PHOTO BY JOHN PELECHATY PHOTO

Fall 2015 Newsletter Volume 33, Issue 3 ISSN 0824-5126

FORTWHYTE NEWS 3

VOLUNTEERS 7

SPECIAL EVENTS 8

FORTWHYTE FARMS 10

NATURE SHOP 11 fortwhyte.org PUBLIC PROGRAMMING 12–15 Connect with FortWhyte online! CONTACT INFORMATION www.facebook.com/FortWhyteAlive www.twitter.com/FortWhyteAlive www.instagram.com/FortWhyteAlive

1961 McCreary Rd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9 FortWhyte Alive recognizes E-mail: [email protected] Major Contributors ($1,000+) since June 2014 fortwhyte.org

Recorded Info: (204) 989-8350 SUSTAINING PARTNERS BMO Nesbitt Burns Lindsey Steek & Company $10,000+ PH: (204) 989-8355 $20,000+ Donna Sutherland Medical London Drugs Bob Williams Cargill Limited Corp. MTS Allstream Brian & Ruth Hastings City of Winnipeg, Water and Enterprise Holdings Nunavut Art Gallery Estate of Robert Spear DAILY ADMISSION Waste Department Farm Credit Canada Redd Line Jewellery Kris & Shirley Benedickson Domtar Inc. Frank Wade Wealth Wow! Hospitality Concepts Inc. Adults: $7 Lafarge Canada Management FORTWHYTE FARMS MAJOR $1,000+ Seniors (55+): $6 Manitoba Education, Citizenship Friesens Corporation Fountain Tire PROGRAM SUPPORTERS Ann Loewen Students & Children: $5 & Youth Manitoba Hydro G&E Homes Boeing Canada Anne Bolton Members & Children Under 3: FREE Province of Manitoba Groundstar Systems (1987) Centre for Aboriginal Human Nancy Cipryk The Winnipeg Foundation Ltd. Resource Development Bruce & Wendy Zimmer KGS Group The Co-operators Foundation Catherine Dewar $10,000+ FALL HOURS OF OPERATION Kleysen Group LP Genstar Development Company David Friesen Cambrian Credit Union Graham C. Lount Family Monday – Friday: KPMG Doug Harvey Kenwal Ltd. Manitoba Blue Cross Foundation Douglas Craig (Carole C. Craig 9 am – 5 pm Progressive Waste Solutions Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Intact Foundation Fund) Running Room Canada Inc. Oakley Optical Ltd. Investors Group Elmer Hildebrand Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: Shell Canada Ltd. Prosper Wealth Ltd. Manitoba Chicken Producers Estate of Kathleen Hilda Apted MTS Future First 10 am – 5 pm $5,000+ RBC Dominion Securities Gerald Peterson The Great-West Life Assurance Helen Steel Canadian National Railway RBC Royal Bank Richardson GMP Ltd. Company Isabel Hermick SUNSET GOOSE FLIGHTS HOURS Charities Aid Foundation America Thomas Sill Foundation (CAF America) RS Distribution Services J. Derek Riley Winnipeg Building and CIBC Scatliff + Miller + Murray Jack and Zina Lazareck Family Open until dusk, Wednesday – Sunday: Decorating Foundation deer + almond St. Boniface Wildlife The Winnipeg Foundation Jamie Benidickson September 23 – October 25 Manitoba Community Services Association Superior Management Ltd. Winnipeg Jets True North Jennifer Thiessen Council Foundation REMEMBRANCE DAY HOURS Maple Leaf Construction The Gail Asper Family John Corp & Mary Elizabeth McKenzie National Leasing Foundation ENDOWMENT FUND The Megill-Stephenson John Prall Wednesday, November 11: Red River Cooperative Alan W. Scarth, C.M., Q.C. Company Ltd. Ken & Marjorie Grower 1 pm – 5 pm Stantec Consulting Ltd. Evelyn & David Friesen The North Face Winnipeg Linda Tiessen-Wiebe TD Friends of the Environment George T. Snell Thompson Dorfman Nancy G. Cipryk & Greg Fund Sheilah Sweatman Memorial Sweatman LLP. Klassen BUFFALO STONE CAFÉ Wawanesa Insurance Fund Trout Unlimited Canada Paul & Michelle Campeau Winnipeg Building & Decorating Tundra Oil & Gas Ltd. SUSTAINING PARTNERS Phil & Vera Froese $1,000+ Winnipeg Building & INDIVIDUALS Reinhard Jansson 24-7 Intouch Decorating $20,000+ Rick Corbett PH: (204) 989-8370 Administrative Facilities Limited Douglas Pollard & Kristie Rudi Wierckx Partnership IN KIND Pearson Shirley Richardson fortwhyte.org/buffalostonecafe All Charities Campaign Alter Ego Sports Estate of David Skinner Tony Smith Anseeuw Brothers Ltd. Boston Pizza R. A. (Sam) Fabro Hours subject to change. William McGowan Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. Cherie Davey Family Richard Bonnycastle Café will close early for special events. William Parrish Sr. & Donna Arlington Auto Body Foster Agency The Estate of Norman Coghlan Parrish Please contact the café for seasonal hours.

