There has been a lot of work done on the Sifto Loop. First was the removal of Common Buckthorn. Inevitably, a few were missed and there has been some follow up to catch most of these. Following that, native shrubs and trees have been planted. The last planting was on October 27th, 28th and 29th.
This was to plant the trees and shrubs from the Tri-County Master Gardeners. The work involved many Maitland Trail Association volunteers - from the chain saw crew who cut the buckthorn, the crew that tidied up the cuttings; then planting, which involved digging holes in the very dry ground, installing the plants, watering them, making and installing wire baskets and installing identification stakes. Thanks to Colleen McGregor, who planned and organized the crews, the work went smoothly.
The earlier plants were also regularly watered. Finally, the weather cooperated with about an inch of rain on the following Tuesday. On Monday November 18th and Tuesday November 19th the Sifto loop will be closed to cut down the dead ash trees. A big thanks to Compass Minerals for their financial assistance and cooperation and to the work crews which included Brian McCulloch, Colleen and Hugh McGregor, Roger Goddard, Cam Whiting, Kathleen Lush, Jan Jamula, Doug Ellacott, Bevin Schritt, Barry Ward, Cristen Watt, John Beaver and many others.
On Saturday October 26th, the “Bad Thing” had another successful event with 150 registrants opting for the 25 km race and another 150 for the 50 km race, both of which occurred on the Maitland Trail.
Another recently completed project was the replacement of a long boardwalk on the Maitland Trail just west of the Falls Reserve. Some of the work crew also helped with the Sifto work and other MTA activities, so they’ve been very busy in their retirement. The Maitland Trail Association is grateful to have so many great volunteers who organize the Camino, guided hikes, and trail maintenance; and grateful to have the cooperation of many landowners who give permission for the trail to pass through their property.
I keep expecting that there won’t be any more butterflies to observe this fall, but as late as October 30th Clouded Sulphur butterflies (and a few orange sulphurs), have been seen, as well as one Eastern Comma. Earlier in the year, it appeared that Cabbage White butterflies would be the most reported in the BIMBY project with 2328 Cabbage Whites,1769 Monarchs and 1162 Clouded Sulphurs. By October 30th, the numbers had changed to 2542 Cabbage Whites, 2566 Clouded Sulphurs and 1931 Monarchs, and I still expect to see some more sulphurs. The few Cabbage Whites around should not be confused with some female sulphurs which are white but have more black at the tip of their wing.
NOTES:
Monday November 4th to Sunday November 10th the Maitland Trail is closed due to deer gun hunting.
Monday November 18th and Tuesday November 19th 8 am to 5 pm the Sifto trail will be closed for tree cutting.
Saturday November 16th There is a pheasant hunt in the Hullett Wildlife Area.
Tuesday November 12th 7 pm 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 pm to 7 pm or 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm - 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 9:00 am 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 9:00 am on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be added to this email list, sign the annual MTA online waiver and complete the form on the MTA website: https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/tuesday-trompers.
Midweek hikers meet at 9:00 am and hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com.
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