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Nature Northwest 1 May 2011
President’s Message Nothing can be more important this month than to
report on the outstanding efforts led by Sue Bryan
and the reserves committee on the tree plant last
weekend at the Pine Bay Nature Reserve. I was
proud to communicate to one of many potential new
members who came out that day, having heard the
publicity the week before, that he is visiting only
one of a dozen nature reserves that represent the
efforts of the club over the past several years. Not
only did we draw new interest in the club that
weekend, I think we brought up in many people’s
minds the importance of nature conservation. A
conservation effort often involves stacks of
paperwork that takes place only behind the scenes,
and summer can be such a short season in this
region with so many activities to undertake, that I
sometimes wonder if those who don’t prioritize
nature visits ever know how good it is to feel soil on
our fingers, watch trilliums budding, hear the spring
migrants active in our forests again, and feel
comforted by the nature stewards around us. That
weekend at Pine Bay, the stewards were in the form
of two busloads of volunteer tree planters. Thank
you to all of you.
I heard Sue remark at the end of the weekend,
during which over 6,200 seedlings were planted,
how refreshing it is to know that young people who
joined the group represent a future generation that
still connects with the outdoors. For me, the fifth
visit to the site over the past year and the first
without Steve Thuerig, a Lakehead University
graduate who under my supervision wrote his
Honours Forestry thesis on the subject of planning
the reforestation effort, was a quietly emotional
experience. I have seen many students graduate
since joining the university's faculty seven years
ago, and in the Natural Resources Management
faculty, these students are often engaged in nature
and motivated to learn by this passion. But more and
more I am learning how places are connected by
people and it is up to each person in this region to
become a good steward and advocate for the
beautiful places around us. Please enjoy this
newsletter issue.
ISSN 0836-4702
VOLUME 65
ISSUE 2
Nature Northwest 2 May 2011
In This Issue: President’s Message ............................................................. 1
Upcoming General Meetings................................................ 3 Is it our Time for a Name Change? ...................................... 4 Survivors: Arctic and Alpine Plants in Northwestern
Ontario .................................................................................. 5 Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club Balance Sheet ............. 6
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club Income Statement ....... 7 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification on the
Caribou Forest ...................................................................... 8 Summer 2011 Field Trips ..................................................... 9 A Featured Field Naturalist ................................................ 11
HEY JUNIOR NATURALISTS! ....................................... 12 Thanks to Our Pine Bay Tree Plant Supporters!! ............... 14 Book Review – The Birch Bark House .............................. 16
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists --- Information for 2010 .... 17
Contributors:
Barb Yurkoski Lauren Nelson
Bill Greaves Lupine Habib
Brian McLaren Mary Davies
Emily Kerton Michelle McChristie
Fred Schueler Mike Bryan
Jean Hall-Armstrong Rob Foster
Julee Boan Susan Bryan
From the Editor’s Desk…
Hello Nature Enthusiasts,
Summer is almost here! After a lengthy winter and spring,
with ice-off occurring about the second week of May, our
summer birds are now arriving and our fauna are beginning
to emerge.
As you peruse this issue of the Nature Northwest, you will
notice a strong line-up of field activities for the upcoming
months. I encourage you to become involved and to take
advantage of the opportunity to learn from some of the
experts that have volunteered their time to our organization
by taking us on some incredible outings. Field trips that
take members to the Arrow River, Painted Rock Nature
Reserve, or to Greenwood Lake Conservation Reserve
would make a member of any other Club in Ontario jealous
of our opportunities here in the Northwest.
I also would like to congratulate the Nature Reserve
committee and all of its members for the successful event
that was the Pine Bay Tree Plant. I know our efforts will go
a long way in ensuring that the ecological integrity of our
new nature reserve remains intact for many years to come.
With that said, I truly hope you enjoy the remainder of your
read as well as the upcoming summer months of 2011.
- Bill Greaves
Editorial Policy
Nature Northwest is a quarterly publication
of the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists. Each
volume (ISSN 0836-4702) consists of four
issues published in February, May, August
and November. A subscription to Nature
Northwest is a benefit of membership.
Articles, notes, records, illustrations and
photographs of local and regional natural
history are welcome. Material accepted is
subject to editing and revision. Nature
Northwest is intended to be informative and
thought provoking. Articles may be edited
and reviewed by different members of the
TBFN Newsletter Committee. Views
expressed are not necessarily those of the
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists or the Editor.
Send events, stories, trip reviews, articles,
pictures and observations. Your ideas and
suggestions are welcome. Address all
submissions to:
Deadline for submissions is the first day of
the month in which the issue will be
produced.
February issue……….….……...February 1st
May issue…………….….…...……..May 1st
August issue………….….…...….August 1st
November issue………..…..…November 1st
Nature Northwest 3 May 2011
Upcoming General Meetings
The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists meet on the fourth Monday of September, October, November, January,
March and April at Lunan Hall, St. Paul’s United Church, 349 Waverley Street, Thunder Bay.
