Friends of Glenorchy needs support
Do you know where Glenorchy is? Close to the great bends in the Sixteen Mile Creek valley as the waters flow from Milton to Oakville is the site of the historic hamlet of Glenorchy.
The recently-formed Glenorchy Conservation Area embraces 400 hectares of environmentally-sensitive lands in this vicinity, stretching roughly from Neyagawa Blvd. to Bronte Rd. The Oakville Natural Heritage System and the Halton NHS afford additional protection here and nearby. We appreciate the efforts of the council members who worked to establish this protection for nature.
Environmental groups fought hard for years to secure connected areas of forest, field and stream so that nature can have a place to prosper in Oakville. Unfortunately the Region of Halton is disregarding these essential connections and planning to slash both Burnhamthorpe Road and the James Snow Parkway through the valley and the conservation area.
We believe in protecting these lands as an intact sanctuary for nature rather than breaking them into fragments with costly and unnecessary roads. We call on council candidates to support nature close to home by opposing the extension of these roads through the majestic Sixteen Mile Creek valley. We call on voters to consider the candidates’ environmental records and platforms carefully and check their responses to the VoteSmart survey (http://environmentaldefence.ca/campaigns/vote-smart) before casting a vote.
– Friends of Glenorchy
http://fog-friendsofglenorchy.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Bird sightings for Sunday, October 1, 2010
The following birds were sighted in Glenorchy Conservation Area on 10/10/2010:
Pileated Woodpecker
White-breasted Nuthatch
White-throated Sparrow (in large numbers)
Ruby-crowned Kinglets
Northern Cardinals
Great Blue Herons (2)
Unidentified Hawk
Hermit Thrush
American Robins
Black-capped Chickadees
Downy Woodpecker
Unidentified Warbler
Chipping Sparrows
American Crows
Blue Jays
Canada Goose
Dark-eyed Juncos
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Birds in Glenorchy: Sightings from June 17 and 20, 2010
The following birds were observed in Glenorchy Conservation area on two separate occasions (the evening of June 17 and the morning of June 20)
Thursday, June 17th:
Indigo Buntings,
Cardinals, Hummingbirds, Catbirds (3 or more calling to each other), Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (and their nest), a Pileated Woodpecker, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Song Sparrows (and their nest), multiple House Wrens with their young,
Great-Crested Flycatcher,
Eastern Phoebe, Yellow Warblers, Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and the Common Yellowthroat.
Sunday June 20th:
Many Chickadees, including numerous fledglings, Eastern Wood-Pewee, several male Common Yellowthroats, Red-tailed Hawk (being chased by other birds),
Eastern Phoebe, Song Sparrows, male Indigo Buntings, juvenile or female Baltimore Oriole, Belted Kingfisher, Turkey Vultures, unidentified possible Sandpiper flying overhead.
In addition to the birds, there are many flowers, plants and insects in the area.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Conservation Halton Master Planning
This Saturday (May 29th) Conservation Halton is holding an open house at Crawford Lake. If you are unable to attend, please make your opinions heard by visiting this link and taking a few minutes to fill out the online survey right now:
http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1384
From Conservation Halton's website:
Parks Master Planning
Be Part of the Plan!
Take the survey and you could win an iPod Shuffle!
Master Planning underway for Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point
With the Glenorchy Master Plan now complete and approved, Conservation Halton has resumed the master planning exercise for the other Conservation Areas - Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point. Stage 1 Master Plans are complete for all four parks and can be found by following the links below:
Crawford Lake Stage 1 Master Plan
Hilton Falls Stage 1 Master Plan
Mount Nemo Stage 1 Master Plan
Rattlesnake Point Stage 1 Master Plan
A public open house is being held on Saturday, May 29 at Crawford Lake, with free admission to the park. There are two volunteer events taking place in the morning, a garlic mustard pull and a palisade rebuild, followed by lunch. For more information, or to register for the volunteer activities, contact Crawford Lake by phone at 905-854-0234 or by e-mail. The Open House will start at 1 p.m. sharp and will last until no later than 4 p.m.
