Outing Guidelines

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

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

 

Nov 21, Horst Wetzl Memorial Nov 14, Hike to Farmer Lake October 17, Thessalon River Delta / Rock Lake Red Oak Conservation Reserve October 10, Hike the Tahquamenon River October 03, Searchmont South Forest Conservation Reserve Sept 13, Birch Point Fall Migration Sept 12, Fungal Foray with Bonni Sept 05, Kiss Summer Goodbye from Hay Marsh August 29, 2015. Geology Tour with Manfred August  22, 2015. Bicycle Bar River to Pumpkin Point August 18, 2015. Waterfowl Banding on Lake George August 8, 2015. Botanizing with Steve Furr August 1, 2015. Hike Tahquamenon Falls State Park July 26, 2015. Thessalon River Paddle July 22, 2015, Peregrine Falcon Viewing July18, 2015. Pointe aux Chenes Botanizing July 16, 2015. Invasive Plant Workshop July 03, 2015. Ontario Nature Reserve Celebration June 30, 2015. Mark's Bay Conservation Outing June 10, 2015. Bar River Bikes and Birds May 28, 2015. Naomikong Birds & Botany May 24, 2015, Whitefish Island Family Birding & Picnic May 24, 2015, Sunday Swift Night

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

1. Click on "Edit page."

2. In the space above any previous report, write a title for your report, date it, and give the name of the leader.

Example:

     Sat Oct 16, 2010. Monocle Lake Hike 

     Leader—Jeanne Mannesto.

3. Write the body of the report and include your name, unless you wish to remain anonymous. Leave a space between your report and a previous report.

4. Click on "Save" below.

If you'd like to include photos from an outing:

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

2. Click on the "Images and files" tab under "Insert Links"

3. Click on Upload files.

4. Click on the "Browse" button and select the photo file you want to upload. Its file name should appear under "Images and Files."

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6. If necessary, resize the photo so that it is no larger than the one above.

7. Click on "Save" below.

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

 

Nov 21, Horst Wetzl Memorial

Reported by Ron Prickett  & Val Walker

Photos by Val Walker

 

Horst was a longtime member of the Saulteaux Club of the Voyageur Trail Association and a great outdoors man. He chose to live off the grid north of Peoples Road in a rustic homestead he built himself. 

 

The Voyageur Trail crosses over Horst's property which he enthusiastically maintained for many years. His place was always open and welcoming to skiers and hikers when they passed by. Horst blazed numerous trails on his property that followed streams, valleys and ascended to hilltop lookouts where often a roughed hued bench could be found to rest and contemplate. Trails behind the homestead are aptly named the Wetzl Loops. 

 

Most notably, Horst blazed a 4 km scenic trail to what many refer to as 'Horst's Canyon'. This destination is, and has been for many years, an annual winter pilgrimage where skiers hope to see the beautiful turquoise ice falls which, on sunny days, sparkles and shines.

 

On Nov 21, a Horst Wetzl memorial hike and lunch was organized between the Sault Naturalist and the Saulteaux Club. Twenty-three club members were hosted by Horst's sons, daughter-in-laws, grandkids and friends for a hot dog roast and chili with all the fixings. Club members also contributed with snacks and desserts for the smorgasbord. Participants trooped through all of the Wetzl Loops including the Lookout Trail. Gathered around the fire, members shared their fond memories of Horst.

 

Thanks to the Wetzl Family and friends and all those that participated in making this a fitting tribute to Horst.

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album from this outing.

  

Remembering Horst

 

 

Nov 14, Hike to Farmer Lake

Leader:  Ron Prickett

Reported by Ron Prickett    Photos by Val Walker

 

It started out a cloudy ominous day but a dedicated gaggle of Naturalists and friends were determined to do the loop and visit Farmer Lake in the Hiawatha forest.  Yes Chuck, Karen, Lisa, Jeff, Val, Patti, Ila, Carol, Fiona, Richard, Murray, Garry, Dave, Carol, Mark et moi ventured forth. 

 

There are seven hills you must climb up and down before reaching the tranquil setting of Farmer Lake. So the hike went from aerobic to anaerobic in a blink of the new hill to climb.  We named one plateau on the top of hill four or was it five.  It is amazing how your counting skills diminish with lack of oxygen.  We named the plateau “Polypore Plateau” because standing next to the trail was a snag absolutely covered top to bottom with birch polypores. Just how long this marker will remain will be the question. Polypores love wood especially dead wood and so succession carries on in the quiet of the forest.  

 

At the moment we reached Farmer Lake the sky opened and a glorious sun bathed us all in the warmth of a sun that seemed more like September’s then November’s. We had a great lunch. Mark pointed out as they flew overhead that we had two Bald Eagles and one Rough-legged hawk as we returned our energy levels to normal. 