NATURE SHOP Board of Trustees

Robert B. Brennan Jack Lazareck Liz Prall PH: (204) 989-8355 William P. Elliott Shannon Magnusson Sprague Richardson Richard Enright Justice Michel A. Monnin Brian Thiessen fortwhyte.org/natureshop Dr. Gordon Goldsborough Peter Muir Paul Vogt For the nature lover! Featuring birding products, Douglas E. Pollard local art, nature books, clothing, toys, and more.

2 FORTWHYTE LIFE Summer 2015 Newsletter Connect with FortWhyte online! FORTWHYTE NEWS www.facebook.com/FortWhyteAlive Winnipeg’s Lake Winnipeg Changing water quality in FortWhyte’s lakes presents challenges and opportunities

The lakes of FortWhyte are its life n much the same way as Lake Winnipeg’s of these water bodies were collected, and Ihealth has become such a pressing have been used to assess long-term changes blood. As exhausted clay quarries concern, so too have FortWhyte’s lakes been in water quality. Surface water samples of Lafarge’s cement manufacturing experiencing changes to their water quality. have been analyzed for nutrients such as days, they gradually filled with This is due in large measure to nutrient phosphorus that lead to eutrophication– loading from watershed runoff, the feces of a process where water bodies with high runoff over the decades. Their thousands of staging geese and gulls each levels of nutrients stimulate excessive water attracted wildlife, the wildlife fall, and a changing climate. With no natural plant growth. attracted public interest, and the outflow to our lakes, these nutrients have From these analyses and ongoing accumulated year upon year and are now observations and sampling by FortWhyte combination of all three laid the at a level that support major algae blooms staff, it has been concluded that foundation for today’s FortWhyte and associated declines in dissolved oxygen, deteriorating conditions of FortWhyte’s that in turn are threatening a vibrant fishery Alive, where our lakes are enjoyed lakes warrant long-term study. There are and general public enjoyment of FortWhyte’s exciting opportunities to carry out aquatic year-round for wildlife viewing, greatest natural asset. education and research for undergraduate fishing, swimming, paddling, The problems presented by the declining and graduate students, for exposing them to health of our lakes are not without concept of a watershed in a meaningful way, sailing, skating and tobogganing. opportunity. Over the past five years, and for integrating this work with existing But today, Winnipeg’s ‘Lake students from the University of Manitoba, and new programming at FortWhyte Alive. supervised by Dr. Gordon Goldsborough, This information will also provide the critical District’ is showing signs of have done exploratory research on our lakes. foundation on which informed decisions on deteriorating health. Sediment cores that represent the history mitigation and restoration can be made. Continued on Page 4

