoma, Ontario, CA
Apr 23, 2016 12:15 PM - 12:40 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:     travel along lake George road to the wet fields near the end of the road
7 species

Green-winged Teal  2
Greater Yellowlegs  15
Ring-billed Gull  10
American Kestrel  1
American Crow  4
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2

 

Sault Ste. Marie--Pumpkin Point, Algoma, Ontario, CA
Apr 23, 2016 1:10 PM - 1:40 PM
Protocol: Stationary
11 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  12
Tundra Swan  15
American Wigeon  4
Redhead  4
Greater/Lesser Scaup  4
Bufflehead  2
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  1
Ring-billed Gull  2
Black-capped Chickadee  1
Red-winged Blackbird  12

   

        

    Looking for tundra swans and assorted waterfowl                                12 swans a-swimming (Brenda Gallander)

 

 

April 16, 2016; Pancake Tour 

Leader: Ron Prickett/ Val Walker

Report/Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Pancake Tour to see more photos on our Flickr site.

Go to Pancake Tour April 16, 2016 Garmin Adventure  for the track log and more details for this outing.

 

In double digit temperature, 8 hikers easily moved along the parks road system to access the 3.5 km Nature Trail. Through forested lowlands with boardwalks and bridges, we gradually climbed to the ancient beach ridge and on to the wetland where botanical signs of spring were few.

 

Skeins of Sandhill cranes against the cobalt sky passed by to reassure that spring was definitely here. Moose and wolf tracks were spotted in the last remnants of snow in a cedar stand.

 

The billion year-old conglomerate boulder made a fitting backdrop for the group shot and it was on to the Pancake Bay shoreline and the beckoning beach. A spring peeper was spied basking on dry leaf litter en-route through open hardwood.

 

Some shoes and socks came off for the northeast amble through the sand on the return trip. April you say? Seemed more like June. Another spectacular day in Algoma.

 

On the boardwalk 

 

April 09, 2016; Round Island Point Nature Preserve 

Leader / Report: Val Walker

Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Round Island Point Nature Preserve to see more photos on our Flickr site.

Go to Round Island Point Nature Preserve Apr 09, 2016 Garmin Adventure  for the track log and more details for this outing.

 

Ten participants ventured to Cedar Point at the north end of this nature preserve and then south along the eastern shoreline. A south-west cut through the bush took us back to the access road (see the track log below). Total distance hiked was 6.3 km.

 

Travel along the road that bisects the preserve was easy enough. However, off-road travel involved some good, old fashioned bushwhacking through hummocky, tag alder wetlands and thick balsam fir stands as well as up and over blow-down along the shoreline. Nobody lost an eye.

 

Between the glorious sunshine and Terry's puns, spirits remained high despite the challenges of hiking through the many obstacles.

 

Wildlife tracks were numerous and included Ruffed grouse, mink, White-tailed deer, mouse (White-footed or Deer mouse), Eastern coyote, Red fox, Snowshoe hare, Red squirrel and River otter.  Last year's nest of a Northern Parula (warbler) was spotted in an alder and contained lichen which is typically used by the bird. A mature Bald eagle soared above us at the parking area.

 

A quick trip to the lookout platform on the nature preserve's loop trail, provided a scenic vista over Lake Superior and the St. Mary's River.

 

 Past pancake ice en-route to Cedar Point

 

 

April 02, 2016; Maple Syrup at Bob's Bush 

Leader / Report: Bob Currell

Photos: Val Walker

Go to Maple Syrup at Bob's Bush to see more photos on our Flickr site.

Go to  Bob's Bush April 02, 2016 Garmin Adventure  for the track log and more details for this outing.

 

On Saturday April 2^nd  a small group of intrepid Sault Naturalists ventured out to the wilds of Bob’s bush to cook up some maple syrup. There was lots of sap in the 170 pails and it was ‘efficiently’ collected and processed. 

 

It was a beautiful spring day and the recent snowfall added to the maple syrup atmosphere. After a few hours of somewhat strenuous work interspersed with some serious loafing the collecting crew took their leave of syrup-maker Bob  and headed off for more spring adventures.

 

Obviously mad syrup chef

 

March 26, 2016; Woollam Preserve and Derby Nature Preserve Hike (Michigan)

Leader / Report: Carl Linhart

Photos: Val Walker

 

Go to Woollam Preserve and Derby Preserve Hike to see more photos on our Flickr site.

Go to Derby Nature Preserve Garmin Adventure  for the track log and more details for this outing.