 

Finishing the loop, walking into the sun was a great way to wrap up the trip.  Good times were had by all and no one got a soaker or blister. A club trip to Atikokan was suggested to our Northwestern Ontario guest, Lisa.

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album from this outing.

 

 Lunch on Farmer Lake

 

Nov 07, Explore Round Lake Point Nature Preserve 

Leader:  Emily Weber

Reported / Photos by Val Walker

 

In 1991, the Finlayson Family (one of whom was Betty Nassoiy, a long time Soo Nats member) gave a generous gift of 460 acres to the Michigan chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which was later transferred to the Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) . This helped to make the Round Lake Point Nature Preserve now at 1,024 acres and 9,000 feet of water frontage on Lake Superior, the LTC's second largest preserve.

 

This  protected habitat, only 20 minutes west of SSM, Michigan, provides excellent wildlife habitat for mammals such as bear, white-tailed deer, beaver, porcupine and bobcat. In addition, the preserve lies within a major flyway where migrating waterfowl and other birds can be spotted in the spring and fall.

 

A 1.6 mile, well marked loop trail provides access through balsam fir woods, red pine plantation, maple and birch uplands, and alongside extensive beaver meadows.  A viewing deck, boardwalks, stairways, and a floating bog crossing minimizes damage to the preserve and enables visitors to better experience the property.

 

Our group of 10 were pleased with the appearance of one Pine grosbeak when we first accessed the trail and stepped onto the viewing deck. Further into the preserve, we spotted a Downy woodpecker and spent a respectable amount of time scanning the substrate for interesting flora and fungi. Goldthread (Coptis trifolia) was pointed out and Bob explained to 7 year old Evelyn how it got its name. Several species of Sphagnum moss were evident and the 2 Sault College students (Danielle and Jacob) pondered to determine which species exactly. Bilberry (Vaccinium sp.) was along the trail, leaves now turned to yellow along with Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens) and Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens). 

 

A variety of fungi was also observed, only a few of which could be identified by the group. Both Violet tooth polypore (Trichaptum biforme) was present as was its close look alike...Turkey-tail polypore (Trametes versicolor). Large patches of Interrupted clubmoss (Lycopodium annotinum) aka bristly or stiff clubmoss, provided a vibrant emerald hue in an increasingly non-green understory. 

 

At the beaver pond, the dam was well maintained and sturdy enough for some of us to go for a closer look at the beaver lodge. Evelyn and Dave noted that the beavers have been busy adding to their winter food cache. 

 

We ambled through a Red Pine plantation and eventually looped back to the parking area. We managed to extend a short hike into several pleasant hours contemplating the whats and whys of nature.

 

Thanks again to Emily for suggesting and leading this interesting fall outing.

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album from this outing.

 

Interrupted clubmoss (Lycopodium annotinum)                                            Walking the beaver dam

 

 

Oct 25, Ashmun Creek Natural Area 

Leader:  Emily Weber

Reported / Photos by Val Walker

 

Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is a 300-acre woodland referred to as the Ashmun Creek Natural Area. Approximately 2.0 miles of trails weave through a mixed-wood forest, home to mammals such as White-tailed deer, Snowshoe hares and North American beaver.

 

A small contingent of Naturalists, in the company of LSSU professor Dr. Greg Zimmerman, hopped and waded through puddles to explore this pleasant, green space in the centre of the city. 

 

Throughout the woodland are interpretative signs relating to the natural cycle of forests. How disturbances such as the removal of trees through disease, blow-down, beavers or porcupines can provide an opportunity for sun loving, pioneer plant species to establish themselves. With these new plants comes an increase in biodiversity not only in the plant community but also in the animal community that depends on them.

 

A sign described vernal pools as small, temporary ecosystems resulting from snow melt and outlined the importance that they provide as critical habitat to frogs, salamanders, insects and specialized plants.

 

Greg explained how the beaver meadow encountered controls water flow by absorbing pulses in water volume (after a rainstorm or snow melt) and then releasing water slowly into Ashmun Creek to avoiding flash floods. In addition, pollutants and sediments are trapped by vegetation to maintain water quality.

 

All in all, this is an informative little spot, close to town and provides a quiet, uplifting escape from urban life. A note of caution....bring boots tall enough to handle the formidable puddles in the spring & fall. Just ask Noah about that.

 

Thanks to Emily Weber for organizing and leading this outing.

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album from this outing.

 

 

Noah taking it all in (Photo- Val Walker)

 

 

October 17, Thessalon River Delta / Rock Lake Red Oak Conservation Reserve

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album from this outing.