Meetings begin promptly at 8:00 pm
September 26, 2011 - Charles Wilkins – “Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean”
During January and February of 2011, Charlie Wilkins spent 53 glorious days, sometimes harrowing days,
rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. He was part of a crew of 16, rowing from the tiny port of Tarfaya on the
edge of the Sahara Desert to the island of Barbados. He has a story to tell and pictures to show off his nearly
eight weeks in a front-row seat at the grand ecological opera that is the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the stresses
and privations of living with 15 others in a cabin the size of a garden shed, with limited food and amenities,
Charlie and the crew experienced days and nights of relentless wind and waves... dazzling starlit
skies...whales and dolphins...sharks and turtles...extraordinary fish and birds… and of course one another -
The Little Ship of Fools, as Wilkins calls them - and their grand adventure at sea.
Earth Day Celebrations at Pine Bay Nature Reserve Ontario Nature’s Youth Council kept Earth Day celebrations going April 30
th when they hosted five
concurrent events across the province in collaboration with other organizations. Local members
teamed up with the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists to hold a site preparation for a tree planting at the
Pine Bay Nature Reserve. The reserve, located about 40 km south of Thunder Bay, was part of the
Youth Council’s initiative to work on a special space in need of restoration. After being clear-cut,
efforts are being made to restore the area back to its natural state. Volunteers spent the day clearing
brush, cutting branches, and marking and putting up enclosures in preparation for the May 14th
and
15th
tree plant. The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists volunteered their expertise to educate those who
came out on the history of Pine Bay as well as to lead the preparations. This event named, “Our
Special Spaces,” is the first organized by the Youth Council in Ontario Nature’s Nature Guardians
program where youth reach out to their peers to connect to nature. The Youth Council was
established under a year ago with members living across the province. By working with Ontario
Nature staff, the council held five events in the general area of the members’ locations, each city
working on a different restoration project that needed attention in their area. The Youth Council
would like to thank Ontario Power Generation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding this
event. After this year’s success, council members are hoping to make this an annual event.
Nature Northwest 4 May 2011
Is it our Time for a Name Change?
The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club has been
operating, with few exceptions, since 1933. Since
that time, the Club has grown from a group of
avid birders to an organization with a membership
that includes botanists, herpetologists,
ornithologists, and geographers, to mention only a
few of our membership’s fields of interest and
expertise. In 1978, the Club became an
incorporated company without share capital and a
not-for-profit group, which again changed our
roles within the community.
The idea that is now budding from our
membership and from public suggestions is that
the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club should
consider changing its public name to enhance its
public image. One of the cited reasons for change
is that one definition of a naturalist is “an
advocate of the doctrine that the world can be
understood in scientific terms.” This definition of
a naturalist may not apply to the majority of our
membership.
More comical is the general public confusion
between “naturist” and “naturalist.” Ontario
Nature, formerly known as The Federation of
Ontario Naturalists (which is still their legal
name) went through a similar name change in
recent years with many positive outcomes. A
similar change to our Club’s name may also be
positive. The Board of Directors would like to
know if there is a name our members think may
better represent our organization. Is there a name
that you feel would give us the ability to diversify
our membership? Or to provide better inclusion of
people who are interested in nature? Do you have
a suggestion that you feel better conveys our
organization’s mandate to the general public or
that may inspire more people to become involved
in our organization and nature? Is there a name
that would aid in the strengthening of our
organization and that would provide us with new
roles, challenges, and opportunities? One
suggestion is to use the existing newsletter title of
Nature Northwest. Nevertheless, we would like to
hear your suggestions, ideas, and comments for a
name change for the Thunder Bay Field
Naturalists that we could discuss in greater detail
when our general meetings resume in the fall of
2011.
Please direct all comments and suggestions to one
of your Board of Directors, whose contact
information is available at the back of this
newsletter or on our new website.
To borrow a quote from Confucius, it is our
organization’s continuity that gives us our roots;
change gives us our branches, letting us stretch
and grow and reach new heights.
Lake Superior Day - Immerse Yourself in Greatness! Lake Superior Day is held annually on the third Sunday in July to encourage residents to celebrate their
connection to the world’s largest freshwater lake. Since its inception in the 1990s, Lake Superior Day
has helped to highlight the importance of this great water body to the basin’s environment and economy.
Communities hold special events or activities to educate people about the need to protect and restore the
watershed’s natural environment. The Lake Superior Bi-national Forum promotes Lake Superior Day to
remind people how important the lake and its natural resources are to our everyday living and to
encourage each of us to take action to protect it. The forum believes that water is life and the quality of
water determines the quality of life. The event will be hosted at Marina Park, July 17, 2011, 4:00 pm –
9:00 pm.