 

For eight Soo Nats, blue skies and mild temperatures made this outing pleasant, if not a hard slog through 10 cm of recently fallen snow.  Our trip leader floundered with direction in the The Nature Conservancy's Woollam Preserve with poorly marked trails and his inability to find the unmarked trail to the out-of-preserve remarkable jumble of large boulders nicknamed Narnia because of trail-obscuring snow.  

 

After a frozen shore lunch at the Cedarville marina, we hiked the pleasant Little Traverse Conservancy's William B., Jr Derby Nature Preserve trails, better signed than the Woollam Preserve and a delight to hike with mild changes in terrain through rich woods. 

 

One of the many erratics in the Derby Nature Preserve

 

March 27, 2016; Red Rock Hike

Leader: Val Walker

Report & Photos by Val Walker

 

Go to Red Rock Hike to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Under an overcast sky on a somber day, the magnificent seven tested their limits on offshore snow arches, calving snow packs and thin ice. Happily, all survived.  

 

Along the much safer designated trail through cedar, balsam and pine, the snow had almost disappeared. At about 3 km in, we followed the creek (at the campsite) upstream to the height of land. It became apparent that much of the spring snow melt had already passed through the system and out into the lake. There was still enough water for a respectable display at the falls and some impressive ice formations along the cliff side.

 

Small green tufts of Equisetum scirpoides (dwarf scouring rush or dwarf horsetail) were noted emerging from the leaf litter in the deciduous stand on the approach to the falls.  It is the smallest living horsetail and distinguished from others by its small size and its low, slender unbranched stems.  

 

On the return trip, the offshore route was taken again for part of the distance although conditions were starting to deteriorate with warming temperatures.

 

It was rather quiet in terms of wildlife sightings. Aside from a scolding Red squirrel, calls from Black-capped chickadee and Red-breasted nuthatch were the only vocalizations heard. One adult Stonefly was observed on an icy surface at the base of the falls. The best wildlife sighting was Fiona’s, a River otter on a frozen pond off Maki Road on the way back to the Sault. Good spotting!

 

 Traversing the pack ice 

 

 

March 19, 2016; Odena Hiawatha Loops Hike

Leader / Report: Val Walker

Photos by Shirley Mantyla and Val Walker

 

Go to Odena Hiawatha Loops to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Go to   Odena Hiawatha Loops Garmin Adventure   for the track log and more details for this outing.

 

Eighteen participants started out on this trek beginning at Landslide Rd and heading west on the Hiawatha Loop through a popular section of the Voyageur Trail. With well below freezing temperatures the night before, the snow pack on the trail was solid enough to walk without snowshoes.

 

After crossing 6th Line there was a short scramble up a steep slope to a lookout over the city to the west and the St. Mary's River and Lake George to the south and east. Picking up the blue trail, we hooked into the Odena Loop.

 

This trail is quite a beautiful section of the Voyageur Trail with mixed forests and some magnificent White pines. At the Old Trout Lake Road, rather than crossing the creek and continuing on the Odena Loop, we took the road south toward 6th Line. We stopped briefly for lunch on a sunny bank next to the fast moving tributary of the Crystal Creek.

 

After lunch, there was some fancy footwork required as the creek had inundated the road at this site and there are a few wet spots to hop over. There was a brief walk on 6th Line and Connor Road before picking up the main (white) Voyageur Trail. A hard right (south) at the intersection put us back on the (yellow) Hiawatha Loop and eventually at the top end of Crystal Falls.

 

Water volume must be close to maximum and with the remnants of snow and ice, the falls made a spectacular winter scene. It was a bit of a slog uphill (but short) away from the falls before walking through the Red pine plantation back to the parking spot. 

 

It was a beautiful sunny day with perfect conditions for hiking. A day that makes you very happy you live in Algoma.

 

               

                          Fancy footwork  (VWalker)                                                               Crystal Falls (SMantyla)

 

March 06, 2016; Family Tree ID Outing (Trees, Beautiful Trees!)

Leader: Don and Vivian Hall

Report by Jen Parks

Photos by Don and Vivian Hall

 

Go to Family Tree ID to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

The Soo Naturalists Family Tree ID outing began at 3:30 on Sunday, March 6 at Don and Vivian Hall's home. A group of 17 children ranging from ages 2 - 14 and 15 adults were in attendance. The outing began with a group of boisterous, energetic kids throwing snowballs at trees, and occasionally each other, in Don and Vivian's woods while parents assembled various gear and potluck items.