To see a description, photos and track details for this outing .... click HERE

 

Rock Lake and Indian Lake from outlook (Photo-Val Walker)

 

October 10, Hike the Tahquamenon River

Leader:  Val Walker

Reported / Photos by Val Walker

 

On Saturday October 10, a total five Soo Nats made the drive to the Tahquamenon River where a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened five miles of reclaimed tread on the North Country Trail (NCT) along Tahqua Trail Road. Stan & Kay Kujawa and Mary Woodruff (Soo Nats as well as NCT members) were there to greet us.

 

The Tahqua Trail Project to construct this trail is completing the third year of the three year endeavor with funding secured from the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund, National Park Service Project Fund, Quiet Water Society, Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest & Wildlife Fund, North Country Trail Association Field Grant, and the National Park Project Fund.

 

Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore volunteers, in collaboration with Tahquamenon Falls State Park, spent 100’s of hours scouting for the old route, clearing the tread, blazing, and constructing an impressive 21 structures (boardwalks) for safe crossing of the many drainage gullies.

 

After the ceremony, there was a celebratory walk along this flat, scenic trail that follows the slowly meandering Tahquamenon River to the south and the Tahqua Trail Road to the north. It was a beautiful, crisp fall day with bracken fern, touched by the frost and now turned to yellow, gracing the river bank. We passed through mixed-wood forest as well as open coniferous forests with pines (Jack and White) on sandy soils matted with Reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina) ... which is actually a lichen. 

 

There were a few mushroom species out including the Fly Amanita (Amanita muscaria), named as it was used at one time to kill flies. It can also be eaten for a hallucinogenic high or a permanent downer but you never really know which one you are going to get. It's best to take a pass on this mushroom.

 

The multitudes seemed to sprint down the trail and the crew from the Soo somehow ended up bring up the rear. Of course, we did stop for lunch on the river bank and we appeared to be the only ones that did. Sometimes you really should stop and smell the leaf decomp. It's good for the soul.

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album from this outing.

 

Tahquamenon River along the new trail (Photo- Val Walker)

 

 

October 03, Searchmont South Forest Conservation Reserve

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album from this outing.

T o see a description, photos and track details for this outing .... click HERE

 

Rock hopping across Dam Creek (Photo - Val Walker)

 

Sept 13, Birch Point Fall Migration

Leader: Tony Walker

Reported / Photos by Val Walker

Go to Birch Point to see a Photo Album from this outing on our Flickr site.

 

Report pending.

 

 

 

Early light Birding (Photo - Val Walker)

 

 

Sept 12, Fungal Foray with Bonni

Leader: Bonni Mackintosh

Reported / Photos by Val Walker

 

On Saturday, 13 Club members joined Bonni Mackintosh for a hunt for all things fungal starting at Detour Roadside Park and ending at Carl A. Gerstacker Nature Preserve at Dudley Bay, Michigan. 

We were so fortunate to have such an enthusiastic amateur mycologist that is giving of her time and expertise. Bonni estimated that we collected 82 species that day. Now that's impressive! She qualifies that fungal taxonomy is constantly being updated with DNA and other research, and as a result her identification may include genera and specific epitaphs that may have been changed. In addition, there were about 10 "LBMs" (Little Brown Mushrooms) that remained unidentified. See Bonni's Species List.

 

Bonni talked about the basics of wild mushroom identification and emphasized the importance of knowing what species are edible as well as those that are particularly dangerous if consumed. Most species collected in the field were identified and discussed in the field. In addition to tips on collection, storage, and preparation for consumption, Bonni suggested several websites (see below) and reference books for mushroom identification:

--mushroomobserver.org

--mushroomexpert.com
--michiganmushroomhunters.org

 

Back at Bonni's camp, after our pot-luck lunch, the mushrooms species collected where arranged into their taxonomic groups and Bonni went through them all providing a review of their diagnostic features for identification and their uses. 

Thanks, Bonni. A highly educational and enjoyable day!

Go to Fungal Foray to see a Photo Album from this outing on our Flickr site.

 

 

Mushroom hunting with fun-gal Bonni (Photo- Val Walker)

 

Sept 05, Kiss Summer Goodbye from Hay Marsh

Leader: Dave Euler

Reported / Photos by Val Walker

 

On Saturday Sept 05, 14 Soo Nats  (in 5 canoes, 4 kayaks) attempted to visit Hay Marsh, located on St. Joseph's Island. The 40-hectare reserve protects a provincially significant coastal wetland along the St. Mary's River. 