fortwhyte.org 3 CONTACTFORTWHYTE INFORMATION NEWS

FORTWHYTE’S LAKES: FortWhyte Model Watershed Data Archive The FortWhyte lakes lie in a small semi- Too often, data collected by students is The Inside Scoop urban watershed, drawing in groundwater used merely for demonstration purposes Our lakes are sampled monthly for and surface water from a surrounding area and nothing comes of it after the original levels of dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, with boundaries that can be mapped and collection. This gives students the temperature and conductivity. Here studied. The importance of local factors, impression that their participation is such as Canada Geese that visit the lakes ultimately futile and their contributions are some of our findings: during the spring and fall migrations, and are meaningless. By contrast, the data • Measurements of lake depth reveal that the activities in the surrounding area such as to be collected as a result of classes and deepest waters are in Muir Lake, Lake Cargill residential and retail development, will research projects in the FortWhyte Model and Lake 2, with deepest points at around 8 have demonstrable effects on lake water Watershed will be added to an ongoing metres. Lake 3 and Lake Devonian, are the quality into the future. Establishing a data archive, the value of which will grow shallowest with depths of 6-7 metres. baseline of knowledge about the lakes and as it accumulates more data. Students will • Dissolved oxygen concentrations in Lake 2, 3 their condition now is an essential step for gain greater appreciation for the work when and Muir drop below 1 milligram per litre from evaluating the impacts of these changes. they realize that they are contributing to January to ice-off, usually early April. This FWA is actively exploring the establishment a long-term dataset that is fundamentally value is far below the minimum level needed of a “Model Watershed” that would: important to understanding their world. for fish survival (3 mg/L). Aeration installed in Lake Devonian and Lake Cargill allows these 1. Enable new educational programming lakes to maintain oxygen concentrations of at at FortWhyte Alive, educating visitors least 7 mg/L all year. about the importance of the “watershed • Phosphorus is introduced to water bodies concept”—that everything is ultimately through soil erosion, run-off and animal and interconnected so activities in one place human wastes. As phosphorus builds up in will have implications far away. lake sediments and concentrations rise, plant 2. Provide a basis for undergraduate classes and algae growth increase. When a lake has from Manitoba universities to collect a concentration of phosphorus elevated from meaningful “real world” data. its historic value, that lake is deemed to be 3. Provide research opportunities to eutrophic. Phosphorus values above 0.1 milligram per litre are considered hypereutrophic examine urbanization as it affects water and can fuel extensive algae blooms. and ecology in a small watershed. • Most of FortWhyte’s lakes are hypereutrophic, Development of the FortWhyte Model though Muir Lake is considered eutrophic. Watershed would engage participants Concentration of phosphorus in FWA’s from a range of academic disciplines— constructed wetland, the endpoint of our onsite hydrology, civil engineering, geography, wastewater treatment system, is well below soil science, environmental science, the levels of Lake Devonian when discharged. ecology, and others—and would result in • Surface waters in the lakes have the highest a teaching and research facility sufficiently phosphorus concentrations in spring and close to university campuses to foster fall, when the water temperatures of the greater “outdoor” exposure for students lakes are equal from surface to bottom whose academic programs are otherwise and the whole water column is mixing. In constrained by financial and logistic limits to summer, the sun heats the surface waters to exclude such experience. 25 C, while waters 4 metres and deeper are 10 C or cooler. These two layers don’t mix Integration with Curriculum because of the difference in density. New university courses in aquatic and • Conductivity is a measurement of the watershed studies could be developed to concentration of salts and other inorganic complement research activities undertaken compounds in water by showing how well in the FortWhyte Model Watershed. the water conducts electricity. Muir Lake Likewise, educational programming is FortWhyte’s saltiest, with a value about that complements the secondary school twice as high as our other lakes, and is well curriculum could be designed and delivered above the level of salinity permitted for crop by the staff of FortWhyte Alive, building on irrigation water. existing high school field research programs. 4 Creating Citizen Scientists Lake Restoration Planning Climate Change The most important aspect of this Like water bodies elsewhere in the prairies, opportunity, is that it encourages young most notably Lake Winnipeg , the water Consideration people to become active participants in quality in lakes of FortWhyte Alive is s a frontier-type ecosystem, wetlands collecting, analyzing and understanding threatened by inputs from nutrient-laden are particularly vulnerable to climatic data about the environment around them. overland run-off, thousands of staging A variation and extreme events. Many In so doing, we will create a generation waterfowl, and the effects of climate change. wetlands are unstable to begin with, and of “citizen scientists” who understand the Being closed basins with no natural outflows environmental issues that we confront in that might serve to flush nutrients away, our are easily or frequently changed by erosion the 21st century, and are willing and able lakes experience deterioration in a markedly and flooding. As our climate changes, to participate actively in addressing them— shorter timeframe than other lakes. Algae wetland water supply becomes a major whether in collecting the data needed blooms are already increasing in frequency concern. The hotter, drier summers we to assess the changes, or crafting public and intensity in several of the lakes. are experiencing combined with the increased use of water for irrigation could policies and strategies for coping with them. It is crucial to the environmental and reduce the supply of water for wetlands. A FortWhyte has always operated on the operational sustainability of FortWhyte Alive principle that we significantly compromise that a comprehensive plan be developed lower volume of water would increase the the quality of the education we offer to understand more fully the nature of the concentrations of pollutants that settle in our upcoming generations if we do not threats to lake water quality, and to develop wetlands (agricultural chemicals, naturally expose them to natural environments a plan for mitigating the impact of poor occurring salts, atmospheric pollutants), in an immersive way. The development water quality on the facility as a whole. and there is a real threat that wetlands of education and research curricula at There are many opportunities to transfer will disappear altogether as evaporation FortWhyte Alive, based on the watershed knowledge acquired from the study of empties them and runoff fails to recharge concept and developed by means of lakes at FortWhyte Alive to other Canadian aquifers that sustain them. The loss of active field work and data analysis in the sites with poor water quality, such as prairie wetlands spells doom for more FortWhyte Model Watershed, provides a urban stormwater retention basins, sewage than just ducks. Other wetland species feasible and meaningful way of addressing treatment ponds, and natural lakes and such as muskrats, painted turtles, frogs, this deficiency. wetlands subject to watershed runoff. redwing and yellow-headed blackbirds and a diversity of aquatic invertebrates will also be out of a home. For information on what you can do to combat climate change, visit the Climate Change Connection website: climatechangeconnection.org/solutions

fortwhyte.org 5 by RICHARD BOLTON Lafarge Canada: Supporting our Volunteers! DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT here are corporate sponsors, and then FortWhyte volunteers amaze us every time we are on site with their Tthere are corporate partners. dedication and knowledge. They are always cheerful and friendly FortWhyte has truly found a partner in Lafarge Canada, who remains committed with everyone. We are honoured to support all the volunteers which to supporting FortWhyte Alive financially have made FortWhyte Alive the world class facility it is today, and through its sponsorship of our Volunteer Program, and also in a number of other are truly its heart. Dawn Fraser, Environmental Manager important ways. These include partaking in group volunteering initiatives, such as our they are by Lafarge’s commitment at the opportunities to fulfill this goal, and its Earth Day celebrations; participating in our community level, and perhaps what makes employees enjoy coming out to volunteer fundraising events; and attending all of our our partnership so special is the fact that and lend a helping hand in a variety of volunteer appreciation events. Lafarge staff and executives feel the same ways. We look forward to continuing Lafarge is committed to supporting their way about our volunteers. to partner with Lafarge to promote communities not just with funding or Lafarge has a global 2020 Sustainability volunteerism in our community. materials, but also by working side-by-side Ambition to reach one million volunteer On behalf of all of FortWhyte’s staff and with its partners. FortWhyte’s volunteers hours by its employees. It continues to take volunteers, thank you Lafarge for always comment on how impressed advantage of FortWhyte’s many volunteer your unwavering support!