 

We then all moved on to the base camp, also known as Don and Vivian's garage, whereupon was unveiled our challenge of the day: find and identify six types of trees: white birch, cedar, white pine, balsam fir, red maple and black spruce. Information was provided by the Hall's about identifying features of these trees as well as potential animal tracks we might find while out on our adventure. Evergreen tree shaped nametags where handed out to each person which included group information.

 

After we had all assembled in our various groups we were off to complete our goal of locating and taking a small sample from all six tree species. A myriad of snowshoe trails guided us through the Hall's property. The trails were frequently crossed by tracks giving evidence to the presence of squirrels, rabbits, birds and mice who inhabit the area. Most of the trees on our list could be found nearby with the exception of the elusive white pine which resided WAY out along the snowmobile trail (about 500 meters away). Once the intrepid groups had found all, or most, of the species on our lists, and collected a sample of each, we returned back to base camp, where a cheery fire and hot chocolate warmed us as we prepared for our next task: the potluck.

 

While adults were preparing the meal, many of the older children romped around outdoors or engaged in the very challenging event of holding very still near a bird feeder until a chickadee lands on your hand. Meanwhile, the younger children raided Don and Vivian's toy box and had great fun with the toys and each other.

 

A delicious potluck meal was soon served and we were all able to satiate our hungry bellies with a variety of delectable dishes. As the night wore on and our children's (and many parent's) eyelids grew heavy we said goodbye to our friends. The final treat of the evening was a fantastic display of lightening, streaking across the sky as we each made our way to our respective homes.

 

Thank you Don and Vivian for the wonderful afternoon.

 

Keying out the trees

 

 

March 06, 2016; The Canyon Ski 

Leader: Mark Crofts

Report by Ron Prickett

Photos by Val Walker

 

Go to Canyon Ski to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Yes, what would the winter wanderings of the Soo Nats be without a trip to Horst Wetzl’s famous Canyon at the source of one of the tributaries of the Root River.  With its magnificent cliffs festooned with turquoise frozen falls cumulating in the massive frozen ice sheet in the far corner.  The wall of ice can, on sunny days when the sun is right, sparkle and shimmer with the brilliant bluish tones of glaciers. 

 

Led by Mark Crofts, who broke trail all the way, several adventurous Soo Nats skied their way, as did Horst many years ago, across the Root.  Along the way an otter (we think) scurried up the hill out of our sight but left a telltale trail that indicated otter tracks and these tracks were also seen scuttling along the river banks.  At one point the giant strides of a moose were seen plunging into the river at one point, but plowing up the other side never the less.  

 

We continued along into the jaws of the canyon past the ever challenging, the crazy mouth of the canyon, guarded by boulders that form a barrier that are formidable even to the best of adventurers attempting to cross through.  Never attempt this passage on the north side for there lies beneath the snow the waters that never freeze.  They are more then welcoming to the unsuspecting rookie to pull into their cold grasp and end their day in dampness and cold, sulking all the way home without the joys of the view of the canyon to add to their memory logs.  

 

Following Mark into the canyon, safely by the guardian boulders, we set up for lunch next to the gigantic frozen turquoise wall of ice made from the springs that feed it from high above.  The warmth of the fire belayed the cold wintery appearance of the glacier next to us.  Mark set up his pot for making hot chocolate by hanging it from a branch stuck in the deep snow. With just a twist his branch could easily adjust for just the right amount of heating and positioning for keeping the chocolate churning just enough. 

 

Before lunch Mark shared his ceremonial tobacco with each of us.  We offered prayers of remembrance of Horst through the burning of the tobacco in our fire.  The smoke from the tobacco drifted upward carrying our prayers into the sky.  After which Mark shared a shot of Sortilege and we had a good old fashion French Canadian toast to Horst and the great times we have had over the years coming to the canyon.  We remembered the many times Horst prepared and marked the trail to help us on our way and his always warm welcome when we passed by his home.  With some leftover eau de vie d’érable (maple whiskey), we added some of Mark’s hot chocolate to make a most enjoyable drink with lunch. 

 

Before embarking on our return trip, Mark took out his trusty bagpipes and wandered down the narrow canyon and played in solitude.  The haunting sound of the bagpipes resonated off the walls of the canyon.  Finishing with Amazing Grace made it an appropriate tribute by Mark to Horst’s memory.  Thanks Mark.  We finished the day in sunlight and remembered another great trip to Horst Wetzel’s Canyon.  Thanks Mark for making it so rich and spiritual.    

