The Egret - Volume 34 - Number 4 - December 2018

By JoAnn Grondin
 

The Planning Committee for this fund raiser met at a local restaurant on July 30th.  Planning the event were Cathy Lapain, Carl Maiolani, Andy Paul, Aileen Petrozzi and myself.  Here we decide who is going to bring what to Holiday Beach.

By Gina Pannunzio 

Windsor-Essex County is part of the most biodiverse area in all of Canada, the Carolinian Life Zone. This area is home to just over 70 native trees and shrubs that create unique forested landscapes and habitat. While the Essex Region Conservation Authority has planted more than 6 million trees and achieved 8.5% natural areas coverage, more action is needed to reach our 12% target by 2020.

By JoAnn Grondin

Our Annual Dinner went very well thanks to our volunteers, those who attended, our speaker Tom Hince and our MC Steve Marks.  It was a very pleasant evening and I have lots of people to thank.  Without their help, this dinner could not take place. So, thank you to...

 

By JoAnn Grondin

Thank you to all of those who generously donated to the ECFNC's 34th Annual Dinner silent auction!

By Jeremy Hatt

Each year, the Detroit Audubon Society holds a Swift Night Out at the “Swift Sanctuary” at 31505 Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In 2018, the event was held on September 22 and eight ECFNC members attended. The group carpooled in two vehicles from Windsor.

By Gina Pannunzio 

The Leamington TD Tree Days community planting took place on a new Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) restoration site in the Lebo Creek watershed near Hillman Marsh.

By Staff at Point Pelee National Park
 

This year was the 100^th birthday of Point Pelee National Park (1918 – 2018).  To help commemorate the occasion, several signature events occurred in the park throughout the year.  On the weekend of July 21-22, 2018, a special Point Pelee 100 BioBlitz was held from 12:00 noon on July 21 to 12:00 noon on July 22.  This was the first All Taxa BioBlitz in Point Pelee National Park and it encompassed the entire park.

By Gina Pannunzio

Thanks to the Friends of Ojibway Prairie, those who attended the tree identification hike on November 17 got a lesson on basic tree identification for common trees growing in the Carolinian woods. Leaves definitely makes tree identification easier, especially in the spring and fall when they are fresh or showing off their vibrant colours.

By Gina Pannunzio 

An active community involved in restoring the Detroit River watershed is critical to meeting conservation goals. Both Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) support community cleanups and tree planting activities across the watershed with many different partners.

ECFNC Member Meeting

Wednesday December 12 2018, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.

Come and share photos and stories related to your nature experiences and sightings. This is a relaxed evening of club member participation and pre-holiday mirth. Please join us for some light refreshments and social time. *If you would like to share photos, please bring them on a USB drive.

The Living River Project: Art, Water and Possible Worlds

Ongoing, Art Gallery of Windsor, 401 Riverside Drive west, Windsor, ON.

In the The Living River Project: Art, Water and Possible Worlds, co-curators Patrick Mahon and Stuart Reid build on previous iterations of the exhibition to consider the cultural, historical and environmental significance of water issues in the Windsor-Detroit corridor. 

The count generally runs from dawn to dusk (though earlier for those listening and looking for owls!) and all counters are invited back to the Visitor Centre for refreshments, courtesy of the Friends of Point Pelee, and a wrap-up of the day’s sightings.

Included is a map of the Christmas Bird Count circle and the count areas within the circle. If you would like to participate, please call or email Sarah Rupert (519) 322-5700, ext. 3323 or Sarah.Rupert@canada.ca with your area preference. We will try and accommodate the requests, but some reassignments may be necessary.

 

Please respond by December 15^th, 2018 if you plan to participate in this year’s count. Pass this invitation along to anyone else you know who might be interested. We look forward to seeing you in December. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

 

Sarah Rupert

Promotion Officer, Point Pelee National Parks Canada AgencyParks Canada / Government of Canada

Xmas Bird Count

Saturday December 29 2019, Holiday Beach Conservation Area, 6952 Amherstburg, ON, 8am.

