On a wet October morning, 24 hikers converged at Barrie and Stella Elliott’s property along the Maitland River. For over an hour, the crew toured around the beautiful woodlots on the 47 acre property to learn about wildlife (such as black bears, which have visited the Elliotts in the past), and endangered species such as the butternut tree. The hikers then learned from the Huron Stewardship Council and Nature Conservancy of Canada staff members about local reptiles, and how you can move turtles safely across the road (in the direction they’re already headed!).
Thank you to the Elliotts and to those who made this event so much fun!
Hikers view cedar bark stripped by black bears.
An endangered butternut tree. Butternut trees are at risk in Ontario due to a fungus called butternut canker that, once infected. eventually kills the tree. Some trees, such as this healthy tree, show more resistance than others to the disease.
Beautiful view of an inland, spring-fed pond.