 

Lunch fire at The Canyon

 

 

March 05, 2016; Trans Lake Tour 2 

Leader: Ila Aho

Report / Photos by Val Walker

 

Go to Trans Lake to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Go to http://adventures.garmin.com/en-US/by/j-man-58/five-lakes-in-aweres-township/#overview

for the track log and more details for this outing.

 

With Ila at the helm, 17 participants (2 on skis, the rest on snowshoes) headed out across Lower Island Lake under somber skies. Snow machines had infiltrated the area with packed trails on the lakes as well as the connections between the lakes. So, with much ease, we traveled on to Canoe Lake, across its length and over the next ‘portage’ to Finn Lake. A small ice fishing party had managed to hook some Brook (speckled) trout and ‘bass’ on the west side of the first small island.

 

Across Finn Lake and over the next wooded connection to Redrock Lake we went and stopped for lunch at a northwest bay to basked in the strong sunshine. Aside from the ubiquitous Red squirrel tracks, there was little wildlife sign to be seen. A bald eagle, high in the sky, soared over at noon.

 

From Redrock, we followed the outlet creek to Heyden Lake and headed for the hills beyond the north shore. Here we picked up the trail through cedar lowlands along the Root River back to Lower Island Lake. As in previous years, there was some open water along the river but plenty of ice along the shoreline. A pileated woodpecker was heard calling as we passed on to Lower Island Lake and back to the start at the parking area. Thanks Ila!

 

Or as Ron would say:

As the slurry of Soo Nats snowshoers slipped across the frozen surface of Lower Island Lake back towards their cars, the celestial gods closed the curtain on a bright sunshiny day with a bank of black ominous clouds seemingly drawing to an end for a great day in the Algoma hinterland.  Thanks Ila for the Tour Des Lacs.

 

Crossing Lower Island Lake

 

February 27, 2016; Rose Lake Dune Peatland Complex Conservation Reserve

Leader: Chuck Miller

Report / Photos Val Walker

 

Go to Rose Lake Dune Peatland to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Led by Chuck Miller, 12 participants snowshoed their way through this conservation reserve with its unique and hence provincially significant sand dune-peatland complex. The 275 hectare site also has several wetland types most notably fen, bog and marsh.

 

A climb to the top of a bedrock knoll gave a panoramic view of the reserve and a great photo op. Pileated woodpecker feeding cavities were noted enroute as was an active Porcupine den on a craggy ledge. Black-capped chickadees were heard in the surrounding forest. White-tailed deer tracks were prevalent here and elsewhere on the reserve as this is a historic deer wintering area. Snowshoe hare tracks and feeding activity, otter and bobcat tracks were also observed.

 

Curiously, two different species of caterpillars were spotted on tree branches and apparently had emerge with the several degrees above zero midday temperature. Jury is out on identification. Stay tuned.

 

Back in the lowland bog, Black spruce and Larch were prevalent on the sand ridges and Chuck exposed some of the sphagnum moss contributing to peat deposits within the inter-dune swales. Labrador tea, Blueberry and Sweet gale were apparent above the snow layer.

 

What appeared to be an active beaver lodge was noted within the reserve. Nobody wanted to verify the lodge’s status as ice thickness around the lodge was extremely thin.

 

There were no mishaps save one soaker near the start of the 8 km trek. Miraculously nobody lost an eye bushwhacking through the thick vegetation along the edge of the bog. Despite the absence of a crust thick enough to support anyone but Patty (maybe), the going was pretty good…mostly because Chuck had broken the trail a couple of days before. What a sport!

 

Refreshments at Bobbers in Bruce Mines and we called it a day. Thanks Chuck!

 

Through the fen at Rose Lake Conservation Reserve

 

 

February 17, 2016; Winter Birds in Michigan

Leader / Report: Dave Euler

Photos by Simeon Rogers

 

What a great day we had on Saturday, February 13.  At our Naming Circle, at the beginning of the trip, everyone mentioned the temperature at home before they came.  The coldest day was minus 28 Celsius, the warmest, minus 23 C.  O yes, there was one minus 18 Fahrenheit.  However our hearts were laughing and ready for the annual "Snowy Owl" day. 

 

At Rudyard, the keen eyes of the Rodgers family, Anna, Elijah and Simon spotted the first owl, perched on a utility pole so far in the distance, some of the older birders couldn't even see it.  However, minutes later we found another owl and another and another and finally when we left Pickford about 2:30 pm, we had seen eleven owls. Our excellent photographer, Simeon Rodgers, took the pictures attached to this report.

