|
The Egret - Volume 35 - Issue 3 - September 2019 |
|
|
|
Healthy forest systems are essential for healthy communities. Forests provide many ecological services such as filtering pollutants from the air, filter storm water, prevent erosion, mitigate drought, provide shade, are habitat for wildlife, aid in pollination dispersal, provide aesthetic, recreation and amenity benefits and of course more. Many of us who grew up in Windsor-Essex, know a Carolinian forest well. We can connect our place in the region to the wooded areas we spent time in and the species we admire and are drawn to. Unfortunately these forested ecosystems face challenges such as land conversion, development, mismanagement, invasive species and more. |
|
|
Junior Egrets - An Outing in Each Season
|
|
|
Following the success of the Christmas Bird Count 4 Kids last Winter, the Jr. Egret team hosted events in the Spring and Summer and has another one planned for this Fall.
On May 25th, over 30 kids with their families came to Ojibway Nature Centre to learn about and look for some herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) of Essex County. Spring is a great time for finding herps because these ecothermic (“cold-blooded”) animals come out in large numbers to soak up the sun after a long, cold winter. Jessica Middleton started with an interactive lesson on the differences and similarities between reptiles and amphibians before moving onto a turtle “hide and seek” game to practice using field guides. Kids broke a sweat as they raced in teams to find all 8 turtle species first! |
|
|
|
|
| Celebrate World Rivers Day |
|
|
Each year, World Rivers Day celebrates river systems across the globe. This special day highlights the importance of rivers and aims to increase public awareness of the challenges rivers face. The hope is that this increased awareness will improve the stewardship of rivers. Globally, rivers share boundaries with numerous jurisdictions, and World Rivers Day highlights the shared goal of strengthening regional and international networks who steward these resources.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019 Ontario Reptile & Amphibian Survey Course
|
|
|
In late May, early June, folks from all around arrive at Beausoleil Island, which is part of the Georgian Bay Islands National Park to participate in the 2019 Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Survey Course. This course is hosted by a partnership of reptile and amphibian experts and organizations including Blazing Star Environmental, Natural Resource Solutions Inc., Ontario Nature and the Government of Ontario. The course covers reptile and amphibian identification, and provides detailed workshops that dive into the ecology and phenology of these animals that relates to their detectability during key survey times. Participants gain important understanding of reptile and amphibian habitat use during their life cycle stages and insight on how to conduct appropriate presence/absence surveys for these special species in Ontario.
|
|
|
ECFNC 35th Annual Dinner – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019
|
|
|
Speaker: David T. Chapman, Storm Chaser
Things you need to know:
- LAST DAY TO BUY TICKETS IS FRIDAY, NOV. 1ST
- There is no vegetarian entre. If you prefer a vegetarian entre or have any special dietary restrictions, please let me know by Nov. 1st. (JoAnn Grondin – 519-734-0056). If purchasing tickets online, be sure to include dietary restrictions in the notes field (Vegetarian).
- To learn more and to purchase tickets, click here.
Location and Directions:
SERBIAN CENTRE, KOSOVO HALL – 677O Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario
Turn west onto Tecumseh Road from Lauzon Parkway, the Serbian Centre is just past the CIBC Bank. Turn right on very long driveway, stay to the left, head toward the children’s playground at the back, glass doors are on the right at the end of the west side of the building.
|
|
|
Photo by David T. Chapman |
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
For full details and the latest updates, visit www.essexcountynature.com/events
|
|
Swift Night Out, Farmington, Mi. - Thursday, September 12 - 7-9pm
Join Detroit Audubon members at this annual event. Fee: $2 for Detroit Audubon Chapter members and youth 12 and under, $4 for general admission. During migration season, Chimney Swifts amass in the hundreds or thousands and at dusk, birds will form swirling tornadoes that spiral down into large roosting chimneys to take shelter at night. Videos and photos cannot capture this awe inspiring event! Please bring your own chair, s’mores and information on Chimney Swifts will be provided. To sign up: Click here to sign up!
|
|
|
Festival of Hawks, Holiday Beach C.A. -
September 14-15 and September 21-22 - 9am-3pm
Join experts from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory for this natural spectacle. Be sure to stop by ECFNC Blue Kestrel Cafe on the first weekend!
|
|
|
Nature Talks: Breaking Ground - Windsor - September 26 at the Ojibway Nature Centre - Doors open 6:30pm
Join Dan Kraus and Karen Alexander of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Peter Andrew-McBride of the Herb Gray Parkway to find out how technology is changing the way we protect Ontario’s natural spaces. Learn how you can get involved in hands-on conservation in your community. Please register/RSVP at http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/ontario/events/naturetalks-breaking-ground-2.html.
|
|
|
Our 35th Annual Dinner - November 9, 2019
Our speaker is storm chaser David T. Chapman and will be held at the Serbian Centre, 6770 Tecumseh Road. East. More information is available throughout this Egret issue and online at https://www.essexcountynature.com/tickets. LAST DAY TO BUY TICKETS IS NOV. 1st. Tickets are available online, at the Ojibway Nature Centre or call JoAnn Grondin (519-734-0056).
|
|
|
STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB! |
|
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. |
|
|
CHAIRPERSONS/LIAISONS
Ontario Nature Liaison: Steve Marks, Jessica Middleton, Andy Paul
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, Steve Marks |
|
|
COMMITTEES
Egret Editorial: Kory Renaud (acting)
Junior Naturalists: Kory Renaud, Andy Paul, Jeremy Bensette, Sarah Renaud, Jessica Middleton
Heritage: JoAnn Grondin (coordinator), Dave Kraus, Betty Learmouth, Jim McAllister, Gerry Waldron, Shirley Grondin, Cathy Lapain, Tim Shortridge, Aileen Petrozzi, Ellen van Wageningen
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, Aileen Petrozzi |
|
|
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 heritage
Online Payment Option
Join or renew your membership online at www.essexcountynature.com/membership
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|  |
|
|
|
|