What is a Master Plan?
Conservation Halton is undertaking Master Planning not only to guide ecological restoration efforts, but to further our commitment to sharing our Conservation Areas with Halton residents and visitors, both now and in the future.
In this day and age, when our cities and towns are being developed at a rapid pace, it isn't often that a public agency finds itself in the envious position of being able to protect, enhance, and restore a 400 hectare natural site!
To help prepare for all future opportunities and challenges, Conservation Halton has retained the services of EDA Collaborative Inc. to help develop master plans for five Conservation Areas - Glenorchy, Mount Nemo, Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls, and Crawford Lake.
http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1384
From Conservation Halton's website:
Parks Master Planning
Be Part of the Plan!
Take the survey and you could win an iPod Shuffle!
Master Planning underway for Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point
With the Glenorchy Master Plan now complete and approved, Conservation Halton has resumed the master planning exercise for the other Conservation Areas - Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point. Stage 1 Master Plans are complete for all four parks and can be found by following the links below:
Crawford Lake Stage 1 Master Plan
Hilton Falls Stage 1 Master Plan
Mount Nemo Stage 1 Master Plan
Rattlesnake Point Stage 1 Master Plan
A public open house is being held on Saturday, May 29 at Crawford Lake, with free admission to the park. There are two volunteer events taking place in the morning, a garlic mustard pull and a palisade rebuild, followed by lunch. For more information, or to register for the volunteer activities, contact Crawford Lake by phone at 905-854-0234 or by e-mail. The Open House will start at 1 p.m. sharp and will last until no later than 4 p.m.
What is a Master Plan?
Conservation Halton is undertaking Master Planning not only to guide ecological restoration efforts, but to further our commitment to sharing our Conservation Areas with Halton residents and visitors, both now and in the future.
In this day and age, when our cities and towns are being developed at a rapid pace, it isn't often that a public agency finds itself in the envious position of being able to protect, enhance, and restore a 400 hectare natural site!
To help prepare for all future opportunities and challenges, Conservation Halton has retained the services of EDA Collaborative Inc. to help develop master plans for five Conservation Areas - Glenorchy, Mount Nemo, Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls, and Crawford Lake.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
New North Oakville Transportation Corridor and Crossing of the Sixteen Mile Creek Class Environmental Assessment Study
NOTICE OF STUDY COMPLETION
CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY
New North Oakville Transportation Corridor and
Crossing of Sixteen Mile Creek
Town of Oakville
PR-2263
Study
Halton Region has completed a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to address future travel demands in North Oakville from Bronte Road (Regional Road 25) to Ninth Line (Regional Road 13) in the Town of Oakville. The study has been conducted in compliance with Schedule C of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, amended 2007), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
Taking into consideration the comments that were received from the Town of Oakville, regulatory agencies and the public, Halton Region is recommending a new alignment for the New North Oakville Transportation Corridor between Bronte Road and Ninth Line which includes the following features:
• A basic right-of-way width of 35 m;
• 4-lane urban roadway comprised of 2 through lanes per direction;
• On-road bike lanes and a 3.0 m multi-use pathway on both sides of the roadway; and
• New bridge crossing of Sixteen Mile Creek.
Process
The Environmental Study Report (ESR) has been prepared to document the planning, public consultation and decision making process undertaken for this study. By this Notice, the ESR is being placed on the public record for a 30-day review period in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class EA. Subject to comments
received as a result of this Notice and the receipt of necessary approvals, Halton Region intends to proceed with the detail design and construction of the New North Oakville Transportation Corridor as documented in the ESR.