Nature Northwest 5 May 2011
Bird’s-eye primrose Photograph taken by Mike Bryan
Survivors: Arctic and Alpine Plants in Northwestern Ontario
Arctic and Alpine plants are hardy survivors.
They must contend with cold soil that is low in
nutrients and a short growing season. They have
adapted to cold winds and often to low annual
precipitation. As the name implies, their normal
habitats are Arctic or mountainous regions, but
some have survived in Northwestern Ontario.
Isolated communities that exist out of the normal
range are referred to
as disjuncts. In
Northwestern Ontario
Arctic-alpine
disjuncts date from
the time when the
glaciers retreated.
Harsh conditions
along the north shore
of Lake Superior
reduced competition
from other species,
while providing the
habitat that allowed
these relict
communities to
continue to reproduce
and grow.
Arctic-alpine plants
cope with their harsh
environment in a
number of ways. They are likely to be short in
stature, growing along the ground, out of the
wind, in dense forms such as mats and cushions
that trap heat in air pockets. Leaves and flowers
are designed to hold heat and reduce wind-chill.
Small, dark leaves expose less surface to wind
damage and absorb more heat. Fibres on leaves
and flowers also hold the sun’s heat. Some plants
retain their leaves over the winter so that the
process of photosynthesis can begin as soon as the
sun starts to melt the ice cover. Heliotropic plants,
such as the Arctic poppy and dandelion, have
flowers that move as the day progresses to remain
in full sunlight. The petals of many Arctic flowers
form a bowl shape to reflect sunlight into the
centre, where the seeds grow.
Many Arctic plants release seeds gradually and
rely on wind dispersal because wind is available
all year long. Wind increases the chances that
some seeds will find the best conditions for
growth. A high proportion of these plants are
perennials, which are better able to survive in
years when a summer is even shorter than usual.
A variety of Arctic-alpine disjuncts can be seen
on four of TBFN’s nature reserves, all on Lake
Superior: Caldwell Lake, Hare Island, Schreiber
Point and Paradise Island. Caldwell Lake is the
most accessible, while the others are remote, with
no roads nearby. Notable species that can be seen
include:
Bird’s-eye primrose (Primula mistassinica)
A perennial with an attractive lilac-coloured
flower atop a leafless stem; found at Caldwell
Lake, Schreiber Point and Paradise Island.
Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)
A low flat shrub found on Paradise Island, in mats
on rock near the water. It has needled foliage,
inconspicuous flowers and clusters of black fruit.
Common butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)
An insectivorous plant, with small, triangular
leaves, it grows along the ground and traps insects
with its fibres (an adaptation to a nutrient-poor
environment); it is found along the rocky Lake
Superior shoreline at the Caldwell Lake reserve
and at Schreiber Point.
Knotted pearlwort (Sagina nodosa)
Another perennial, with five-petaled white
flowers and tiny bunched leaves along the stem
that have a knotted appearance; it grows on
Paradise Island, Hare Island and at Caldwell Lake.
Anyone interested in knowing more about these
and other cool survivors on TBFN reserves is
welcome to visit!
- Barb Yurkoski
Nature Northwest 6 May 2011
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club Balance Sheet
As at 12/31/2009
As at 12/31/2010
ASSETS
Current Assets
Bank
$30,512.50
$50,101.58
Accounts Receivable
7,087.55
133.76
Purchase Prepayments
5,195.00
546.97
Total Current Assets
$42,795.05
$50,782.31
Inventory Assets for Resale
3,251.26
$3,143.38
Short Term Investments
5,000.00
Long Term Investments
TBFN Land Endowment Trust
$67,065.94
$126,469.00
In Trust for Nature Reserves
801.77
14,110.51
Total Long Term Investments
67,867.71
140,579.51
Equipment
Equipment
$2,005.89
$2,206.48
Equipment: Accumulated
Depreciation
(802.36)
(1,002.95)
Net - Equipment
1,203.53
1,203.53
TOTAL ASSETS
$120,117.55
$195,708.73
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
$15.59
$478.23
Deferred Revenues
1,176.00
1,351.00
Other Deferred Revenue
-
100.00
Total Current Liabilities
$1,191.59
$1,929.23
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$1,191.59
$1,929.23
EQUITY
Retained Surplus
Retained Surplus
$129,277.48
$118,925.96
Current Year Surplus (Deficit)
(10,351.52)
74,853.54
Total Retained Surplus (Deficit)
$118,925.96
$193,779.50
TOTAL EQUITY
$118,925.96
$193,779.50
TOAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$120,117.55
$195,708.73
Nature Northwest 7 May 2011
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club Income Statement
REVENUES
Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2009
Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2010
Sales
Sales
$ 9,598.50
$ 1,569.00
Cost of Sales
(5,856.03)
(85.38)
Net Sales
$ 3,742.47
$ 1,483.62
Memberships
Memberships - TBFN
$ 3,835.00
$ 3,421.00
Memberships - TCBO
510.00
370.00
Total Memberships
4,345.00
3,791.00
Receipted Donations