Started in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count is North America's longest-running Citizen Science project. Counts happen in over 2000 localities throughout the Western Hemisphere. The information collected by thousands of volunteer participants forms one of the world's largest sets of wildlife survey data. The results are used daily by conservation biologists and naturalists to assess the population trends and distribution of birds. Each Christmas Bird Count is conducted on a single day between December 14 and January 5. Counts are carried out within a 24-km diameter circle that stays the same from year to year. They are organized, usually as group efforts, at the local level.

ECFNC Member Meeting

Wednesday January 9 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.

Join us in welcoming Tim Arthur deliver his presentation titled, "Wild Algonquin - Birds and Wildlife of Algonquin Park!"

ERCA Annual General Meeting and Environmental Excellence Awards

Thursday January 24 2019, Council Chambers, Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue west, Essex, ON.

Join Essex Region Conservation for their Annual General Meeting. This event also features their conservation awards, which recognize individuals and organizations for their dedication to local conservation efforts. More details to come.

 Tree Planting and Care Workshop

Tuesday January 29 2019, Committee Room C, Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue west, Essex, ON, 6:30pm to 8pm.

This exciting and dynamic workshop hosted by the Essex Region Conservation Authority will discuss ways in which you can get involved in the reforestation of Essex County. Learn about the environmental benefits of tree planting, grants and financial assistance to landowners for planting trees, the different tree planting techniques and the ways to care for your future forests and special shade trees. Click here to register.

 How To Crew Tree Planting Workshop

Thursday January 31 2019, Committee Room C, Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue west, Essex, ON, 6:30pm to 8pm.

 

Calling all tree lovers! We are recruiting members of the How To Crew to take a special role in preparing for Earth Day in 2019. Each year, residents from Windsor-Essex County are invited to plant over 2,000 trees on this special day. The 2019 celebration will take place on Sunday April 28th at the green space near Florence Avenue and Wyandotte Street east in Windsor.The How To Crew works with ERCA staff as the ‘tree  planting team. No experience is required! All ages welcome. Click here to register.

World Wetlands Day

February 2 2019

It's World Wetlands Day! Since European settlement, 97% of Windsor-Essex county's wetlands have disappeared. Wetlands improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitat, reduce impacts of erosion on shorelines, provide cultural and spiritual significance, help to mitigate climate change, offer recreation and tourism opportunities and so much more!  In Ontario, wetlands provide habitat for at least 47 plant and animal species that are identified as “at risk.”

Wetlands are the kidneys of the planet and deserve our protection! What can you do to protect wetlands?

• Keep learning about them by visiting them and grow your appreciation.
• Participate in community restoration projects.
• Consider adopting a wetland each spring to monitor frogs and aquatic birds.
• Attend public presentations by environmental groups who advocate for their protection.
• Teach the young ones about the importance of wetlands.
•  Don't litter, or put nasty stuff down the toilet.
• Keep storm sewers clean from litter.
• Report illegal dumping.
• Don't wash your car near a storm sewer.

 Shiver on the River

  Saturday February 2, 2019, Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan, 10am to 3pm.

Friends of the Detroit River invites you to have some Family Fun on Belle Isle! Free admission! Main Event held at the Casino Building:

• Exhibits, Displays and Refreshments
• Marshmallow Roasting at the Aquarium
• Environmental Arts and Crafts for Kids
• Pancake Breakfast at the Flynn Pavilon (fee)
• Live Entertainment 

 Contact Friends of Detroit River for more information.

New Member Orientation Meeting

 Tuesday February 5 2019, 6:30pm, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON

Come and join other new members of our club as we explore the inner workings of our club. The meeting will be hosted by the Membership Committee and will cover the club’s activities, structure, history, and volunteer opportunities. This is a chance to ask questions and provide suggestions for the future. Please RSVP by Jan 31 to carlmaiolani@cogeco.ca or by calling Carl Maiolani at 519-972-1399. Light refreshments will be served.

All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

 Owl Prowl

Various Dates, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, ON

 

Discover who, who, who’s out there on an evening adventure with a park interpreter. Join us on February 15 at 7pm, February 16 at 7pm and 9pm and on February 17 at 7pm.

 

ECFNC Member Meeting

Wednesday February 15 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.