 

We launched from Linda and Al Prodan's camp on the Island and began paddling south-east toward our destination. Dense colonies of bulrushes (Scirpus sp.) along the shoreline provided protection from the wind and waves. Unfortunately, winds picked up a little too much by 2 pm and the mission was shelved for a future outing. 

 

All was not lost as is was a beautiful day nonetheless and we did get up close and personal with a perching Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and saw 3 Mute swans

(Cygnus olor), 1 adult and 2 young. 

Wild flowers spotted included Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita) , Small-flowered Gerardia (Agalinis paupercula), Kalm's Lobelia (Lobelia kalmii), Turtlehead (Chelone glabra), Nodding Ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes cernua), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), and a variety of asters and goldenrods. Robert D checked the shoreline in front of the Prodan's camp and came up with a Leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) and a skimmer dragonfly - a Band-winged Meadowhawk (Sympetrum semicinctum)... although identification has yet to be confirmed.  

 

The day finished off back at the Prodan's camp with hotdogs and fresh pickings from the garden. 

Many thanks to our hosts, Linda & Al as well as Dave Euler for organizing the event and ensuring that everybody had a boat.

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album from this outing.

 

Onward to Hay Marsh (Photo- Val Walker)

 

August 29, 2015. Geology Tour with Manfred

Leader: Manfred Engel

Reported / Photos by Val Walker

 

Manfred Engel led a group of 10 enthusiasts to several geological points of interest along Highway 17 north of the city. The first was just north of Heyden, to look at 2.1- 2.4 billion year old Archean igneous rock with a basaltic dike forming a dark vertical stripe. Dikes mark an ancient fracture where molten magma intruded and cooled.

 

Next, was a site where the oldest sedimentary sequence of mudstone was exposed at the surface on a 45 degree plane. Mudstone's original constituents were clays or muds and with increased pressure over time they metamorphosed into a 5 km thick bed here. Unlike finely bedded shale, mudstone does not split into fine layers.

 

Near Haviland Bay, basalt pillow rock with light green epidote and dark green chlorite was pointed out. Manfred explained that this pillow rock was formed when molten rock erupted from the sea floor into the overlying water. As the outer surface of the molten rock cooled with contact with the water, the hot centre of the pillow broke out to form another pillow and then another.  This outcropping contains the oldest solidified lava flows in the area, over 2.7 billion years old. 

 

1.09 million year old red Jacobsville sandstone metamorphosed from sedimentary sand containing iron (hemotite) and sits on top of Keweenaw lava flows. The Keweenawan Supergroup is a supergroup of volcanic and sedimentary rocks about 30 kilometers thick and formed about 1.1 to 1.3 billion years ago. And of course, this attractive sandstone was used extensively as a building material in the twin cities.

 

At Chippewa Falls, we observed black Keweenaw lava flows that solidified over top of pink 2.5 billion year old Archean granite representing a 1 billion year old  time difference between the two layers. Pot holes in the lava rock formed through the process of abrasion by water borne pebbles and stones that gradually wore the holes deeper and deeper into the rock

 

At the next site, ash in between lava rock suggests that the molten rock erupting from fumaroles (vents) in the bottom of the sea contained felsic (or silicic). Felsic is a mineral which is associated with rock deposits that fragment.    

 

On a cobble beach, we found diabase stones some of which were vesicular basalt (with holes that once contained volcanic gases) and some were amygdaloidal basalt (where the holes had filled with calcite). Stones of granite, gneiss and volcanic rock dominate the shoreline but minerals including pale grey quartz, red-orange feldspar, burgundy garnet, green volcanic rock and black amphibole are also present. What a great place to collect colourful stones!

 

Near Mica Bay, we saw a (pink) felsic dike in igneous rock, multiple lava flows with underlying interflow breccia (broken rock flow deposit)

and daisy stone.... circular development of feldspar crystals in rock looking like the petals of daisies. In is believed slow cooling of the crystals resulted in rapid crystal growth prior to the solidification of the molten rock matrix.

 

It was a beautiful day despite the questionable start and ended with a pleasant sit on the beach at Doug MacDougall's camp near the Batchewana River. 

 

For more information on local geology see the following links:

 

http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/sites/default/files/geotour_pdf_files/geotours_lake_superior_e.pdf

 

http://www.geologyontario.mndmf.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/pub/data/imaging/POP001//pop001.pdf

 

Go to Geology to see a Photo Album from this outing on our Flickr site.

 

 Manfred at the dyke (Photo- Val Walker)

 

August  22, 2015. Bicycle Bar River to Pumpkin Point

Leader: Chuck Miller

Reported by Ron Prickett

 

Led by the indomitable Robert D, Chuck Miller herded fourteen of us through the byways from Bar River Village to the Laird Township Centennial Park . We stopped along the way to view the myriad number of Sand Hill Cranes grazing in the barley fields of the Bar River plain.  

