I am always on the lookout in the spring for the first day I see wildflowers. On April 14th I saw the first Marsh Marigolds, Trout Lilies, Wild Ginger, and Blue Cohosh in bloom. On April 17th, having seen many Trilliums coming up, some with flower buds, I finally saw one White Trillium and three Red Trilliums in bloom. I have noticed that the early trilliums have short stalks, while most of the later ones have longer stalks, some of which turn pink when they are dying.
I went up to Sault Ste Marie for the April 13-14th weekend. At Whitefish Island, I was hoping to see some beavers, but all I saw were their dams. Walking around we saw chickadees and other small birds which we were not able to identify, but the birders we met told us some were Golden Crowned Kinglets.
How strange to come across them again after my first sighting on April 8th. The birders also said that there is a Peregrine Falcon Nest on the International bridge, so I wonder if birds like these go deaf with all the traffic noise.
While staying on St Joseph’s Island, Thyra’s brother said that there were Salamanders in his basement. On investigating, I saw a Blue-spotted Salamander on the floor. Salamanders are common in our forests, but because they are under logs etc., they are seldom seen.
Despite some warm nights, the Spring Peepers were very quiet with only a few peeps, but we have four green frogs back in our small pond.
The wind storm on Friday night resulted in many windfalls across the trails, so it will take time for the Maitland trail volunteer chainsaw crew to get round to clearing them.
Notes:
Sunday April 28 9:00 am. Hike the Maitland Trail from Jenkins to Morris Tract, approximately 7 km - meet at Morris Tract Line (36833 Londesboro Road) to carpool to Jenkins and hike back. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@ gmail.com. This is a Level 2 hike at a brisk pace.
Saturday May 4th 9:30 am Join Janie van Essen Naftel's Creek Conservation Area for a “Mindfulness in Nature” walk, pause and explore mindfulness techniques. Contact Janie van Essen via email jvanessen@ hotmail.com or text 519.955.4402. This hike is Level 1, easy pace, 1.5 hours.
Thursday May 9th 7 pm MTA AGM at the Columbus Centre,390 Parsons Court, Goderich
Saturday May 11 Plant and Compost Sale10am-2pm at the Columbus Centre including Native plants.
Saturday May 11 9:00 am Private Property near Dublin - 7277 Highway 8. Walk through this delightful property of farm fields, across the railway tracks and back to the bush and a cabin. The walk takes you along the Bayfield River and up through the bush of old growth and recently planted bush. There will be a trip to the Dublin Restaurant after the hike. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Paula Deering at paulaldeering@gmail.com. This is a Level 1, leisure pace, 1.5 - 2 hours.
Saturday May 11 1:30 pm Cycle - Goderich G2G. Ride Start at Menesetung Bridge at Goderich and bike to Maitland River near Auburn and then return. Meet at parking area at Menesetung Bridge on North Harbour Road W, Goderich. For more information and to confirm attendance contact Donald Andrew at 519-530-9019 or Con Melady at conmelady@gmail.com.
All participants taking part in the Maitland Trail events should sign the waiver for 2024, preferably the online version.
Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, send an email to mta@maitlandtrail.ca
Midweek Hikers hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays, contact Patrick Capper.
Both groups meet at 9 a.m. and are open to non-members provided they sign the MTA On-line waiver.
If you have questions or something of interest for Trail Talk email me Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com.