General Donations - TBFN
$ 420.00
$ 240.00
General Donations - TCBO
1,835.00
1,856.00
Designated Use
22,767.00
255,170.13
Total Receipted Donations
25,022.00
257,266.13
Transfers from Qualified Donees
-
1,275.00
Grants & Subsidies
Grants & Subsidies - TBFN
255,967.33
$ 253,110.99
Grants & Subsidies - TCBO
3,318.52
7,189.59
Total Grants & Subsidies
259,285.85
260,300.58
Other Revenue
3,906.79
(3,005.32)
TOTAL REVENUES
$ 296,302.11
$ 521,111.01
OUTLAYS
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Greenwood Lake Advisory Ctte
$ 462.83
$ 345.78
Nature Reserves
284,963.71
426,747.48
Project Peregrine
7,568.07
6,252.29
Thunder Cape Bird Observatory
6,745.57
6,706.27
Workshops and Seminars
221.00
54.66
TBFN Website
-
1,039.40
Total Charitable Activities
$ 299,961.18
$ 441,145.88
DISTRIBUTIONS TO QUALIFIED DONEES
1,050.00
1,051.43
GENERAL & ADMIN. EXPENSES
Hall Rental
$ 216.72
$ 303.65
Insurance
1,198.80
1,353.24
Newsletters
2,773.97
930.39
Office
1,449.22
1,249.07
Volunteer Appreciation
3.74
223.81
Total General & Admin. Expenses
5,642.45
4,060.16
TOTAL OUTLAYS
$ 306,653.63
$ 446,257.47
NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT)
($ 10,351.52)
$ 74,853.54
Nature Northwest 8 May 2011
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification on the Caribou Forest
In 1992, during the UN Conference on
Sustainable Development, consumers, ENGOs,
industry, and First Nations came together to
discuss methods to improve forest management
practices and to encourage higher standards for
regulations. The group proposed an independent,
voluntary forest certification as a market-based
mechanism for safeguarding the health and
vitality of forests and communities. A year later in
1993, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was
officially established, with the mission of
promoting environmentally appropriate, socially
beneficial and economically viable management
of the world's forests.
The FSC is now an international certification and
labelling system, endeavouring to ensure good
forestry practices. Local FSC Standards are based
on 10 international principles ensuring a balance
between the needs of the environment,
communities, employees and industry. The
Standards have been developed cooperatively
with Aboriginal governments and stakeholders.
For forest operation companies to become
certified, they must undergo an independent audit
and prove that they are in compliance with FSC’s
standards. If they meet FSC’s standards and
annual audits, they are granted an FSC forest
management certificate and are permitted to sell
their forest products under the FSC label. The
certification is intended to guarantee that forests
are managed responsibly through, for example,
protecting High Conservation Value Forests,
respecting the rights of Aboriginal Peoples and
local communities, and protecting waterways,
wildlife habitat and species.
The FSC-certification process is growing fast,
with 140 million hectares of certified forests,
20,000 suppliers of certified products, and a
market for FSC-certified products worth over $20
billion USD. In Canada, the total amount of FSC-
certified forest land is 40,601,066 hectares, or
approximately 27% of Canada’s forests, and
includes a total of 58 FSC Forest Management
Certificates. In Ontario, forest management and
logging companies, such as Tembec Inc. and
AbitibiBowater, have become FSC-certified.
Home Depot and Staples are examples of retail
stores that sell FSC-certified forest products.
AbitibiBowater’s sawmill is located on the Fort
William First Nation’s land which is currently
being leased to AbitibiBowater on a long-term
basis. In support, AbitibiBowater has maintained
FSC-certification in the Caribou Forest, just west
of Wabakimi Provincial Park and south of Pickle
Lake, since December 2009. The company is also
working towards FSC-certification of the Black
Spruce and Dog River-Matawin Forests, just north
of Thunder Bay. Ontario Nature has been working
with AbitibiBowater since the early phases of the
FSC certification process on the Caribou Forest,
and is currently working with the company, and
signatories to the Canadian Boreal Forest
Agreement, to fulfill two outstanding
requirements of the certification:
1) AbitibiBowater must demonstrate its
management approach with respect to
woodland caribou follows the precautionary
principle and has been validated by
independent and credible experts, and
2) AbitibiBowater must designate candidate
protected areas that make a maximum
contribution to filling gaps in the protected
areas system based on the relative geographic
responsibility of the applicant.
These two requirements will be reviewed by an
external auditor this fall (2011).
- Julee Boan and Lauren Nelson
Nature Northwest 9 May 2011
Summer 2011 Field Trips
Please phone or email the trip leader to confirm your attendance as trips may be postponed or even
cancelled due to weather or sudden emergencies on the part of the trip leader. This will avoid waiting and
wondering if you are in the right place at the right time. You should also check the website at www.tbfn.net.