 

But that's not all.  In Pickford we saw Bohemian Waxwings, Evening Grosbeaks, Redpolls, Siskins, Mourning Doves, Blue Jays, Starlings, Pine Grosbeaks, and one lonely crow.  We hated to leave.

 

As we finished a cold day, with warm thoughts, we saw a young female owl perched close to the road for a lasting memory of a great day looking for snowy owls. She is the one in the pictures with the most dark flecking on her body.

 

Thanks Simeon for those great pictures.

 

      

 

January 30 2016; Backcountry Ski in the Kirkwood Forest 

Leader: Jeff Robinson

Reported by Ron Prickett  

Photos by Val Walker

 

Go to Backcountry Ski to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

It was a cloudy but warm winter's day when nine Soo Nats ventured out into the enchanting Kirkwood forest on snowshoes and skis.  With its majestic stately Red Pine in plantation rows sprinkled with stands of White Pine, it is a magical place for a winter's wandering.

 

Jeff, a former Thessalonian our stalwart leader, pointed out that where we parked at the MNR station on McCreights Road, was a prison farm in the past.  Jeff said many a Thessalonian and district miscreant spent their wayward ways on the farm thinning the plantation. Jeff spent many a time here in his youth but he says not in the farm.  

 

With no compass or GPS Jeff relied on his child hood memories to lead us along the snowy passages of the pine plantation. At noon a roaring fire was created by the team work of the group gathering burnable brush to feed the fire. Murray with the help of last weeks’ flyers and some strips of birch bark lit the conflagration.  

 

After lunch we headed back to end a great time spent enjoying a mild January day.  Hare, deer and Red squirrel tracks were noted but only a crow was sighted. To top the day, a refreshing coffee or beer with pasta, pies, munchies and fries at Bobbers. Welcome Graeme a new member to our group.

 

Through the pine plantations

 

January 23 2016; Stokely Creek Snowshoe Festival 

Reported by Brenda Gallander  

Photos by Brenda Gallander

 

Go to Stokely Creek 2016 to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

We snowshoed the King Mountain Trail to the cabin at King Mountain’s West Peak. This trail is dubbed by the Stokely Creek Lodge and Snowshoe Trail map as “our most strenuous and demanding adventure, and it’s worth every step”. Their description is accurate!

 

We were told to plan for a minimum of 1.5 hours to the peak, and it took us a little more than that with frequent short stops to rest and enjoy the scenery.

 

Dave identified a variety of trees along the way, among them some very large, old Yellow Birch and Spruce. We saw many trees which had broken off and/or fallen due to high winds.

 

We came across Cheryl Widdifield and Mark Crofts who were tenting for a few days along the trail. They had a roaring fire going in their round wood stove inside the tent, and Mark was building a bonfire outdoors.

 

We manoeuvred through many narrow, rock bordered, switchback trails as we neared the peak. The views out over the valley were gorgeous!

 

We enjoyed the chili, bread, tea and large cookies served in the cabin along with a large group of fellow snowshoers who reached the hut at the same time as us.

 

On the return route down to the day lodge, we had fun sliding on our rear ends down some of the hills.

 

Near the end of the trail, the Stokely Creek offered some crystal-like ice formations for us to photograph.

 

The map states that this trail is 13 km out and back from the lodge, but we figured it was more like 7-8 km. We started out on the trail at 11 a.m. and returned to the day lodge at 4:15 p.m. After another bowl of chili and a cup of hot chocolate, we headed back to the parking lot.

 

All in all, it was a very enjoyable outing!

 

 Carol, Ron, Brenda and Dave prepare for the long haul to the summit 

 

January 16, 2016; Maple Lake Loop 

Leader / Report:  Val Walker

Flickr Photos by Val Walker, Shirley Mantyla, & Chuck Miller

 

Go to Maple Lake Loop 2016 to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

On probably one of the most spectacular days so far this winter, 18 participants showed up to do the 7 km loop near Maple Lake, off the Searchmont Highway just north of the Bellevue trestle.

 

The snow has not yet set up, so there was some trail breaking required. With 16 snowshoers and 2 cross-country skiers in the crowd, there is now a virtual highway through the area, at least till the next snow fall.