Join us in welcoming Vic Bernyk, from Native Trees and Plants! More information on his topic coming soon.

Native Trees and Shrubs Winter Identification Walk

Sunday February 17 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON, 2pm.

  

Native Trees and Shrubs in Winter Identification Walk/workshop lead by Dave Kraus on Sunday February 17, 2019 at 2pm at the Ojibway natural area.  Meet outside of the Ojibway Nature Centre by the parking lot (remember to hide valuables and lock your cars!).  We will leisurely walk some of the trails, observing wildlife and learning some simple clues that are helpful in distinguishing some of our locally native trees and shrubs when they are leafless.  Binoculars will be helpful for both wildlife and tree identification.

Family Day

Monday February 18, 2019, Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre, 10am to 5pm, 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, ON

  

Join us for fun activities for the entire family!

World Wildlife Day

March 2 2019

World Wildlife Day is recognized globally to celebrate and raise awareness for plants and wildlife across the planet. Celebrate flora and fauna today by heading out for a walk at the Ojibway Nature Centre, Point Pelee National Park, along the Little River Corridor, a Conservation Area, the Greenway or any other green space where there is wildlife!

Maple Syrup Festival

Saturday and Sunday March 2/3 2019, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Essex, ON

Wear your boots to Essex County's premier Maple Syrup Festival. Make maple taffy in the snow and see syrup being made the pioneer way. Learn the science of maple. Pure maple products for sale. $4 per child, $6 per adult, $20 family maximum. More details to come.

Maple March Break

  March 11 to 15 2019, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Essex, ON

 

Arrive early, dress warmly, and wear boots. Tour the site with a costumed guide and discover the sweet process of maple syrup and sugar making in the pioneer method. Help carry the sap using pails and a wooden yoke. Try your hand at the brace and bit drill. See the trees tapped and the sap evaporating. Learn the history of this sweet springtime treat as you help to make and taste maple sugar. Pay at the door. $4/child, $6/adult, $20 family maximum. More details to come.

 

ECFNC Member Meeting

March 13 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.

Elections, a review of the previous year’s budget and minutes, with a fun quiz throughout.  Held at 7:30pm at the Ojibway Nature Centre.

World Water Day

March 22 2019

World Water Day, on 22 March every year, is about focusing attention on the importance of water. Windsor-Essex County is surrounded by water with many watersheds! What can you do to help improve the health of our lakes and rivers?

• Join a spring community planting event late April throughout the month of May with the Detroit River Candian Cleanup and Essex Region Conservation.
• Learn more about our natural spaces and amazing recreation spots by attending our monthly membership meetings and field trips.
• Learn about local environmental issues and challenges that affect you by reaching out to the Citizens Environmental Alliance of Southwestern Ontario.
• Learn about local household and hazardous waste diversion programs run by the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority

ECFNC Member Meeting

Wednesday April 10 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.

Join us in welcoming Tammie Dobbie from Point Pelee National Park! More information on her topic coming soon.

Earth Day

April 22 2019

This year's Earth Day theme is "Protect Our Species." A sustainable future is one where the rights of all species to exist in their natural habitat, at the population size nexessary to maintain their species and genetic variation is recognized. To learn more about threats to species on a global level click here.

Earth Day Community Tree Planting Celebration

Sunday April 28 2019, green space near Wyandotte and Florence, Windsor, ON, 10am to 12pm.

Grab your shovels and join the DRCC and Essex Region Conservation on Sunday April 22nd to celebrate Earth Day and help plant more than 2,000 native trees and shrubs in the Little River Watershed in the City of Windsor! While there are some shovels to share, you may consider bringing your own to this free event. More details to come.

ECFNC Member Meeting

Wednesday May 8 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.

Topic and speaker coming soon.

International Migratory Bird Day

May 11 2019

This day highlights the need to conserve migratory birds and protect their
habitats. (After 25 years, the name of this event has shifted from International World
Migratory Bird Day to World Migratory Bird Day!) Celebrate WMBD by visiting Point Pelee National Park and Hillman Marsh Conservation Area to catch some of the spring migration happening!