 

Yes, we also observed the familiar V shaped formations and heard the haunting honking flight of Canada Geese flying overhead reminding us of the imminent emigration to come. Fleeting glimpses of hummingbirds, flickers, and woodpeckers also greeted our ears and searching eyes.  

 

The rest for lunch in the pavilion at the park on the shores of Lake George was enjoyed by all.  We traversed a more eastern route up to Government Road which lead us through more fields and forests. Another fleeting glimpse, this time of a Great Blue Heron fishing in the Bar River next to a gaggle of Canada  Geese, greeted us at the bridge.   

 

All and all it was a great day with great company.  Thanks Chuck for leading this intrepid group.  

 

The Cycle Crew (Photo - Chuck Miller)

 

August 18, 2015. Waterfowl Banding on Lake George

Leader: Derek Goertz and Greg Cull (MNRF)

Reported & Photos by Val Walker

 

The Sault Ste. Marie MNRF through the Ontario Waterfowl Banding Program, conducted an exercise on Tuesday night to collect ducks from the Lake George marsh located near the mouth of the Bar River. Twelve Soo Nats showed up to observe.

 

An airboat equipped with flood lights, confuses ducks so that surveyors can net the birds from the boat. Did you know capture efficiency is maximized one week before a new moon and one week after? Apparently on a dark, moonless night, the ducks cannot see the horizon and will not attempt to fly away. This makes them easier to net. The birds are caged and then processed when they are dropped off at the banding station.

 

During processing, waterfowl are tallied, identified and fitted with a metal leg band. In addition, sex and maturity are determine and each bird is swabbed to test for Avian Influenza and then released. The data from recovered bands provide information on the distribution and movement of species, population dynamics, population trends, life span and health. Ontario is a critical breeding site for many North American waterfowl species and data provided by this program helps ensure sustainable harvesting.

 

Approximately 20 birds were captured on the first pass though the marsh (lasting approximately 1 hour) using the airboat. Blue-winged teals, Mallards and Wood ducks were brought to the banding station where Matt Purvis, a Restoration Ecologist with the MNRF, explain the finer points of identification, sexing and aging. Band types, sizes and their application were also discussed.  

 

Unfortunately there was a big deluge just as the MNRF staff started to band the ducks which complicated things slightly. Field work...it can be a challenge if the weather doesn't cooperate. The Nats could head home to their warm, dry beds after a few birds... and they did, except for Don & Vivian Hall and grandson Christopher. They hung in there for the long haul with the MNRF crew into the wee hours ...collecting, banding and wearing Blue-winged teal on their heads.

 

Thanks to Derek Goertz and Greg Cull from the SSM MNRF office for including us in this first time ever event in Sault Ste. Marie.

 

For more info on the Ontario airboat duck banding program see: 

http://www.lakemississippi.ca/airboat%20overview-FINAL.pdf

 

Go to Waterfowl Banding to see a Photo Album from this outing on our Flickr site.  

    

 Duck ID with Matt Purvis (Photo- Val Walker)

 

August 8, 2015. Botanizing with Steve Furr

Leader: Steve Furr

Reported & Photos by Val Walker

 

Steve Furr did not disappoint with another 'plantastic' outing through the Horseshoe Bay Wilderness Area, this time entering at the now abandoned Foley Creek Campground. Right off the bat we encountered Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis) and Star-flowered Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum stellatum) with its distinctive pre-ripe striped berries. 

 

Late summer plants like Sweet white clover (Melilotus alba), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare), Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine), Common evening-primrose (Oenothera biennis), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Queen Anne's lace or Wild carrot (Daucus carota), Fleabane (Erigeron annuus) and Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris) were a few of the species still in their flowering prime along the roadside.

 

Other flowering plants like Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), Wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), Red baneberry (Actaea rubra), Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and Winterberry or Michigan holly (Ilex verticillata) were well into their fruiting stage as were several sedge species like Golden sedge (Carex aurea), Fringed sedge (Carex crinita) and Bladder sedge (Carex intumescens).

 

Several club mosses including Interrupted clubmoss (Lycopodium annotinum) and Ground pine as well as mosses like Stair-step moss (Hylocomium splendens), Shaggy moss (Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus), Broom moss (Dicranum fuscescens) and Spiky peat moss (Sphagnum squarrosum) carpeted the damp forest floor. Water parsnip (Sium suave) was found in a wet area and although edible it is best avoided as it can be easily confused with the deadly poisonous Water hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

 

The dark white cedar lowlands ultimately opened into a sand beach on Lake Huron. Here flowering Kalm's lobelia (Lobelia kalmii) produced a purple haze close to the ground interspersed with the yellow of Coreopsis sp. and Houghton's solidago (Solidago houghtonii).... a rare plant, and the blue of Harebells (Campanula rotundifolia). White camus (Zigadenus elegans), Galium sp. and Grass-of-Parnassus flowers (Parnassia glauca) added a touch of white to the colour mix. 

