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Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy’s 20th Anniversary
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Autumn Nectar for Bees and Butterflies Ontario’s Native Asters
With autumn comes the emergence of two major groups of native wildflowers: goldenrods (Solidago sp.) and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). Their late blooming time, after other native wildflowers have faded, makes these wildflowers ecologically important to many species. They are a vital food source to pollinators; especially native bumblebees and south-migrating Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), which feed on the large amounts of nectar and pollen produced by aster flowers. When the flowers emerge in September, the vibrant florets of aster species attract bees and butterflies. Both groups of wildflowers are highly diverse; each constituting more than 15 species. Native wildflowers commonly…
Using the Merlin Bird ID App to Identify Birds
Photo: American Redstart (m) photographed in the Algoma Region (August 2023). Photo by Matthew Palarchio. Birding (birdwatching) is very popular among the Naturalist community around Lake Superior, (and more broadly, the entire Great Lakes Region), showing strong growth in popularity over the past few decades. Some naturalist clubs, including Nature London, have entire committees devoted to birding. Until recently, many birders relied primarily on photographic field guides, bird song mnemonics, and visual observation to identify local bird species. Although these identification tools are still relevant today, the release of Merlin Bird ID by Cornell University in the 2010s has…
Francis Hilb Preserve Field Trip
Field trip day for Bryan Nanni’s grade 4-5 class at Mountainview Public School — a discovery of the biodiversity of life in the forest and wetlands. Through hands on land-based learning, games and self-discovery, this LSWC education program day left students with a sense of wonder about the wetlands. Learning by touching and smelling, the students get a closeup introduction to meat-eating, insectivorous pitcher plants, and the beautiful woodland flower community. All the while we learn together of our shared responsibility to take care of these special natural communities that take care of us! Cailyn Carscadden, the Trent University…
Final Reflection: Paddling Beyond the Point – A Connected Journey
We made it to the Michipicoten River! Paddling from Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa is a world class journey that features some great conservation areas, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. Thank you to everyone who donated, followed along, shared, and helped promote a healthier Lake Superior. Connecting the places I know and love on the Lake is something I’ll always cherish, but it was extra special that I got to share the experience with others. Paddling with my Dad was an experience we will always share together. Interviewing, discussing, and learning from all of the dynamic people I met along…
Day 9: Paddling Beyond the Point – A Connected Journey
With heavy mileage under our belt and a sizeable beach break, we decided to take a wind day. This proved a wise decision, as the wind howled all day, pounding the shore with overhead waves. We played cribbage, roamed the beaches admiring rocks, climbed the rocky outcrops, swam when it got hot, and napped when we were tired. The roar of water racing up the beach and rattle of rocks sliding down it was constant. We didn’t see anyone else pass by all day. In the afternoon I plunged into a book “The Marrow Thieves”. We ate spicy vegetable pad…
Day 8: Paddling Beyond the Point – A Connected Journey
Day 8 was spent following the coastal trail and we chatted with many hikers along the way. We were surprised to hear from people that travelled from all over the country. We also talked with one group we knew from the Sault. The geology was spectacular, but we also enjoyed the fun of paddling in a building swell. When we were hidden from the swell we were able to enjoy the still waters between islands. The gap was so narrow at times, you might think that you were on a river. Some parts had current or seiches that helped us…
Day 7: Paddling Beyond the Point – A Connected Journey
The pictographs are one of the most obvious links to history along the coast. Although it is one of the most frequently visited parts of the park, it is still a ceremonial and sacred place. We observed tourists clambering, shouting, and laughing on the water’s edge, while others sat quietly and left offerings on the higher ledges. I let my dad interpret what the red ochre pictographs might mean. He wondered how old they were. I explained the importance of Mishepeshu and oral histories. We talked a bit about traditional medicines, we sat in silence, I left my miigwetch for…
Day 6: Paddling Beyond the Point – A Connected Journey
It seems everything on Lake Superior is on a massive scale. Granite slabs line the bottom and shoreline. Veins of basalt are a couple metres wide. Surprisingly, the softer basalt is completely eroded away in places leaving deep cracks in the shoreline. Perfect to slide in with a kayak or canoe, they offer a hidden view of the lake. Many times we found logs 25 metres away from water rounded and smooth as though they were in a tumbler. Likewise, my favourite rock formations were smoothed and curved in plastic ways I couldn’t imagine. Although I had been there before,…
Day 5: Paddling Beyond the Point – A Connected Journey
Turning the corner opened my eyes to stark shores I’d never seen before. Even the ones I had seen before, either on surfboard or on foot, took on a new character. Tiny coves and inlets were hidden at odd angles. Light winds allowed us to peer towards the deep blue depths to see volcanic remnants reaching toward the surface. Without the sun’s intense glare, we were able to weave through some of the tighter areas where even kayaks’ shallow drafts would get caught. Stories of boats floundering along these shores started to make more sense. Sometimes we would skirt wide…