The ESR is available for review at the following locations:
Clerk’s Department
Regional Municipality of Halton
1151 Bronte Road
Oakville, Ontario
L6M 3L1
Tel: 905-825-6000
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Clerk’s Department
Town of Oakville (Town Hall)
1225 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 5A6
Tel: 905-845-6601
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Oakville Public Library
White Oaks Branch
1070 McCraney Street East
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 2R6
Tel: 905-815-2038
Sun.: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mon. – Thurs: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Oakville Public Library
Iroquois Ridge Branch
1051 Glenashton Drive
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 6Z4
Tel: 905-338-4247
Sun.: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mon. - Thurs.: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Oakville Public Library
Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville, Ontario
L6M 3G2
Tel: 905-815-2039
Sun.: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mon. – Thurs.: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Comments
Further information may be obtained by contacting Ms. Melissa Green-Battiston, Project Manager, Halton Region, 905-825-6000 ext. 7623. Please provide any
written comments to Halton Region by Monday, June 7, 2010 (within 30 days of this Notice). If concerns regarding this project cannot be resolved in discussion with Halton Region, a person or party may request that the Minister of Environment make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order). Requests for a Part II Order must be
received by the Minister, at the address below by Monday, June 7, 2010. A copy of the request must also be sent to the Region’s Project Manager. If no request is
received by Monday, June 7, 2010, Halton Region intends to proceed with detailed design and construction of this project as outlined in the ESR.
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West
12th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5
This Notice first issued on May 6, 2010
www.halton.ca/EAprojects
CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY
New North Oakville Transportation Corridor and
Crossing of Sixteen Mile Creek
Town of Oakville
PR-2263
Study
Halton Region has completed a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to address future travel demands in North Oakville from Bronte Road (Regional Road 25) to Ninth Line (Regional Road 13) in the Town of Oakville. The study has been conducted in compliance with Schedule C of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, amended 2007), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
Taking into consideration the comments that were received from the Town of Oakville, regulatory agencies and the public, Halton Region is recommending a new alignment for the New North Oakville Transportation Corridor between Bronte Road and Ninth Line which includes the following features:
• A basic right-of-way width of 35 m;
• 4-lane urban roadway comprised of 2 through lanes per direction;
• On-road bike lanes and a 3.0 m multi-use pathway on both sides of the roadway; and
• New bridge crossing of Sixteen Mile Creek.
Process
The Environmental Study Report (ESR) has been prepared to document the planning, public consultation and decision making process undertaken for this study. By this Notice, the ESR is being placed on the public record for a 30-day review period in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class EA. Subject to comments
received as a result of this Notice and the receipt of necessary approvals, Halton Region intends to proceed with the detail design and construction of the New North Oakville Transportation Corridor as documented in the ESR.
The ESR is available for review at the following locations:
Clerk’s Department
Regional Municipality of Halton
1151 Bronte Road
Oakville, Ontario
L6M 3L1
Tel: 905-825-6000
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Clerk’s Department
Town of Oakville (Town Hall)
1225 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 5A6
Tel: 905-845-6601
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Oakville Public Library
White Oaks Branch
1070 McCraney Street East
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 2R6
Tel: 905-815-2038
Sun.: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mon. – Thurs: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Oakville Public Library
Iroquois Ridge Branch
1051 Glenashton Drive
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 6Z4
Tel: 905-338-4247
Sun.: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mon. - Thurs.: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Oakville Public Library
Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville, Ontario
L6M 3G2
Tel: 905-815-2039
Sun.: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mon. – Thurs.: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Comments
Further information may be obtained by contacting Ms. Melissa Green-Battiston, Project Manager, Halton Region, 905-825-6000 ext. 7623. Please provide any
written comments to Halton Region by Monday, June 7, 2010 (within 30 days of this Notice). If concerns regarding this project cannot be resolved in discussion with Halton Region, a person or party may request that the Minister of Environment make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order). Requests for a Part II Order must be
received by the Minister, at the address below by Monday, June 7, 2010. A copy of the request must also be sent to the Region’s Project Manager. If no request is
received by Monday, June 7, 2010, Halton Region intends to proceed with detailed design and construction of this project as outlined in the ESR.
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West
12th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5
This Notice first issued on May 6, 2010
www.halton.ca/EAprojects
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
FOG in the news- May 4, 2010
http:///
May 04, 2010 - 11:17 AM |
James Snow extension to Oakville long way off
A new Burhamthorpe Road is a step closer to completion but an extension of James Snow Parkway to Oakville is still a decade away.