We will try to keep the website up to date.
Baillie Birdathon - Any 24-hour period in May See how many species of birds you can see in a single day. Get sponsored per bird or a flat rate and raise money
for Thunder Cape Bird Observatory and other bird initiatives. Break the local record of 145 species or at least
have fun trying. For details see http://www.bsc-eoc.org/support/birdathon/index.jsp?lang=EN
Bluebird Bonanza - Saturday, June 4 Join Sue Robinson for this workshop/field trip to check on nesting bluebirds and their broods as part of TBFN’s
Bluebird Recovery Program. Meet at Arthur Street Marketplace opposite the Athletic Club and we’ll car pool
from there. Call Sue at 344-1739 to confirm start time.
Awesome Orchids - Saturday, June 11 Meet in the Mill's Block Forest parking lot on John Street Road at 10 am. We will have a 4 km easy hike in
mixed forest with some small hills. Expect to see seven or eight orchid species in varying states of growth
including the provincially rare Ram's Head Orchid (Cypripedium arietinum). Bring fly repellent, beverages, and
a light lunch. Confirm with trip leader Ryan LeBlanc (768-7973).
Early Summer Butterflies – Saturday, June 18 Come out and catch the sun and some early summer butterflies. Location to be determined but likely an easily
accessible field in or near Thunder Bay. Meet at Robin’s Donuts at the corner of Balmorals & Central Ave. at
10:00 am. Call John Walas (345-3324) to confirm. If rained out we will choose the next day. Bring a butterfly
net and field guide if you have one.
Mink Mountain – Saturday, June 19 This trip will have wildflowers, birds, and butterflies amongst other various taxa. Meet at Arthur Street
Marketplace at the south end of the parking lot in front of the Athletic Club. Bring lunch and don’t forget the
bug dope. Call Brian Moore at 344-2986 to confirm.
Dragonfly Dash - Saturday, June 25 Join Darren Elder and Rob Foster for a run to the border, looking for dragonflies and damselflies along the
Pigeon River and nearby tributaries. We will be walking in or along the banks of these rivers so bring wading
shoes or rubber boots. Don’t forget a lunch, drinks, bug dope and hat. Call Rob at 346-4950 to confirm timing
and meeting location.
Fledgling Falcons – Sunday, July 3 Come out in the evening and watch fledging peregrine falcons as they try out their new wings. Exact location
along the Nor’Westers to be determined. For comfortable viewing, bring a lawn chair, binoculars and a spotting
scope if you have one. Contact Brian Ratcliff (768-8408) the week previous to confirm timing and location.
Nature Northwest 10 May 2011
Painted Rock Nature Reserve – Saturday, July 9 We will spend the morning exploring the upland forest, with some interesting trees, and the plants and wildlife
in the marsh and along the shoreline of the small lake at the centre of this reserve not far from the city limits.
Bring water, a snack, sunscreen and bug dope. Meet at the Athletic Centre, Arthur St. Marketplace, at 9 a.m.
Trip Leader: Barb Yurkoski.
Sleeping Giant Weekend - Friday July 8 to Sunday July 10 TBFN puts on a weekend of programs. Planned this year are a bird mist-netting, small mammal live-trapping, a
carnivore talk, beach seining for fishy friends, and more! If you wish a campsite in the park that weekend,
register early.
William’s Bog – Saturday, July 16 Explore this fascinating wetland complex with pitcher plants, sundews, and stunning orchids, as well as rare
dragonflies and butterflies (if we are lucky). Wear rubber boots or footwear you don’t mind getting wet, and
bring fly repellent, a hat, beverages, and a light lunch. Confirm with trip leader Ryan LeBlanc (768-7973) for
time and meeting place.
Paddling the Arrow – Sunday, July 31 Paddle down the Arrow River in search of otters, dragonflies, wetland plants and more! You will need your
own canoe, lifejackets, and boating safety equipment. This stretch of the Arrow is slow-moving, but depending
on water levels there may be locations where we have to get out and pull/line the canoe. Limit of eight canoes –
first come, first served. Call Rob Foster (344-4950) to book.
ROCK ON! - Saturday, August 6 Go back in time and through the ages on a field tour with regional geologist Mark Smyk. Call 623-6132 to
confirm time and meeting place. Where necessary, living things will also be appreciated.
Confusing Fall Warblers - Sunday, August 21 Join Dr. Nick Escott for this perennial birding favourite where we search and sort out our feathered friends in
their non-breeding plumage. Call 345-7122 to confirm time and meeting place.
The Friendly Giants - Saturday, September 10 Take in a talk about Greenwood Lake Conservation Reserve by resident expert Dr. Will Carmean and then walk
through the old growth white pine on a hiking trail. Bring a lunch for this all-day excursion. See
http://www.tbfn.net/greenwood for information about the site. Call Brian Moore at 344-2986 to confirm
meeting place and time.
