Nature Quest Stewardship Series

There are lots stewardship related events going on in Muskoka and elsewhere this summer. Check out the "Stewardship Workshops and Events" section of the blog and the "Events Outside of Muskoka" section on the right-hand toolbar.

In particular, I want to let you know about the Parry Sound-Muskoka Stewardship Network who is putting on some great workshops this summer. They are designed to provide hands on experience while fostering knowledge and understanding of land stewardship.


Hike up Your Tree ID IQ
Tuesday, July 13th, 1 to 4pm
Arrowhead Provincial Park, Hwy 11 Huntsville
Having trouble identifying your tree species? Can you tell a sugar maple from a red maple? Why do some trees look healthier than others? What is a "wildlife tree" Not to worry, these and many other questions will be answered during our hike through the lush hardwood forest of Arrowhead Provincial Park. Together we will key out 25 trees, identify a variety of tree defects and diseases and examine the overall forest ecology. Participants will be introduced to forest management techniques and the tools used by forest professionals.
Presenter: Mike Walsh, Tree Marker Instructor


Managing Your Woodlot For Wildlife- The 7 Steps
Tuesday, July 20th, 1 to 4 pm
Bracebridge MNR, Hwy 11 & High Falls Road
Up to 220 species of wildlife use our local forests throughout their life cycle. This session will walk you through seven simple steps to enjoy your woodlot to its fullest while maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat in the process. Following a short inside session we will take a hike at the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre to see first hand how wildlife needs are being incorporated into a managed forest.
Presenter: Jan McDonnell, MNR Biologist and Mile Walsh


Wildlife CSI
Tuesday, July 27th
9am to 12pm, Bracebridge MNR Hwy 11 & High Falls Road
Bag it, tag it, check for prints, saliva, DNA, spent ammunition. Welcome to the world of Wildlife Forensics. This family oriented program is filled with hands on activities that will introduce participants to various aspects of solving crimes and wildlife protection. Learn now to identify tracks, furs, skulls and more. You will become the investigator, examining clues and following evidence to determine the "who done it" in a wildlife crime scene.
Presenter: Conservation Officer John van Geene, Ministry of Natural Resources


Programs are limited to 30 participants. Children are welcome and must be accompanied by adults. The costs is $5 for adults and $3 for children. For information and registration, call Hazel Walsh, MNR Area Clerk at 705-646-5538.


All sessions run rain or shine.

See you there!!