Halton Regional council recently voted to release publicly in May an environmental study report recommending the construction over the next decade of a new $208 million arterial road that would cut across the Sixteen Mile Creek valley. The four-lane road, dubbed the north Oakville transportation corridor, is essentially a realigned, widened and extended Burnhamthorpe Road running between Bronte Road in the west to Ninth Line in the east.
An environmental group called The Friends of Glenorchy is protesting the proposed corridor because it would cut through portions of the Glenorchy Conservation Area and cross over the creek valley, a part of Halton’s Natural Heritage System.
The group has also indicated a concern about the Region’s long term plan to extend James Snow Parkway south from Milton to Hwy. 407, where it will meet Neyagawa Bouelvard, because the proposed road extension would cut through the northeast part of Glenorchy.
However, at regional council, Works Commissioner Mitch Zamojc said the James Snow extension isn’t on the Region’s immediate radar.
The project isn’t currently included in Halton’s 10-year capital forecast, Zamojc noted, though he acknowledged staff are reviewing the timing of all roads projects as part of the Region’s ongoing transportation master plan study.
May 04, 2010 - 11:17 AM |
James Snow extension to Oakville long way off
A new Burhamthorpe Road is a step closer to completion but an extension of James Snow Parkway to Oakville is still a decade away.
Halton Regional council recently voted to release publicly in May an environmental study report recommending the construction over the next decade of a new $208 million arterial road that would cut across the Sixteen Mile Creek valley. The four-lane road, dubbed the north Oakville transportation corridor, is essentially a realigned, widened and extended Burnhamthorpe Road running between Bronte Road in the west to Ninth Line in the east.
An environmental group called The Friends of Glenorchy is protesting the proposed corridor because it would cut through portions of the Glenorchy Conservation Area and cross over the creek valley, a part of Halton’s Natural Heritage System.
The group has also indicated a concern about the Region’s long term plan to extend James Snow Parkway south from Milton to Hwy. 407, where it will meet Neyagawa Bouelvard, because the proposed road extension would cut through the northeast part of Glenorchy.
However, at regional council, Works Commissioner Mitch Zamojc said the James Snow extension isn’t on the Region’s immediate radar.
The project isn’t currently included in Halton’s 10-year capital forecast, Zamojc noted, though he acknowledged staff are reviewing the timing of all roads projects as part of the Region’s ongoing transportation master plan study.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Glenorchy is under threat and YOU can help save it!
Plans by Halton Region to extend Burnhamthorpe Road puts significant areas of Glenorchy Conservation Area and the surrounding Areas of Natural and Scientic Interest (ANSI) at risk. It's time to step up and let local politicians know this is NOT acceptable. Speak up and tell your representatives that you care about this issue. Let's make a difference! Keep it Wild!
Here is a sample letter you may choose to use by copying and pasting into an email. Be sure to fill in your name when sending it out:
Hello,
I'm writing today to express my concerns and objections about the plans to extend Burnhamthorpe Road through Glenorchy Conservation Area and the surrounding ANSI (Area of Natural and Scientific Interest). After all the recent celebrations about securing this new green space, it is disheartening to hear that Region staff intend to allow a road to dissect numerous high impact areas and species at risk.
Glenorchy has been declared a Conservation Area and is in an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Putting in a road sends the wrong message- that people and cars come before nature, that it's okay to carve up sensitive green space and it discourages the use of public transportation. Allowing the building of this road will set a bad precedent and will permanently impact the largest remnants of interior forest and contribute to further habitat fragmentation in the surrounding ANSI.
I hope you will consider these points when it comes to the decision making process.