 

Some birds spotted along the trail and beach: Northern flicker, Black-capped chickadee, Red-breasted nuthatch, Black-throated green warbler, Song sparrow, Common tern, Bald eagle (mature).

 

Herptiles seen included Spring peeper, American toad, Wood frog, Leopard frog and Garter snake. Insects ...Skimmer dragonflies, Cicada, Ebony jewelwing, Monarch butterfly (and larvae) and Goldenrod soldier beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus). 

 

Go to Botanizing to see a Photo Album from this outing on our Flickr site. 

 

 Keying sedges (Photo- Val Walker) 

 

August 1, 2015. Hike Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Leader: Carl Linhart

Reported by Val Walker

 

Eight Soo Nats made the drive to the Lower Falls in Tahquamenon State Park last Saturday, spotted a car and then started up the well worn (and bustling) trail to the Upper Falls.

 

Almost immediately, we came to a screeching halt to view the many and varied fern species. With Rob Routledge with us and his helpful identification tips, we were all fern experts in short order.  We saw lush patches of Oak, Northern Beech, Ostrich, Interrupted, Royal, New York, Spinulose Wood, Lady, Sensitive, Maidenhair and Bracken fern species. 

 

Some of the marsh plants encountered, most in flower were: Monkey flower (square-stemmed), Marsh skullcap, Swamp candle, Common arrowhead, Tuffed loosestrife, Water hemlock, Swamp milkweed, Blue vervain, Joe Pye-weed, White water lily, Turtlehead, and Dwarf scouring rush. 

 

If you want the scientific names for these plants, you can look them up yourself. Try http://ontariowildflowers.com/main/list_common.php to start. 

 

Other plants of note that we saw: Rose twisted stalk, Agrimony, Spreading dogbane, Wild cucumber, Cow parsnip, Small white aster, Virgin's bower, Oval-leaf bilberry, and Round leaf orchid.

 

Of course, we were on the lookout for insects as well and spotted: Ebony jewelwing (damselfly); Comma and Question mark butterflies; a Hummingbird clearwing moth and several bumble species including Bombus perplexus or Confusing bumblebee (no wonder we were baffled identifying it).  Try http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/gallery  for more info.

 

The 4 mile trail seemed to take an eternity when you stop every 10 feet, but hey... that's what we do. 

 

   

 Hummingbird clearwing moth (Photo-Mark Olivier)

 

July 26, 2015. Thessalon River Paddle

Leader: Ron Prickett & Val Walker

Reported by Val Walker

 

Well, yesterday was a good day to be on the water. Hot and sunny but with a little bit of a breeze to cool things down a bit. A total of 8 boats (6 kayaks, 2 canoes), 10 people plus that pesky four year old again, showed up for the lazy 15 km paddle down the Thessalon River. 

 

Putting in at the Centre Line bridge was a bit of a challenge with the ultra steep bank down to a shoal about the size of a door mat. But hey, nothing that a 20 m rope and some group ingenuity and cooperation couldn't solve. With everyone loaded up, the lazy part began with a slow drift down to Gordon Lake. 

 

A little elbow grease was require to shunt across the eastern end of the lake to pick up the slow, meandering river again. Belted kingfishers were spotted along with, Eastern pewees, Great blue herons Turkey vultures and Broad-winged hawks. Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) and Fragrant white water lily (Nymphaea odorata), both in full bloom, graced the margins of the river.

 

Lunch was in a cow pasture (sans cows) along the bank under the welcomed shade of a few spruce trees. Then it was back down the river and the final stretch across Ottertail Lake. Aside from some technical difficulty in one of the canoes (see images), and plenty of annoying barnyard calls coming from a few of the boats, the trip happily, was without incident. 

 

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album for this outing.

                                       

      Paddling the Thessalon River (Photo-Val Walker)

    

July 22, 2015, Peregrine Falcon Viewing

Leader: Adam Jones

Reported by Val Walker

 

Yesterday 11 folks trudged up the backside of a cliff overlooking Cumming's Lake near the Tunnel Lake Trading Post on Hwy 129.

The path was well worn through the dappled light of a mixed wood forest. After 30 minutes of steady but relatively easy climbing we reach a clearing along the top of the cliff with a breathtaking view of the lake, and waited for the peregrine falcons to arrive. Apparently the nest is located below the lookout. 