NATURE NOTES Seasonal Spectrum: The Science of Changing Colours Ever wonder why a ost plants have green leaves due to So what determines the timing of colour season? chokecherry leaf turns dark Mthe abundance of a pigment called In fact, the change begins with the shortening chlorophyll. Chlorophyll captures sunlight day length after summer solstice. Cells at the purple, but an aspen turns bright energy to drive photosynthesis, which is the leaf base begin to slowly cut off the transport sunny yellow? Or why some falls plant’s way of making sugar. The reason of water and nutrients, preparing the leaf to are more colourful than others? chlorophyll looks green? From a white light drop. Though cold weather doesn’t trigger spectrum, chlorophyll absorbs purple, blue, the change, weather conditions influence the The science behind these red, and yellow lights well, but not green intensity of colour. Sunny, warm days, followed seasonal changes makes light, which gets reflected to our eyes. by cool nights produce the most brilliance the colours all that In every leaf, there are other pigments that because leaves continue producing sugars. exist, which vary depending on the species The moment there is a frost, colour dims. more interesting. of plant. Pigments known as carotenoids And the curtain call? High winds, rain or snow appear yellow and orange - carrot colours! will strip off the leaves and change the scene, by BARRET MILLER Pigments known as anthocyanins produce sometimes overnight. But remember, those & KATRINA FROESE deep reds, purples, and blues, and thrive stark branches have their own kind of beauty EDUCATION / INTERPRETIVE STAFF when there is high sugar content in the leaf. on a sunny winter day.

6 FORTWHYTE LIFE Fall 2015 Newsletter Volunteer Recruitment at FortWhyte Alive

ach season brings new volunteer an interview with the volunteer manager; are matched to FortWhyte’s needs and Eopportunities and FortWhyte will soon be must complete the online application; attend opportunities. The ongoing screening recruiting volunteers for fall positions such an orientation; complete a child abuse practices ensure FortWhyte is fulfilling its as the School Program Leader. We recruit reference check and participate in on-going responsibilities to all our visitors, including volunteers to lead school children in grade training and shadowing until they are ready to and especially children and youth. appropriate programs on the environment, lead a group of school children. All volunteers If you are interested in volunteering contact sustainability and social history. A complete are supported by staff and feedback is offered. [email protected] or call role description is available online at The volunteer screening process at FortWhyte (204) 989-8355 (x213). fortwhyte.org/volunteering. Applicants receive ensures people’s skills and experience by RICHARD BOLTON VOLUNTEERS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Rosemary Jackson

by SHARYL EAGLESHAM VOLUNTEER RESOURCES MANAGER

Rosemary Jackson came to Canada from Lancashire, England with her husband Peter and 9-month-old daughter in 1966. After spending many years as a leader with Brownies and Girl Guides for her three daughters, she jumped at the chance to use her skills at FortWhyte Alive, working outdoors with children throughout the seasons.

love speaking with Rosemary. She on weekends or evenings to lead dipnetting with the material before taking on a I has kind eyes that are windows to her or go snowshoeing. group. The staff and team of volunteers experience and a gentle voice with the lilt of are wonderful and are always helping For Rosemary, being active outdoors is a an English accent. She enters the volunteer one another out.” way of life, which is likely why FortWhyte is lounge with the confidence of a 24-year such a great fit for her. She enjoys spending One of Rosemary's funniest memories was volunteer veteran looking for another new her leisure time sailing, canoeing, kayaking, when she was snowshoeing with a class experience at FortWhyte Alive. She can lead hiking and camping. Rosemary and Peter and fell in the deep snow, getting her a group of grade 5 – 12 students in skills have hiked the West Coast Trail in BC, the snowshoes tangled up in the cattails. She necessary to conduct basic land navigation Bruce Trail in various parts of Canada, and got upright with the help of a nice teacher using a map, operate a compass and GPS the Mantario Trail. and off the group went again. Everything is a receiver, assist visitors in roasting bannock new challenge for Rosemary and she smiles over a fire, or demonstrate how to throw an Rosemary would invite anyone interested in when she says there is always something atlatl. Rosemary generally volunteers during volunteering at FortWhyte because, “There interesting happening at FortWhyte Alive. weekdays with Kindergarten to Grade 12 is training for all programs, and FWA makes school programs, occasionally stepping in an effort to make sure you are comfortable FWA Volunteer Program Sponsor:

Join FortWhyte Alive’s Volunteer Team of Fall School Program Leaders Stay active! Do something that matters in your community. Share your knowledge and skills. Training starts September 8. Flexible weekday commitment.

fortwhyte.org/volunteering PH: (204) 989-8355 x 213 | EM: [email protected]

fortwhyte.org 7

FORTWHYTE FARMS ON THE COVER: Tamworth Pigs photo by JOHN PELECHATY ortWhyte Farms raises heritage-breed Tamworth pigs, known for their winter hardiness, Fgood mothering abilities and long, lean body shape – which means more bacon than the average pig! Tamworth pigs are well-muscled and have great tasting meat. A pig’s gestation is around 113 days, or, “three months, three weeks and three days”. With the assistance of our boar, our female pigs will be farrowing (birthing piglets) in September. Many pigs are raised in confined barns, stand on concrete floors and are not allowed to exhibit natural behaviours like rooting and wallowing. FortWhyte Farms’ pigs are raised humanely, outdoors year-round, with lots of room to roam under the big blue sky. Our pastured-pork products and other farm edibles are available at The Market every Tuesday 12-6 pm until Thanksgiving. Please visit fortwhytefarms.com for more info.