Sincerely,
(Your name here)
Here is a list of local politicians you can send your email to:
Regional Chair: Gary Carr
E-mail: gary.carr@halton.ca
Bus: 905-825-6115
Oakville
Mayor Rob Burton: oakvillemayor@gmail.com
Ward 1 Regional & Town Councillor Alan Johnston
e-mail: ajohnston@oakville.ca
905-825-9587
Ward 1 Town Councillor Ralph Robinson
e-mail: rrobinson@oakville.ca
tel:905-845-6601, ext. 3700
Ward 2 Regional & Town Councillor Fred Oliver
e-mail: foliver@oakville.ca
tel: 905-849-5669
Ward 2 Town Councillor Cathy Duddeck
e-mail: cduddeck@oakville.ca
tel: 905-845-8374
Ward 3 Regional & Town Councillor Keith Bird
e-mail: kbird@oakville.ca
tel: 905-844-5571
Ward 3 Town Councillor Mary Chapin
email: mchapin@oakville.ca
tel: 905-845-6601 ext. 6008
Ward 4 Regional & Town Councillor Allan Elgar
email: aelgar@oakville.ca
tel: 905-827-6056
Ward 4 Town Councillor Roger Lapworth
e-mail: rlapworth@oakville.ca
tel: 289-837-1346
Ward 5 Regional & Town Councillor Jeff Knoll
e-mail: jknoll@oakville.ca
tel: 905-815-6000
Ward 5 Town Councillor Marc Grant
e-mail: mgrant@oakville.ca
tel: 905-815-6001
Ward 6 Regional & Town Councillor Tom Adams
e-mail: tadams@oakville.ca
tel: 905-849-7915
Ward 6 Town Councillor Max Khan
e-mail: mkhan@oakville.ca
tel: 905-845-6601
Milton
Mayor Gord Krantz: gord.krantz@milton.ca
Local & Regional Councillor Barry Lee Wards 1 and 3
Email: barry@barrylee.ca
Home: 519-824-0679/(For 905 constituents please call 1-888-317-2292)
Local & Regional Councillor Colin Best Wards 2 and 4
Email: colin.best@milton.ca
Home: 905-878-3623
Local Councillor Richard DayWard 1
Email: rick@daylaw.ca
Home: 905-878-3953/Bus: 905-844-8581
Local Councillor Brian Penman Ward 1
Email: BrianPenman@hotmail.com
Home: 905-878-9529
Local Councillor Mike Boughton Ward 2
Email: mikeboughton@sympatico.ca
Cell: 905-691-1990
Local Councillor - Greg Nelson Ward 2
Email: greg.nelson@milton.ca
Phone: 905-864-9860
Local Councillor Cindy Lunau Ward 3
Email: cindy.lunau@milton.ca
Home: 519-853-3772
Local Councillor Jan Mowbray Ward 3
Email: jan@janmowbray.ca
Home: 519-853-4492
Local Councillor Wendy Schau Ward 4
Email: wendy.schau@milton.ca
Home: 905-878-3216
Local Councillor Paul Scherer Ward 4
Email: paul.scherer@milton.ca
Home: 905-876-2214/Cell: 905-691-4288
Provincial Representatives:
Kevin Flynn- MPP
Email: kflynn.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Tel: 905-827-5141
Ted Chudleigh- MPP
info@tedchudleigh.com
(905) 691-2222
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
FOG Upcoming Events
Wild Flower Walk- Thursday, April 29th at 10 a.m. The focus of this walk will be to view Virgina Bluebells. Please meet at the Sky Valley Crescent Parking Lot. Email FriendsofGlenorchy(at)gmail.com for more information. The walk will be cancelled in the event of rain.
Garlic Mustard Pull- Saturday, May 8th - 9 a.m.-noon. Exact location TBA.
.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Garlic Mustard Invasion
(Above image from http://ontariowildflowers.com/mondaygarden/article.php?id=54)
While participating in the Earth Day clean-up of Glenorchy, volunteers were dismayed to find Garlic Mustard has invaded the area. These two pictures are just a small portion of the problem.
Garlic Mustard is considered a "Problem Weed" by the Ontario Government (http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/hortmatt/2005/10hrt05a4.htm)
Garlic Mustard was introduced by early pioneers and has now spiralled out of control. It is also known by the following names: "Alliaria petiolata, hedge garlic, sauce-alone, jack-by-the-hedge, poor man's mustard, jack-in-the-bush, garlic root, garlicwort, mustard root."