Benthic Buddies - Saturday, September 17 Get your geek on with us as we delve into the secret lives of benthic invertebrates and other “trout food” in a
local stream. Ken Deacon and Lucy Lavoie from EcoSuperior will introduce us to caddisflies, stoneflies, and
other creepy crawlies in stream ecology and biomonitoring. Call 344-2356 to confirm time and place.
Fabulous Fungi - Saturday, September 24 Join mycologist Dr. Leonard Hutchison of Lakehead University for this extremely popular fall hike. Learn
about mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs and more! Due to past demand, numbers will be capped to a
manageable group size. Call 683-5413 to confirm your place.
Nature Northwest 11 May 2011
Susan Bryan featured in The Walleye, April 2011 Photograph taken by Mike Bryan
A Featured Field Naturalist
The April 2011 edition of The Walleye featured
Susan Bryan as one of Thunder Bay’s leading
environmentalists. The Walleye defines an
environmentalist as “any person who advocates
or works to protect the air, water, animals, plants,
and other natural resources from pollution or its
effects.” Sue Bryan’s dedication to the Thunder
Bay Field Naturalists has been immense and her
impact to our organization can be highlighted by
our Nature Reserves program, which has been
focused upon and discussed throughout this
edition of the Nature Northwest. With permission
from Michelle McChristie, author of the article
featured in The Walleye, we reprint this story for
our membership.
Growing up in Burlington, Susan always had a
love of nature. After working in northwestern
Ontario as a locum, she knew she wanted to live
in the area. She moved to Thunder Bay to work as
an anesthesiologist in 1976 and shortly after
joined the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists (TBFN).
In 1990, she helped organize, and turn a profit
from, a naturalist conference in Thunder Bay.
When a TBFN member suggested they use the
funds to buy property, Susan recalls, “it seemed
like an attractive option after losing some land use
protection battles...owning the land meant no
compromises.” She investigated the legal
implications and submitted the necessary
paperwork and grant applications. Three years
later, she helped the TBFN purchase their first
property at the mouth of the Nipigon River.
Today, the TBFN owns 11 reserves and 2,500
acres of wilderness. Susan says she “is always
amazed at the donations that come in and the
generosity of TBFN members.” She is driven to
build on past success and ensure donors see
results, “I find inspiration in nature and love that
these nature reserves will always be there.”
- Michelle McChristie
Science Fair Winners! Congratulations to Sandra Dusolt and Ashely Theriault who won the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists’
awards at the Northwestern Ontario Regional Science Fair this year! Ashley’s science fair project was on
The Effects Of Photochromic Lenses on the Temperature Of a House, while Sandra’s project was titled
No power, no water, no food, no problem! Both students attend Sir Winston Churchill CVI. Sandra also
won the Best in Fair this year and will be attending the Canada-Wide Science Fair in May. The awards
given were for one Intermediate (grade 9-10) and one Senior (grade 11-12) level science fair project.
Both winners will also receive complimentary TBFN memberships.
Nature Northwest 12 May 2011
HEY JUNIOR NATURALISTS!
Inside a seed is a tiny plant, ready to grow! Like an egg, a seed has food stored inside and a hard, protective
shell. But how does the seed know when to start growing? When it gets warmth and water! First, the
protective shell cracks open and roots start pushing downward (this is called germination). Then the stem of
the plant begins uncurling upward, pushing though the soil. Once it has broken through the soil, the plant
stem begins growing larger and soon produces leaves.
Seeds have many adaptations in order to move themselves around and find new places to grow (seed
dispersal). Seed dispersal is a form of reproduction, because a seed must move to a suitable location (with
water, light and nutrients) before it can germinate. Plants benefit from growing away from their parent plant,
because they don’t have to compete for resources.
Seeds that are moved by wind are
very lightweight, like the dandelion.
Seeds can be moved around by animals and
people by attaching themselves to their
fur/clothing when they pass by using tiny
hooks, like thistle seeds (commonly known as
burdocks).
Some seeds explode from their seedpods
with enough force that the seeds are
scattered about or taken by the wind, like
the touch-me-not.
Nature Northwest 13 May 2011
Try out this cool Junior Naturalists Activity!
Sprout your Socks
Seeds can be moved around by animals
and people by attaching themselves to
their fur/clothing when they pass by
using tiny hooks, like thistle seeds
(commonly known as burdocks).
Animals can help move seeds in another way
by eating fruit where the seeds are contained
and then pooping them out somewhere else
(like mountain ash berries)!
Find an old pair of socks in your house that no one is planning on
wearing again. Pull the socks over a pair of shoes and go for a
walk! Walk through the grass in your backyard, the woods in the
nearby park, or across the field outside of a school. Take the sock
off and thoroughly moisten it with water. Place it in a plastic bag
(like a Ziploc bag) and leave it in a sunny window. Before you
know it, your socks will be sprouting!
