I have really noticed a lot of invasive plants lately. Spotted Knapweed is in bloom with that small purple flower in nearly every open area and is the dominant plant in several places, for example in the Hullett Sugar Bush and the Falls Reserve. However, I have often seen butterflies nectaring on the flower. Himalayan Balsam is not only found by the G2G, North of the Menesetung Bridge, but is present on the Sifto Loop, the Bayfield Sawmill Trail and small patches in many other places.
Autumn Olive is still prevalent in places, especially in parts of the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area. Another plant I have seen in small patches in many places is Purple Loosestrife e.g. near the 4km to Goderich sign on the G2G. At the edge of the Clinton Conservation area, I saw a plant I did not recognize, it was Japanese Knotweed which is an invasive that can cause very severe problems. I reported it to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority who has it on their work list.
On our hike on the Sawmill Trail, we saw five birds resting on a log in the Bayfield River, two Double-crested Cormorants, two Mallards and a Merganser. At one time, cormorants were getting to be quite scarce in Canada due to DDT, but they have made a major recovery and now are a bit of a pest in some areas.
Hiking on the Exeter Trails on August 15th there was a beautiful patch of Orange Mycena growing on a log, but I only saw two butterflies, a Common Ringlet and a Northern Crescent.
Notes:
Trail from Cherrydale Road (20km) to Nature Conservancy property (25km) has been reopened. Dog owners are reminded that their dog must be on a leash.
Thursday August 29th 1pm to 4pm Turtle hatchling release at Morrison Dam by the Ausable Bayfield conservation Authority
Sunday, September 1st, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (This is the hike postponed from August 25th) Here is an opportunity to get in shape for the Maitland El Camino. Hike from River Line to Cherrydale. Meet at Cherrydale Road and carpool to River Line. Bring a lunch and lots of water for this hike.
For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com. This is a Level 3, moderate fast pace, 5 hour hike.
Thursday September 5th 8.30 am the LIFE hikes are restarting. For information contact Cheryl Phillips at cphillips@onecarwesupport.ca or 1-877-502-8277 ext. 2011. Hikers must update your information file at ONE CARE Intake Dept. at 1-844-482-7800 before attending the first hike.
Friday September 6th 4pm -6pm The official Opening of the Blyth G2G tunnel under County Road 25.
Saturday September 7th 10am 11.30am Walk the Millennium Trail Level 2 leisurely pace. This is a hike along the banks of the Maitland River on the east side of Goderich. For more information on where to meet up and to confirm your attendance, please contact Hugh McGregor at 519 955-6318.
Sunday September 8th 10 am noon. Bicycle ride on the G2G from Auburn to Blyth and return with Sally Brodie. Meet by the microwave tower in Auburn. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Sally Brodie by texting 226 378-1648. This is a Level 1, moderate pace bike ride
Maitland Trail Association‘s El Camino on Saturday September 21st and 22nd is sold out.
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.
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