 

The trek involved a gradual climb for the first 3.5 km along a well maintained logging road, with a few steeper hills here and there just to keep the heart rate up. We passed along towering rock faces with orange lichen and steep sided gorges. Red fox and Varying (Snowshoe) hare were the only wildlife tracks noted. Some Black-capped chickadees were spotted as we passed by several cavity/wildlife trees around high noon.

 

A bonfire lunch was at the height of land in a sunny, hardwood stand. It was an easy decent along a hillside as we bushwhacked our way northwest toward the road to Maple Lake. Once on the road, we trudged west past Quinn Lake to our right and down a few steep hills to the lowlands below. Happily, most of us made it down the hills without incident.

 

We crossed open country with several gravel pits before the long grade back up to the ACR railway tracks and the parking area.

 

Thanks to all that participated in making this a trip to remember. 

 

Setting the pace for the trek in (Photo - Shirley Mantyla)

 

 

January 09, 2016; Woodlot Tour off Case Road 

Leader:  Art Groot (presenter-owner) / Jerry Kroetsch (logistics)

Reported by Jerry Kroetsch  

Photos by Val Walker

 

Go to Managed Forest Tour 2016 to see more photos on our Flickr site.

 

Art Groot led a group of 28 people around his home woodlot at the end of Case Road.  Members of both the Sault Naturalist and the Algoma Chapter of the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) were in attendance.

 

Art’s tour consisted of nine stops around his 70 acre woodlot; where he explained his undertakings and his management objectives.  The group advanced the discussion with questions and personal perspectives.

 

At the outset Art used the deep ravine and creek under his driveway to point out that most of his property is sandy soil.  Sandy soil is dry and not overly nutrient rich.  This sand below the rock cliffs likely marks a shoreline of ancient glacial Lake Algonquin.

 

Further in the driveway, Poplar and Balsam Fir trees were removed to favour Red Oak and Sugar Maple.  The Oaks are responding well but overall growth in the Sugar Maple is moderate due to the dry nutrient poor soil.

 

Near his residence is a circa 1970 Red Pine stand.  The pine grows well on this site.  One thinning was conducted three years ago and now the tree crowns are touching again.  Art recognizes the need for a subsequent thinning if he is to reach his objective of producing high quality utility poles.  The problem of small woodlot owners having too little wood volume to attract a buyer was discussed. The OWA recognizes the potential for cooperatives to make thinning and improvement cuts more financially viable.

 

An old field, from which potatoes were harvested in the 1930’s, was the next stop. Bracken Ferns and Choke Cherries are now the predominant vegetation.  A few White Pine and Red Oak have seeded in naturally.  On the edge of the field, Art planted acorns and in the past few years Red Pine seedlings. Once they outgrow the ferns, both desirable tree species do well.

 

At the other edge of this old field, Art and his daughters planted Red and White Pine seedlings.  He and his daughters are proud of the rapid growth and the fact that the field has now been transformed to young a forest eighteen years later.  A discussion ensued on whether to prune weevilled old field White Pine or whether it is best to remove them.

 

Back in the hardwoods numerous canker and wood borer defects were pointed out.  Broken trees hung in other trees represent a significant safety hazard for the chain saw operator.  Geoff Meakin pointed out that mandatory safety requirements have led to mechanised logging being virtually the only way to commercially harvest a hardwood forest.

 

At the back of Art’s woodlot was an area with clay soil. The understorey was much denser in this nutrient rich soil.  The Poplars were healthier and there were a greater variety of species including Ash, White Spruce, Balsam Fir and a few Basswoods.  Art was considering favouring Ash trees on this section, but he is expecting the emerald ash borer to shortly reach his edge of the Sault Ste. Marie.

 

Back on the sandy soil, Art showed where he removed all mature trees in a small opening. The remaining young White Pine and Red Oak are showing good growth and response to removal of the over story.  The patch is still shaded from the side and none of the narrow diameter White Pine leading shoots showed any sign of weevil damage.  Art envisions similar patch cuts as desirable in the future.

 

Returning near the house, another area where a number of Poplars had been removed was visited.  Some of the small diameter Sugar Maples showed sun scalding on the south side. Dave Euler commented that some of the few large residual Poplars have food rich buds which are important food sources for grouse and occasionally black bears.  The buds on male Poplar trees are the larger and an important food source for wildlife.

 

Art’s clear voice and respect for his woodlot made for an interesting and informative tour.  Art thanked the group for their input.

 

Ron Prickett, President of the Sault Naturalists, commented on the good turnout and mused that joint tours with other interest groups are a good idea.

 

Woodlot management tour with Art Groot (pointing in blue)