SUMMER, BY THE NUMBERS, AT five 147 varieties of FortWhyte Farms homemade cabbage grown in the garden: pies Farao, Primero, Weekly Weed Buster of pork produced Late Dutch, Bilko Volunteers helping 453 available at 360 & Early Jersey hours of farm programs The Market the farm maintain by youth, Wakefield delivered to 11 groups 7 the organic gardens LBS this summer sold at The Market NINE fifty-five yards of bison manure jars of salsa canned collected in the spring to amend 2016’s greenhouse using farm veggies​ potting soil mix SIXTY youth who youth hired as interns hens laying both participated in in July and August, 4 of blue and brown farm programs whom have returned for eggs for training + each week 13 their second year 31 nutrition programs Thank you to all of our supporters, volunteers, and donors, for another great summer at the farm!

Fall Workshops at FortWhyte Farms Salves and Lipbalms Beeswax Candles Learn how to make natural balms for dry, Prepare for winter and use natural winter skin using local ingredients at the beeswax to make your own hand-dipped farm with Sara McIvor-Prouty. Children candles at the farm. Children must register must register with an adult. with an adult. Saturday, November 14 10 am – 12 pm Saturday, November 21 10 am – 12 pm $17, $15 for Members $17, $15 for Members

10 FORTWHYTE LIFE Fall 2015 Newsletter FACES OF FORTWHYTE: Janna Barkman, FARM PROGRAM COORDINATOR Janna is in her second year at FortWhyte Farms. She is deeply influenced by her family’s love of outdoor adventuring, and building strong family and community relationships through these experiences. She graduated with her Master’s in Sustainable Development Practice, with a focus on experiential learning and youth development. Janna is thrilled to work with an organization that follows the principles of sustainable agriculture, community development, and positive youth engagement. Although she has yet to wrangle a chicken, she loves the daily challenges that come with working alongside both chickens and youth.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of berry crisp! The long-term reward is working Q: What’s your favourite season at your job? beside such inspiring youth, and bearing FortWhyte Alive? The wonderful part of working with youth in witness to the positive changes that occur As the summer winds down, I can agriculture is that there are both short and for people who are dedicated to this place. confidently say that autumn is my long-term rewards. The short-term reward Q: Most unexpected job at FortWhyte? favourite season at FortWhyte Alive. is obvious: food. Our community here is FortWhyte is a place where people thrive. The peacefulness, the fall colours, and built around food, be it caring for livestock, FortWhyte has given me the opportunity the endless harvesting make the farm snacking on veggies as we harvest, or to work on a secret passion of mine, an in particular a wonderful place to be. cooking them up in delicious meals. It is aspect of my career that I’ve strived to Last year, we were swimming in tomatoes also an opportunity to share the diversity develop: emceeing. Perhaps it’s my love throughout September, to the point that among us, with food being something that of talking and making dull jokes, but I can farm staff meetings would be held ties us together. Nothing is better than definitely say I didn’t consider fundraiser simultaneous to harvesting tomatoes. sitting down together and digging in to a entertainment when I started here. Tomato patches are the new board room!

THE NATURE SHOP Get Active and Win! Walk or cycle to FortWhyte Alive this fall, check in with Visitor Reception, and enter to win a gift basket from the Nature Shop just by reducing your carbon footprint! Draw runs from September 1 to October 31.

Fall Family Festival Special Holiday Shopping Event Support Winnipeg’s local artisan community. Shop from our collection of unique, nature The Nature Shop will celebrate fall by inspired and handcrafted gifts. Enjoy free offering a 20% discount for Members (10% gift wrapping, draws and savings! 20% for guests) on Made in Manitoba goods. discount for Members (10% for guests). Sunday, September 20 Saturday – Sunday, December 5 & 6 Excludes consignment merchandise Excludes sale and consignment merchandise

Truckload Bird Seed and Fresh Crop Honey Sale Prepare your yard for fall and winter bird feeding by stocking up on an assortment of Earth Machine seed. Black oil seed, wild bird seed, Composters peanuts and suet will be available at Your garbage is about 40 per cent organic our best prices of the year. 20% off bird waste—composting keeps all that garbage feeders for Members (10% off for guests). out of the landfill. FortWhyte Farms’ fresh crop Harmony Reduce your yard and food waste by Honey will be available as well. composting in an Earth Machine Composter, Thanksgiving Weekend: available from the Nature Shop! Saturday – Monday, October 10, 11, 12 $60 (plus tax) fortwhyte.org 11 CONTACTPUBLIC PROGRAMMING INFORMATION Fall Activities & Workshops FALL HOURS OF OPERATION Monday – Friday: Birding by App Wild Thing Yoga 9 am – 5 pm Just in time for the fall migration, birder Join Vinyasa/Hatha RYT Janna Barkman for exhilarating evening or morning yoga. Take in Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: Neil Butchard will lead a tutorial on birding apps for mobile devices and computers. the natural beauty that FortWhyte Alive has 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday, September 1 6 pm to offer while practicing mind-body balance. FREE with regular admission. Space is limited, Wednesdays, September 2 & 9 5:30 – 7 pm SUNSET GOOSE FLIGHTS HOURS please call (204) 989-8355 to register. Sundays, November 1 & 8 Open until dusk, Wednesday – Sunday: 10:30 am – 12 pm September 23 – October 25 Birding and Breakfast $17, $15 for Members (per class). Class size is Join our experienced leaders on a sunrise limited, to register please call (204) 989-8355. REMEMBRANCE DAY HOURS birding hike and follow it up with breakfast Children’s Storytelling & Bannock Wednesday, November 11: in the Buffalo Stone Café. All levels of birding ability are welcome! Join our guest storytellers for a wild tale 1 pm – 5 pm Wednesdays, September 2 – and a warm snack by the fire. September 16 7 am Saturday, September 5 1 pm PROGRAM REGISTRATION $15, $11 for Members. Space is limited, please Sundays, October 4 & November 1 1 pm Registration is required call (204) 989-8355 to register. FREE with regular admission