World Biodiversity Day

May 22 2019

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.Essex County faces many ecological challenges, as it is part of one of the most populated corridors in Canada. As well, it is part of the unique ecoregion, the Carolinian Life Zone. This region is  only 1% of Canada’s total land mass, but is home to more flora and fauna species than any other area in Canada.

Essex County is home to an estimated 2,200 species of herbaceous plants, 64 species of ferns, 110 species of grasses, over 130 species of sedges and 70 species of trees. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in this area, which is over half found in Canada (Carolinian Canada, 2006). Celebrate World Biodiversity Day by getting outside and learning about our natural heritage in Windsor-Essex!

World Turtle Day

May 23 2019

Shellebrate World Turtle Day today! In May 2018, COSEWIC designated the Midland Painted Turtle as Special Concern. This meant that all of Ontario's eight turtle species are now at risk of disappearing from Ontario (article link). How can you help?

• Reduce turtle road mortality by driving with caution in their habitat range, and keep an eye for wildlife corssing signs along roadways.
• If you see a turtle, consider submitting the sighting to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (ontarionature.org/atlas).
• Keep learning about turtles in Ontario and check out this great page here, from the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

ECFNC Member Meeting

Wednesday June 12 2019, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 7:30pm.

Join us in welcoming Larry Cornelis. who will discuss native plants and pollinators! More information on his topic coming soon.

About Us
Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club is a non-profit, open-to-the-public volunteer organization that focuses on promoting the conservation and restoration of the diverse natural heritage of Essex County and the surrounding region. We also strive to provide educational opportunities for the people of Essex County to become acquainted with and better understand the natural environment.

Contact Us
Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club
c/o Ojibway Nature Centre
5200 Matchette Rd.
Windsor On,
N9C 4E8

Except for our annual dinner in November, monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm at Ojibway Nature Center, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor. All are welcome! We also have monthly outings posted in the ‘Events’ section of this newsletter as well as on our website.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President: Paul Pratt (pratt.paul@icloud.com)
Vice-President: Steve Marks (steve.marks66@gmail.com)
Secretary: JoAnn Grondin (519-734-0056)
Treasurer: Cathy Lapain (aclapain@gmail.com)
Membership Secretary: Carl Maiolani (carlmaiolani@cogeco.ca, 519-972-1399)

Directors:
Dave Kraus (519-825-7491)
Kory Renaud (koryrenaud@gmail.com)
Gina Pannunzio (gpannunzio@erca.org)
Andy Paul (519-817-0155)
Jeremy Bensette (jeremy_bensette@hotmail.com)
Sam Dundas (dundas.samantha09@gmail.com)
Jennifer Nantais (jennifer.nantais@gmail.com)

CHAIRPERSONS/LIAISONS

Ontario Nature Liaison: Steve Marks
ERCA Liaison: Gina Pannunzio
Bluebird Committee: Don Bissonnette
Ojibway Liaison: Carl Maiolani
Citizens Environment Alliance Liaison: Andy Paul
Canada South Land Trust Liaison: Dave Kraus
Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Liaison: Gina Pannunzio and Steve Marks

COMMITTEES

Egret Editorial: Kory Renaud (acting)
Field Trips: Alexis Hand (chair), Ian Woodfield, Amy Weinz Junior Naturalists: Kory Renaud, Andy Paul, Jeremy Bensette, Sarah Renaud
Heritage: JoAnn Grondin (coordinator), Dave Kraus, Betty Learmouth, Jim McAllister, Gerry Waldron, Shirley Grondin, Cathy Lapain, Rachel Hasson
Little River Enhancement Group: Ian Naisbitt (chair)
Fish Book: Dave Kraus
Website & Social Media: Kory Renaud
Membership: Jeremy Hatt (chair), Paula O’Rourke, Carl Maiolani, Sam Dundas

ECFNC MEMBERSHIP

Your annual membership fees help to support the local efforts of the club. To learn more about becoming a member, please contact our membership secretary, Carl Maiolani. 

• Receive the quarterly newsletter The Egret via email
• Enjoy guest speakers at the monthly meetings
• Explore our natural heritage with a guide
• Help restore and protect Essex County’s natural heritag

Online Payment Option
Join or renew your membership online at www.essexcountynature.com/membership