Isle Royale Botany Workshop – 13-18 June 2011 This special botany workshop is open to anyone with beginning/intermediate knowledge of plant
identification who would like to learn to identify the early season plants of Isle Royale. You will learn to
use such tools as a dichotomous key and hand lens to identify plants. Plant communities, rare species,
ecology, and invasive species will be discussed. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants so be sure to
register soon to guarantee a spot in the workshop. Contact Kristine Bradof at 906-482-7860 or
[email protected] for more information about registration and Janet Marr at 906-337-5529 or
[email protected] for details about the workshop itself.
Nature Northwest 14 May 2011
Site preparation on April 30th Photograph taken by Mike Bryan
Site preparation on April 30th Photograph taken by Mike Bryan
Volunteers tree planting on May 14th Photograph taken by Mike Bryan
Thanks to Our Pine Bay Tree Plant Supporters!!
We would like to thank the many individuals and
groups in the community who helped to make our
Pine Bay Nature Reserve tree plant a success on
two warm days in May.
The Thunder Bay District Stewardship Council
was a key supporter. The Council provided $1000
in funding to help us pay for bus transport of
volunteers and purchase of seedlings. In addition,
Council members provided technical advice and
useful contacts. Mac Squires, a retired
professional forester serving on the council, was
particularly helpful with practical forestry
suggestions and keen support. In addition, MNR
provided staff time and use of a pick-up truck and
ATV to move tree seedlings and planting tools to
the site.
Lakehead University student Stephen Thuerig
helped the Club develop a sound forestry plan for
the site. Many of you saw his interesting display
at the February dinner meeting, illustrating the
appearance of the Pine Bay forest after different
reforestation options. Stephen used a special
forest modeling software program to produce
images of the resulting forest at different ages.
We also were fortunate to partner our project with
a provincial initiative by Ontario Nature to
promote biodiversity. Ontario Nature’s “Our
Special Spaces” program involved local young
people, the Nature Guardians, in planning and
promoting an event that would improve habitat
and biodiversity. On April 30 simultaneous events
occurred at five different locations in the province
and were publicized through Ontario Nature. Our
Nature Northwest 15 May 2011
local youth were fortunate enough to be one of the
five projects that received support. The Nature
Guardians arranged a bus-load of young
volunteers to help prepare the Pine Bay Nature
Reserve site for the upcoming TBFN tree plant.
The volunteers marked out planting areas and cut
unwanted brush in preparation for the May
planting.
We would like to thank the organizations that
contributed to our plant. A&R Greenhouses of
Dorion provided 6000 red and white pine and
white spruce tree seedlings essentially at cost.
Outland Reforestation Inc. loaned all the tree
planting bags and shovels used by the volunteers
and also donated staff time to help with brush
clearing.
We were delighted with the support that came
from both club members and the wider
community. The biggest thanks of all goes to the
many volunteers who prepared the site and
planted the trees. Without your help, the project
would not have been possible.
- Susan Bryan
Nature Reserves Chair
Ode to the Woodcock
The peenting bird,
or Scolopax,
may twinkle when in flight,
but when it lands,
it plays its noise...a single-note bagpipe.
- Fred Schueler of Bishop’s Mills, Ontario
ONTARIO LAND TRUST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDS LAND
SECUREMENT COSTS FOR PINE BAY In the May 2010 newsletter, we announced that the Pine Bay Phase 2 Nature Reserve had become the
newest property to be protected by the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists. The Natural Areas Conservation
Program - a Nature Conservancy of Canada - Government of Canada partnership - provided half the
funding for the protection of these ecologically sensitive lands. A number of individuals also
contributed. In April TBFN was pleased to receive an additional $13,388.38 in support from the
Ontario Land Trust Assistance Program (OLTAP) - an Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources initiative
that assists land trusts with land securement costs to help conserve Ontario’s biodiversity. The Thunder
Bay Field Naturalists appreciates the contribution of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance in administering
the OLTAP program and thus supporting our Nature Reserves.
Nature Northwest 16 May 2011
Book Review – The Birch Bark House
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich.
Hyperion Books for Children, 1999.
The Birchbark House follows a year in the life of
Omakayas, a seven-year-old Ojibway girl, who
lives on an island in Lake Superior.
Children who are familiar with nature in
Northwestern Ontario will recognize the
environment of Omakayas and her family. They
hear the calls of white-throated sparrows and
hooting owls, walk over ground made spongy by
moss and fallen needles, snowshoe in winter and
swim in the cold lake in summer, delight in the
first snow on branches and in the sound of lake-
ice breaking up after a long winter.
However, in this story, set in 1847, our familiar
environment is populated by a different culture of
people who live much closer to nature. Their
homes are made of birchbark and logs; they wear
clothing of moose hides and use moss for diapers;
the children make rock people to play with and
are entertained by storytellers.