for FortWhyte Alive ® Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness public programs. Get a full-body workout and meet other moms in the community while attending to your Please call (204) 989-8355 baby’s needs. Please visit fortwhyte.org/fit4twostrollerfitness for class details. or email [email protected] Tuesdays, September 8 – October 6 Thursdays, September 3 – October 8 11:30 am 11:30 am $60 for 5 classes or $14 drop-in, $55 for 5 $72 for 6 classes or $14 drop-in, $66 for 6 classes or $13 drop-in for Members (plus GST) classes or $13 drop-in for Members (plus GST) September View FortWhyte’s online events calendar at fortwhyte.org/events/calendar

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY FortWhyte Alive Birding and Breakfast Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Nordic Walking Mileage Challenge Wild Thing Yoga Bison Safari Children’s Storytelling & Begins Bison Safari Bannock Birding by App 1 2 3 4 5 Guided Ride Labour Day Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Birding and Breakfast Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Prairie Love Festival 2pm Walk Active Living for Older Wild Thing Yoga Bison Safari Nordic Walking Sod House Pioneers Adults: Paddling Bison Safari 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Prairie Love Festival Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Birding and Breakfast Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Nordic Walking All About Bison FortWhyte Farms’ Hatchet Throwing Kids’ Craft 2pm Walk Harvest Supper Bison Safari Naturescape: Fall Yard Care Sod House Pioneers 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Fall Family Festival Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Sunset Goose Flights Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Family Adventure Race Active Living for Older Begin Bison Safari Nordic Walking Adults: Cycling Bison Safari 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Intro to Bird Watching & ID Golden Goose Experience Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Tipi Raising 2pm Walk Sod House Pioneers 27 28 29 30

12 FORTWHYTE LIFE Fall 2015 Newsletter NEW Get Autumn Active EVENTS! FortWhyte Alive Mileage Challenge Family Adventure Race Twilight Run: Spooky Sprint Take part in the longest ‘race’ we’ve ever In partnership with Ground UP Adventures – Use your headlamp to light the way through held! Registration gives you unlimited access North, FWA is offering an adventure race for the forests and trails of FortWhyte Alive during to FortWhyte Alive from September through the whole family! Travel a rugged course by this late night 5 and 10k run! Prizes to our November. Participants will receive access to boat, bike and foot and test your navigation finishers, including best costumes. Join us after an online app to track their mileage by foot, skills. Register in the youth or family this fun run for some smokies, s’mores and wheel, ski, snowshoe... anything goes! Top division, with no restrictions on team size. cold beverages by the fire. finishers in each division will receive a prize. Saturday, September 26 1 pm Thursday, October 29 8 pm September 1 – November 30 FREE for Children 5 and under. $10 per entrant Early Bird Fee: $35, After September 21: $45 $25, $10 for Members. For details and to register, for Children 6+ and Adults. For complete For complete details and to register visit please visit fortwhyte.org/mileagechallenge. details and to register visit fortwhyte.org/ fortwhyte.org/twilightrun Enter at any time this fall! familyadventurerace.