 

Our outings leader, Adam Jones from The Kensington Conservancy (http://kensingtonconservancy.org/), was planning on using a recorded vocalization of a broad-winged hawk to bring the falcons into view. Instead they arrived without prompting. Mark Olivier got some great shots (see 2 of them attached) of what he considered to be 2 juvenile birds with their strong streaking on the body and playful behaviour, What a spectacle!

 

We also found Wood frogs, Spring peepers and Eastern red-backed salamanders (to the delight of the 4-year old in tow) as well as a flowering Large round leaf orchid (Platanthera macrophylla) in the dark, damp under-story leading to the cliff.

 

Another spectacular day in Algoma! 

Go to Peregrine to see a Photo Album from this outing on our Flickr site.

 

 Falcon aerial display (Photo- Mark Olivier)

 

July18, 2015. Pointe aux Chenes Botanizing

Leader: Rob Routledge

Reported & Photos: Val Walker

 

Rob Routledge guided the group of three enthusiasts to the first stop into a small portion of the Horseshoe Bay Wilderness Area, near St. Ignace. Along a damp, hummocky right-of-way, we noted many wetland plants like Buxbaum sedge (Carex buxbaumii)  and Beak rush (Rhynchospora alba)...which is really a sedge. Rob discussed the finer points of distinguishing rushes, sedges and grasses.

 

Among a variety of fern species, we also encountered Sticky tofieldia (Triantha glutinosa), Pyrola, Wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) , Club Spur orchid (Platanthera clavellata) , Horned bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta),  Swamp valerian (Valeriana uliginosa), and Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)....a species at risk in Michigan. 

 

East of I75 on Hwy 2, we hunted the dunes of Lake Michigan to find Hairy puccoon (Lithospermum caroliniense), Northern slender ladies' tresses (Spiranthes lacera), Hooded ladies' tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana), Wormwood (Artemisia campestris) and many others, as well as some rare flowering plants like Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri), Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum huronense) and Starwort (Stellaria longipes). We found them all! 

 

Some of the odonates and butterflies spotted:

 

Common Name

Frosted Whiteface

Four-spotted Skimmer

Black Meadowhawk

Dot-tailed Whiteface

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

Chalk-fronted Corporal

Whiteface Meadowhawk (male)

Bluet sp.

Emerald Spreadwing

Crescent butterfly sp.

 

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album for this outing.

 

  Botany Think Tank  (Photo - Val Walker)          

 

July 16, 2015. Invasive Plant Workshop

Leader: Lisa Derickx (Algoma University)

Reported by Val Walker

 

A small troupe of naturalists led by Lisa Derickx (Algoma University), combed the city's snow dump site off Queen St. East (near the sewage treatment plant). We were on the prowl for invasive plant species and there were plenty to be had. 

 

A large portion of the site is highly disturbed, creating a utopia for some non-native species to gain a foothold. In the adjacent woodlot, it was shocking to see how highly invasive, non-native species like Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, goutweed and Himalayan balsam have formed dense single-species stands that have completely displaced native vegetation.

 

Lisa discussed the identification features and the ecological impact of each of the invasive species we came across as well as some of the initiatives to control them. In addition, she pointed out other non-native plants on the site that are not considered invasive but may still have a negative impact on ecological function.

 

For a list of the non-native species documented on the outing as well as links to sites where you can learn more about invasive plant species, see the File attached.

 

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album for this outing.

     

  Large stand of Himalayan balsam (Photo- Val Walker)

 

July 03, 2015. Ontario Nature Reserve Celebration

Leader: Dave Euler

Reported by Val Walker

 

Today was a special day. We celebrated the dedication of the nature reserve on St. Joe's Island in honour of Gladys and Cliff Wallwork.

Over 30 guests attended to congratulate Gladys and to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony to declare the reserve now open under it's new name ....The Wallwork Nature Reserve.  The newly erected roadside signage reads:

 

In 1968, Gladys Wallwork and her husband Cliff, raised funds from members of the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan Club to purchase this 100 acre property to save it from development. Due to the presence of several rare plants, the land was transferred in 1971 to Ontario Nature, creating the St. Joseph Island Nature Reserve.

In honour of Gladys and Cliff's foresight, this reserve has been renamed the Wallwork Nature Reserve.

 

Of course, we had to see the Showy Lady's Slippers (Cypripedium reginae)  in all their glory. Despite the fact that the orchids were deep in a conifer swamp, Gladys made her way there to revel in their beauty and to stop to view the many other flowering plants and ferns along the way. She even positively identified a Crested wood fern (Dryopteris cristata) for old times sake.

