The Maitland Trail is regularly closed for the deer gun hunting weeks, this year on Nov 4th to 10th and December 2nd to 8th. These closures do not apply to areas where hunting is not allowed, which include the Falls Reserve, the Maitland Woods, Sifto Loop, Millennium trail and the G2G.
On Saturday October 19th, although I was not able to go on the well-attended hike at Naftel’s, I joined seven other cyclists led by Don Andrews at Point Farms. When we went down to the shore, there were a few hundred Canada Geese, with some gulls at the edge of the lake, but as well there was a solitary bird that I did not recognize. It turned out to be a Snow Bunting, an adult in non-breeding plumage. I had only seen Snow Buntings at the edge of a road, and when they quickly fly away.
At Hullett Wildlife Area, I have noticed there has been much more than usual cutting of the grass/shrub areas. On enquiring I was informed that the mowing was done to control invasive species and to meet the objectives of the Habitat Management Plan. There is a lot of Autumn Olive at Hullett that was planted to provide hedgerows. This, and multi flora rose were recommended plants before it was realized that they were alien invasives. The main problem with Autumn Olive is that it spreads and forms dense thickets and outcompetes native species. In some area the extra nitrogen it puts into the soil can create problems. Where there is insufficient plant diversity the recommended native species include species such as hawthorn, elderberry, American high bush cranberry, dogwood, nannyberry, sumac, trembling aspen, cedar and wild apple. If you want any common milkweed seeds, there are hundreds of milkweeds which are mostly in seed at Hullett near parking lot 40589 on Conservation Road. Although, as John Degroot mentions, Gingko leaves turn lemon yellow, Professor Tallamy points out that a Ginko only supports one species of caterpillar, which a landscape gardener might like, it is a poor choice if you love birds. Also, Autumn Blaze, although producing bright red leaves in the fall, is a poor choice from a biodiversity point of view. With the recent wind the trails are mostly well covered with fallen leaves of many different hues.
When hiking on the Front Road trail, I noticed a tree from a distance that appeared to be mostly covered with white blossoms, but on closer inspection, the “blossoms” were Virgin’s Bower seeds.
Notes:
Monday November 4th to Sunday November 10th the Maitland Trail is closed due to deer gun hunting.
Saturday November 16th There is a pheasant hunt in the Hullett Wildlife Area.
Sunday November 3rd 1 p.m. Hike the Taylor and Mavis trails at Varna for about an hour then drive to Bannockburn Tract for a hike of about 40 minutes. Moderate pace and total of about 2 hours. To confirm your attendance email Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com.
Tuesday November 12th 7 p.m. Join a BRVTA Owl Prowl. Meet at the entrance to the Sawmill Trail. Please do not bring lights, red lights will be provided.
Friday November 15th 5.30-to 7 p.m. or 7.30-9.30 Owl Prowl at Morrison Dam Conservation area. If you wish to attend, you must pre-register with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority at bit.ly/4gEwxHg
Saturday November 16th 9 a.m. Meet at 71108 Morrison Line, Exeter, for an easy hike, on a fairly flat, shaded trail along the Morrison Dam and McNaughten Park trails with scenic vistas of the Morrison Reservoir. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Gena Lowe at glowe@maitlandtrail.ca or Paula Deering at pdeering@maitlandtrail.ca This is a level 1, leisurely paced, 1.5 hour hike.
Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be added to this email list, complete the annual MTA waiver online and complete the form on the MTA website: https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/tuesday-trompers
Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com.
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