Guided Ride Citizen Science for Kids Take a two-wheeled tour with one of FWA’s top-tier interpretive leaders. Bring your Getting your kids involved in scientific own bike or rent one of ours. exploration has never been easier, or more fun! Check out a Citizen Science for Kids Sunday, September 6 2 pm Session at FortWhyte Alive this fall: FREE with regular admission Kids’ Craft Labour Day September 19: Prickly Porcupines 1 pm All About Bison Learn about North America’s largest land Celebrate Labour Day by putting your October 11: Glorious Geese 1 pm mammal from the best seat in the house, our muscles to work during the last Voyageur November 28: Holiday Ornaments 1 pm bison bus! A unique opportunity for budding Canoe ride of the season. FREE with regular admission. While supplies last. scientists and their families to get up close to Monday, September 7 1 – 3 pm Naturescape: Fall Yard Care the herd and learn about how bison shaped FREE with regular admission Join Dana Race, Certified Horticulturist, and prairie ecosystems for thousands of years before being driven to near extinction. Active Living for Older Adults Jane Zoutman, Master Gardener, as they share tips on how to get your yard ready for Sunday, September 13 1 pm Explore FortWhyte with a guide while winter. Dana will cover trees and shrubs, FREE with regular admission. Space is limited, engaging in a wide-range of seasonal, low- while Jane will share her knowledge on please call (204) 989-8355 to register. impact physical activities. No experience or prepping your pond, garden borders and special equipment necessary! Dress for the flower beds for freezing temperatures. Intro to Bird Watching & Identification weather and wear comfortable shoes. Saturday, September 19 1 pm This two-part course will provide an intro to Tuesday, September 8: Paddling 10 am FREE with regular admission bird identification for young naturalists. Led Tuesday, September 22: Cycling 10 am by Bird Studies Canada’s Christian Artuso, Tuesday, October 13: Archery 10 am Fall Family Festival kids will acquire the basic skills needed Tuesday, November 10: Kubb 10 am Sunday, September 20 to contribute to citizen science projects – FREE with regular admission for older adults (55+) View Special Event details on Page 9 counting birds, coding bird behaviour, and Prairie Love Festival entering their data into online databases. Sunset Goose Flights Sundays, September 27 & October 4 9 am This unparalleled yoga festival offers Wednesday – Sunday, September 23 – participants classes with renowned FREE with regular admission. Space is limited, October 25 please call (204) 989-8355 to register. instructors from across North America, tranquil meditations, nature hikes, View Special Event details on Page 9 empowering speakers, and musical delights MORE TOURS from local musicians and DJs. Tipi Raising Bison Safaris! ADDED Saturday – Sunday, September 12 & 13 Join elder Bill Crompton in raising a tipi on See North America’s largest land animal, FortWhyte’s North Trail. Visit prairielovefestival.com for details or to register. the bison, and learn how this magnificent Sunday, September 27 12 – 4 pm Hatchet Throwing beast has shaped Manitoba’s history. Hop FREE with regular admission. Space is limited, aboard our 20-passenger bus where a Split some stumps and enjoy a bonfire please call (204) 989-8355 to register. knowledgeable guide will take you inside lakeside at our Field Station. the bison prairie for an up-close encounter. Thursday, September 17 7 pm Golden Goose Experience Be sure to bring your camera! Mondays, September 28 & October 19 $15, $10 for Members. Advance registration $15, Members: 25% off, Children $5. Visit our required. Please call (204) 989-8355. View Special Event details on Page 9 website for tour dates, times, and to register: fortwhyte.org/bisonsafaris fortwhyte.org 13 CONTACT INFORMATIONOctober View FortWhyte’s online events calendar at fortwhyte.org/events/calendar

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Nordic Walking Wildcraft Sustainability Bike Tour 1 2 3 Intro to Bird Watching & ID Honky Tonk Night Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness Truckload Bird Seed Sale 2pm Walk Nordic Walking Sod House Pioneers Wildcraft Children’s Storytelling & Water Day Bannock 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Truckload Bird Seed Sale Truckload Bird Seed Sale Active Living for Older Nordic Walking Kids’ Craft Adults: Archery Wildcraft 2pm Walk Sod House Pioneers *No Goose Flight Feast 11 Thanksgiving 12 13 14 15 16 17 Woodturning Golden Goose Experience Nordic Walking 2pm Walk Wildcraft Sod House Pioneers 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2pm Walk Twilight Run: Spooky Sprint Halloween in the Forest Sod House Pioneers Sunset Goose Flights End 25 26 27 28 29 30 Halloween 31

#TAG TO WIN! Share what you and your friends, family and community are doing to get sustainable this October is October. Tag your Instagram photos and tweets with the hashtag #GetSustainable and be Sustainability Month! entered to win great prizes. Find out more at www.sustainabilitymonth.ca.

Wildcraft Honky Tonk Night Water Day Wildcraft provides four unique opportunities A goose flight night for the country crowd! Celebrate the wet stuff with guided wetland to create, reflect and explore in a tranquil Live tunes, cold cans and one of the best hikes, a fun craft and by testing your hand at natural setting. Take a peek at some of backdrops nature has to offer. some water sampling. the highlights from the spring series at Monday, October 5 6 pm Saturday, October 10 1 – 3 pm fortwhyte.org/wildcraft, and stay tuned $10, $8 for Members. Space is limited, please FREE with regular admission to the upcoming details including special call (204) 989-8355 to register. guest facilitators. Halloween in the Forest Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17 & 24 1 pm Join in on a scavenger hunt and pumpkin carving. $75, $60 for members for all four sessions. Saturday, October 31 1 pm Register online at fortwhyte.org/wildcraft. FREE with regular admission. While supplies last. Sustainability Bike Tour NEW at FWA! Hop on a bike (rent one of ours or bring your own) and join an interpreter on a Woodturning guided tour of FortWhyte to celebrate This class will introduce participants to the basics of the ancient craft of woodturning. Sustainability Month. Learn about green You will learn what equipment is required to turn objects in wood, such as spindles, bowls, practices throughout our facilities, pens, and more. We will discuss the function of woodturning tools such as lathes, gouges, as well as the goals outlined in skews, and scrapers. Other topics include sharpening, safety and woodturning resources. FWA’s five-year Sustainability Plan. This is a hands-on course. Tools and supplies will be provided for participants by the Saturday, October 3 1 pm Woodturners Association of Manitoba to complete a simple turning. FREE with regular admission. Sunday, October 18 11 – 3 pm Space is limited, please call $30, $25 for Members. Space is limited, call (204) 989-8355 to register in advance. (204) 989-8355 to register.