 

Many thanks to Dave Euler for all the lobbying and effort to make this event happen and to all those involved directly or indirectly in making this day a very special one for Gladys.    

 

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album for this outing.    

 

 Mrs. Gladys Wallwork (Photo- Mark Olivier)

 

June 30, 2015. Mark's Bay Conservation Outing

Leaders: Elisa Muto, Rob Routledge

Reported by Val Walker

 

This past Tuesday, 13 folk armed with mosquito repelling garments and potions ventured to MaryAnn Lake near the Soo airport on a quest for odonates (damselflies and dragonflies).  There was some frantic swinging of nets with lots of misses but there were a few hits as well. 

 

We collected 6 different species of odonates and got a close up look at them all before their release. We also saw some interesting wetland plants including 3 orchid species of note (see partial species list below).

 

Thanks, to Elisa Muto for her efforts (and patience) with instruction on the finer points of collection, identification and natural history of this interesting group of insects. Thanks also to Rob Routledge for his keen eye for wetland plants.

 

It was a mosquito-swatting good time! 

 

Partial Species List

Damselflies

Pond Damsels, Family Coenagrionidae

Bluet species Enallagma sp

Sedge Sprite  Nehalennia irene

Unknown Pond Damsel

Dragonflies

Clubtails, Family Gomphidae

Ashy Clubtail  or  Dusky Clubtail  Gomphus  lividus  or  G. spicatus

Skimmers, Family Libellulidae

Belted Whiteface  Leucorrhinia  proxima

Chalk-fronted Corporal Ladona julia

Orchids, Family Orchidaceae

Rose Pegonia Pogonia ophioglossoides

Grass Pink Calopogon tuberosus

Dragon’s Mouth Arethusa bulbosa

 

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album for this outing.

 

        

                                       The fine points of dragonfly ID (Photo- Val Walker)                               

 

For those of you interested in purchasing insect nets or other insect collecting paraphernalia, see the following link that Elisa has passed along. http://www.atelierjeanpaquet.com/en/default.aspx

 

June 10, 2015. Bar River Bikes and Birds

Leaders: Don & Vivian Hall

Reported by: Val Walker

 

Seven cyclist participated in the Bar River Bikes and Birds outing on Wednesday June 10. 

      Mosquito were out in full force (to be expected) but for the most part, we could stay ahead of them. We sauntered along the boardwalk at the Big Loonie in Echo Bay and scanned the marsh at the Lake Street observation platform. There was a response to recordings for both one Sora and two Virginia rails at Lake St. That was exciting.

      Despite the whining (I won't mention any names) about the approach of menacing clouds from the west and a very abrupt increase in wind speed, the group soldiered on. Through pasture, crops, forest and marsh, we scoured the landscaped for all things feathered and anything else of interest.

      We didn't see any Eastern Bluebirds this trip but there was much to keep us amused including some referencing and discussion prior to positively identifying a Purple Finch.

      Don Hall kept an impressive mental note of our equally impressive list of avian sightings. You can view Don's checklist online at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23855580

     

Photo courtesy of Vivian Hall.

 

 

May 28, 2015. Naomikong Birds & Botany

Leaders: Ev Simon

Photos: Val Walker

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album for this outing.

 

 

                                     Searching for Skunk Cabbage  (Photo- Val Walker)                                           

 

 

May 24, 2015, Whitefish Island Family Birding & Picnic

Leaders:  Vivian & Don Hall

Photos: Val Walker, Marjorie Hall, Don & Vivian Hall

Go to Flickr to see a Photo Album for this outing.

 

On a Sunday afternoon, we had an event targeting young families. 

About 30 participants searched the Whitefish Island trail system on a scavenger hunt for birds, amphibians and insects. A picnic followed.

Thanks to Don and Vivian Hall for their leadership and enthusiasm to keep this crowd entertained.

 

 

Family picnic time (Photo- Val Walker)

 

 

May 24, 2015, Sunday Swift Night

Leader: Ron Prickett

Report & Photos: Val Walker

 

Well... the birds didn't quite cooperate with regards to numbers but those that did materialize did not disappoint.

A little over 100 birds entered the chimney tonight and about 90 spectators had a great view from the Cenotaph steps.

 

A little drama was provided with one swift being snagged by a Herring Gull. Fortunately it all ended happily for the swift with a narrow escape. There was a collective sigh of relief from the crowd.

 

Thanks to all that could attend and support the Save Our Swifts cause.

Keep in mind that this spectacle is nightly.... in all likelihood for the next 10 days or so. 

 

Go to Swift Watch to see more photos from this outing on our Flickr site.

 

       

 

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

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