Each chapter is full of these and more details
about Omakayas’ life and her relationships with
family, friends and nature, all skillfully woven
into an entertaining and moving story. The book
gives a glimpse into a life that is more precarious
than ours, including realities like hunger and
smallpox. Even a seven-year-old, despite her
enchantment with playful bear cubs and a pet
crow, understands that hunting is a necessary part
of life.
Children of the 21st century will relate to
Omakayas’ annoyance with her pesky younger
brother, Pinch, her envy of her beautiful older
sister, Angeline, and her love of her adorable baby
brother, Neewo. At the same time, they will learn
about the fur trade, which takes Omakayas’ father,
Deydey, away from his family for months at a
time; the Bear Clan’s medicines and the dreams
and forest voices that the young girl’s
grandmother teaches Omakayas to use as her
guide through the forest.
The Birchbark House is illustrated with black-
and-white sketches and is suitable for children
nine and over. I recommend it for adults too! It is
available at the Thunder Bay Public Library, and
can be ordered from local bookstores and on-line
booksellers.
- Barb Yurkoski
Canadian Lakes Loon Survey Needs Your Help! The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey (CLLS) 2011 season is fast approaching and participants are needed
from across Canada. The CLLS provides a great opportunity for lake users and cottage owners to
support research and conservation activities. CLLS participants visit and survey their lake at least three
times (once in June, once in July, and once in August), record the number of Common Loon pairs, and
track each pair’s breeding success. In addition, participants record other birds seen on or near the lake.
Each participant receives a full package that includes instructions and simple forms. After the season is
complete, participants return the forms to Bird Studies Canada or enter the information into the CLLS
online database. Anyone who spends time on a Canadian lake and is interested in participating may
contact Kathy Jones at [email protected] or by phone at 1-888-448-2473 ext. 124, or register
online. The CLLS is a self-supporting program, so you must hold an active BSC membership to
participate.
Nature Northwest 17 May 2011
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists --- Information for 2010
The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of natural
history, the wise use of resources, the preservation of natural areas, and teaching the public to
understand and protect nature.
Directors:
President ......................................... Brian McLaren ................. 344-6242
Vice President ................................. Susan Bryan ..................... 345-6446
Treasurer ......................................... Mary Davies .................... 622-4071
Secretary ......................................... Rob Foster ........................ 346-4950
Newsletter Editor ............................ William Greaves .............. 983-3661
ON Rep & Field Trips..................... Vacant .............................................
Programs & Youth .......................... Jean Hall-Armstrong .......................
Publicity .......................................... Ryan LeBlanc .................. 768-7973
Membership Chair & Junior Nats ... Emily Kerton ................... 472-0772
Nature Reserves .............................. Susan Bryan ..................... 345-6446
Director at Large ............................. Joe Blustein .....................................
Director at Large ............................. Myra McCormick ............ 628-6432
Director at Large ............................. Jason Dyck ......................................
Projects:
Thunder Cape Bird Observatory ..... Art Gunnell ...................... 767-1587
TCBO Cell Phone ................................................ 1-807-251-3673
Peregrine Falcon ............................. Brian Ratcliff ................... 768-8408
Bluebird Recovery .......................... Susan Robinson ..............................
Bird Records ................................... Nick Escott ...................... 345-7122
Webmaster ...................................... Aarre Ertolahti ................. 767-5985
Annual Membership Fees:
Family ............................................................ $30
Student ............................................................ $20
Corresponding................................................. $16
Single .............................................................. $25
Senior (65+) .................................................... $20
Life Member ................................................. $350
Mailing Address/Phone:
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists
P.O. Box 10037
Thunder Bay, ON P7B6T6
Cell Phone: 807-474-6007
Website:
www.tbfn.net
Meeting Dates:
4th
Monday of September, October, November,
January, March, and April
Annual Dinner meeting is held 4th
Sunday of
February
Membership Application/Renewal Form
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (home) _____________________________ (work/cell) ___________________________________
Newsletter format (circle one): Print / Digital / Both Email Address: _____________________________
F Family ......... $30 F Single ......... $25 F Senior (65+) ............ $20 F Student ............. $20
F Life ....... $350 F Corresponding (non-voting) ............... $16 F Thunder Cape Bird Observatory ............. $10
F Donation of $ to (circle one) (TBFN) (TCBO) (Jr. Nat’s) (Nature Reserves) (Tax receipt issued for donation)
Juniors: Name(s) + Age(s) __________________________________________________________________
Your TBFN and TCBO memberships expire on December 31st. To ensure a May Newsletter, please register by
February using this form, or printing the form from the TBFN website (www.tbfn.net) and mail to above address.
All membership information is considered to be confidential, and as such the club will not sell or distribute such information.
Nature Northwest 18 May 2011
Many thanks to the volunteers for early site preparation at Pine Bay Nature Reserve on 30 April 2011!
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Publication Agreement No. 41362520
P.O. Box 10037
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B6T6