Here's the description from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs:
"First-year rosettes with kidney-shaped green leaves with scalloped edges grow close to the ground. The flower stalks grow 2 to 3-1/2 feet tall with clusters of small white flowers, with four petals in the shape of a cross. Seeds are produced in erect, slender, four-sided pods, called siliques, beginning in May. Siliques become tan and papery as they mature and contain shiny black seeds in a row. By late June, most of the leaves have faded away and garlic mustard plants can be recognized only by the dead stalks with pale brown seedpods that may remain and hold viable seed through the summer."
Why is this such a problem? Garlic Mustard competes with native species; "like spring beauty, wild ginger, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, hepatica, toothworts, and trilliums, stealing light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space. Wildlife and insects that depend on these early plants for food soon disappear."
Dealing with and disposing of Garlic Mustard is no easy task. When pulling it, the roots should be removed. With so many seeds, it's important to carefully dispose of the weeds in a black garbage bag. DO NOT put plants in the compost bin or leave them lying out as the seeds remain viable. The garbage bags should be left in the sun for up to six months to fully eliminate further germination of the seeds.
More information from http://ontariowildflowers.com/mondaygarden/article.php?id=54:
"Garlic mustard has infested 29 states and southern Ontario. It does it by soaking up the rays all winter while the competition is dormant under ground. It stays low (as pictured) through its first winter, taking advantage of the insulating snow, warmth of the earth, and winter sun. Then it shoots up 2’ to 3’, with clusters with white or pink cross-shaped flowers in May. By July, it’s gone, leaving only the upright, banana-shaped seed pods characteristic of the mustard family."
"Curiously, the experts aren’t sure how garlic mustard spreads. They know you can’t blame it on the birds or the wind. While the plant makes thousands of seeds that remain viable for years, they fall close to the parent. The white-tailed deer helps by clearing ground that garlic mustard then can take over. But how does it move from site to site? Best guess is animal traffic."
and here is further information from the Ontario Wildflowers site:
"Getting rid of it: There are similar-flowered native plants, so first check a crushed leaf for the garlicky smell. Then pull it up, making sure to get all of the root, or keep it cut to the ground so it can’t flower. Herbicides and fire are also used (this is a cure?). Whatever, keep it up for at least five years. Meanwhile don’t put the roots or seeds in the compost or garbage; place them in a black plastic bag in the sun for several months to sterilize. (Since this it what it takes to kill the stuff, you can see why garlic mustard is winning)."
Halton Conservation has been contacted in order to determine what (if any) plans they have to deal with the issue of Garlic Mustard in Glenorchy. Updates will be posted.
.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Glenorchy Clean-Up
(Trillium)
A small group of very determined individuals spent the afternoon working hard in Glenorchy. We picked up countless broken bottles, old tin cans, plastic bottles, styrofoam, golf balls, plastic bags and many other pieces of waste.
Surprisingly enough, as we were walking with full garbage bags, a kayaker passed us and said "I hope you're not picking up junk."
"Why not?" we asked.
"Because there's too much of it. You'll need a dumptruck to get rid of it all."
This reaction to our clean up efforts was a bit surprising- what kind of mindset is it to decide that if it's going to be a big job, why bother? Especially coming from someone who is outside, presumably enjoying the area. Our response was "We have to start somewhere" and so we carried on. I'm proud of what we accomplished today!
(Spring Beauty)
Spending so much time in the valley allowed us to observe many species of native flowers and wildlife.
(We saw this butterfly sunning itself. Identified as a Compton Tortoiseshell Butterfly and considered Uncommon)
(Above: Coltsfoot photo credit: Brittney M)
(Above: Tentatively ID'd as Heal-all- please feel free to add a comment if you are able to confirm or clarify this. Photo credit: Brittney M)
(Above: Cut-leaved Toothwort)
(taking a break)
Aside from previously listed concerns (ATV tracks, human disregard for the area etc) there is a major threat to the area- an almost overwhelming infestation of garlic mustard in the area. We will address this issue in another post, but it is worth mentioning at this time.
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