14 FORTWHYTE LIFE Fall 2015 Newsletter Wilderness Survival Course Nordic Walking Prediction Challenge Beeswax Candles Maple Leaf Survival’s comprehensive course Participants use Nordic walking poles to Saturday, November 21 provides a solid base of fundamental skills complete this 5km loop, but only after View Farm Event details on Page 10 and knowledge that you can use to keep predicting their finish time. Prizes will be yourself alive in all environments. Learn awarded to the top three closest predictions. Santa in the Forest about shelter and fire-building, primitive The kicker? No clocks allowed on the The big guy himself makes two special navigation, rescue signalling and securing course! Soup and salad lunch is included. appearances at FortWhyte this season to food and clean water. Equipment is provided Saturday, November 14 9 am hear your wishes. Our photographer will and lunch is included. $30, $25 for Members before November 1. be on hand to take a winter portrait of Sunday, November 1 9:30 am – 5 pm For more information and to register please call (204) 989-8355. your family. $65. Space is limited, please visit fortwhyte.org/ Saturday, November 28 & events or call (204) 989-8355 to register. Salves and Lipbalms Sunday, December 6 11 am – 3 pm Singles Night at FortWhyte Saturday, November 14 Members $5, non-members $7 Forget the grocery store! Meet your special View Farm Event details on Page 10 someone outdoors in nature. We’ll provide a Introduction to Winter Camping laid-back atmosphere complete with a hike Wildlife Drawing for Kids Extend your camping season with the tips by headlamp and classic lawn games around Learn how to draw the wildlife of FortWhyte you’ll learn at this timely workshop led by the bonfire. An inclusive 18+ event. with Artist Al Sideen! Supplies are provided. the experts at Maple Leaf Survival. Thursday, November 5 7 pm Sunday, November 15 & Saturday, Sunday, November 29 12 – 2 pm $10. For more information and to sign up please November 21 1 – 2 pm FREE with regular admission call (204) 989-8355 or visit fortwhyte.org/events. $5 per child, FREE for parents. Soapstone Carving Astropub II Known internationally for his work, Dave The return of the Stardome! Explore our solar Zachary (the Man of Stone) leads this system in the portable planetarium and enjoy afternoon of hands-on learning. Dave will a cold beverage fireside as you observe share carving techniques he has learned the Leonids meteor shower through a from master artists. telescope with expert Darren Townsley. Saturday, November 7 12 pm Thursday, November 19 7 pm $35, $25 for Members. Space is limited, please $25, $20 for Members. Space is limited, call (204) 989-8355 to register. please visit fortwhyte.org/astropub to register. November View FortWhyte’s online events calendar at fortwhyte.org/events/calendar

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Wilderness Survival Course Singles Night at Nordic Walking Wild Thing Yoga Children’s Storytelling & FortWhyte Soapstone Carving Bannock 2pm Walk Sod House Pioneers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2pm Walk Active Living for Older Nordic Walking Prediction Sod House Pioneers Adults: Kubb Challenge Wild Thing Yoga Salves and Lipbalms

8 9 10 Remembrance Day 11 12 13 14 Wildlife Drawing for Kids Astropub II Nordic Walking 2pm Walk Wildlife Drawing for Kids Sod House Pioneers Beeswax Candles 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2pm Walk Nordic Walking Sod House Pioneers Santa in the Forest Kids’ Craft 22 22 23 25 26 27 28 Introduction to Winter FortWhyte Alive Camping Mileage Challenge Ends 2pm Walk Sod House Pioneers 29 30

fortwhyte.org 15 CONTACT INFORMATION SAVE 25% to 100%! PHOTO BY JOHN PELECHATY PHOTO

FLOCK TO FORTWHYTE! Migration Membership Special Give a gift, and reward yourself! In celebration of migration season, new and returning members save when they join our flock – there is no better time to enjoy all the benefits of a FortWhyte Alive Membership! Here's how your flock can save: The best part? 1. Members, tell your family and friends to You (the referring member) will SAVE 25% on your next renewal mention your name and they will receive a 25% for each referral made. Make up to four referrals and SAVE 100% discount on any new 1-year FWA membership! on a 1-year membership! 2. New members can join in person or online at Offer valid September 23 – October 25, 2015. fortwhyte.org/membership. 3. Choose the new 1-year membership category, New members who join between September 23rd and October 25th, 2015 enter the referring member’s name and receive are welcome to join the referral fun! For more information on this limited a 25% discount! time offer, please contact FortWhyte’s Development and Membership Administrator at (204) 989-8355 x 205.

This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Current members can refer up to four people for a total possible discount maximum of 100% off a current 1-year membership category value. Collected 2015 Migration Season renewal discounts are valid after October 25, 2015 and coupons will be forwarded by mail to use on your next renewal.

1961 MCCREARY ROAD WINNIPEG, MANITOBA R3P 2K9

Changing how you see our world. Making a world of difference. FortWhyte Alive is a privately operated, not-for-profit project of The Fort Whyte Foundation Inc. Registered Charitable No: 11929 8123 RR0001 FortWhyte Alive is dedicated to providing programming, natural settings and facilities for environmental education, outdoor recreation and social enterprise. In so doing, FortWhyte promotes awareness and understanding of the natural world and actions leading to sustainable living.