Since 1923 Number 624 December 2016

Trees in Snow. Painting by Mary Anne Miller

REGULARS FEATURES

Children`s Corner 13 Coming Events 19 Scarborough Waterfront Project 8 Extracts from Outings Reports 9 ’s Rose Family: Part III 11 From the Archives 19 In the News 15 Monarch-raising Report 12 Monthly Meetings Notice 3 Q&A: Willow Pine Cone Galls 14 Monthly Meeting Report 7 Urban Ravine Restoration Symposium 16 President’s Report 6 TFN Outings 4 Moccasin Lady’s Slipper 18 Weather – This Time Last Year 18 TFN 624-2 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016

Mission Statement: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Toronto Field Naturalists connects people with President, Nature Reserves & Outings Charles Bruce-Thompson nature in the Toronto area. We help people Past-President Nancy Dengler understand, enjoy, and protect Toronto's green Vice-President Charles Crawford spaces and the species that inhabit them. Secretary-Treasurer Bob Kortright Environment Elizabeth Block Special Projects Jane Cluver Toronto Field Naturalist is published by the Toronto Field Newsletter Vivienne Denton Naturalists, a charitable, non-profit organization. Issued monthly September to December and February to May. Webmaster & Newsletter Lynn Miller Views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those Finance Anne Powell of the editor or Toronto Field Naturalists. The Newsletter is Promotions Jason Ramsay-Brown printed on 100% recycled paper. Monthly lectures Alex Wellington

ISSN 0820-636X ONLINE MAILED MEMBERSHIP FEES NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER IT’S YOUR NEWSLETTER! We welcome contributions of original writing (between 20 YOUTH (under 26) $10 $20 and 500 words) of observations on nature, especially in the SENIOR SINGLE (65+) $30 $40 Toronto area. We also welcome reports, reviews, poems, SINGLE $40 $50 sketches, paintings and digital photographs. Please include SENIOR FAMILY (65+) $40 $50 “Newsletter” in the subject line when sending by e-mail, or FAMILY $50 $60 on the envelope if sent by mail.

Please re-name digital photographs with the subject and No HST. Tax receipts issued for donations. Send membership fees your name (abbreviations ok). In the accompanying e-mail and address changes to the TFN office. include location, date and any interesting story or other Please note: TFN does not give out its membership list. information associated with the photograph.

Deadline for submissions for February issue: Jan 3 Toronto Field Naturalists

1519 – 2 Carlton St, Toronto M5B 1J3

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Tel: 416-593-2656 Kate Belmore, Kathleen Brooks, Jenny Bull, Julia Del Monte, Vivienne Denton, Karin Fawthrop, Nancy Web: www.torontofieldnaturalists.org Fredenburg, Elisabeth Gladstone, Judy Marshall, Lynn E-mail: [email protected] Miller, Toshi Oikawa, Jennifer Smith, Wendy Rothwell The office is open 9:30 am to noon on Fridays (editor). Printing and mailing: Perkins Services Inc.

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A Perfect Holiday Gift

Consider sharing the benefits of TFN membership with your friends! We are confident that, once they discover the pleasures of our outings, lectures, newsletters and the companionship of other nature- lovers, they will want to renew. So we are offering a Holiday Special – half the normal membership fee when you, a TFN member, give a gift membership to someone who was not previously a member. This covers newsletters for December through May, which include outings lists to the end of August.

December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-3

TFN MEETING

Sunday, December 4, 2:30 pm

Wolf and Coyote Behaviour

Dennis Murray, Integrative Wildlife Conservation, Trent University, will describe how behaviour can affect the integrity of these populations, particularly the impact of hybridization on their conservation.

VISITORS WELCOME!

SOCIAL: 2:00 – 2:30 pm

BOOK SALE AND SILENT AUCTION There will be a sale of used nature books and a silent auction for a numbered Robert Bateman print titled “Picnic Table.”

Emmanuel College, Room 001, 75 Queen's Park Cres E

Just south of Museum subway station exit, east side of Queen’s Park. Enter at south end of building, down a few steps on outside stairwell. Accessible entrance: second door south on Queen’s Park. Elevator inside to the right. Room 001 is one floor below street level.

For information: call 416-593-2656 up to noon on the Friday preceding the lecture.

UPCOMING TFN LECTURES Tax Deductible Donations

TFN is dependent on membership dues Feb 5 Seeing the Forest for the Deer: Do reductions and donations which enable us to help in deer disturbance lead to forest recovery? people in Toronto learn about, Dawn Bazeley, Professor, Dept. of Biology, appreciate and seek to protect our York University natural heritage. Mar 5 Empowering Youth as Conservation Leaders. Sarah Hedges, Conservation & Education If you wish to make a donation to TFN,

Coordinator, Nature go to www.torontofieldnaturalists.org and click on Donate On-line through Apr 2 Green Roof Wildlife in Toronto: Opportunities CanadaHelps.org or you may send a and Limitations. cheque to the TFN office. Scott MacIvor, Postdoctoral Researcher, , Scarborough As a charitable organization we issue receipts for use as deductions on your May 7 Grow Wild: Gardening with Native Plants. income tax return. Lorraine Johnson, author and expert on

native plant gardens

TFN 624-4 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016 TFN OUTINGS

 TFN events are conducted by unpaid volunteers.  TFN assumes no responsibility for injuries sustained by anyone participating in our activities.  Children and visitors are welcome at all TFN events. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  If you plan to bring children in a stroller, be aware that there may be steps or other unsuitable terrain.  Please do not bring pets.  To get to outings on time, check TTC routes and schedules (www.ttc.ca or 416-393-4636).  Outings go rain or shine: check the weather by calling 416-661-0123 so you will know what to wear.  Wear appropriate footwear for walking on trails which may be muddy, steep or uneven.  Please thoroughly clean your footwear before each outing to avoid spreading invasive seeds.  We recommend you check with the TTC for any schedule disruptions which may occur on weekends this winter. Allow extra time if necessary.

Sat LOWER – Nature Dec 3 Leader: Alexander Cappell. Meet at the northwest corner of Bathurst St and Fort York Blvd where now-buried 1:30 pm Garrison Creek once flowed into . We'll follow the creek bed north along curving streets and through parks to a coffee shop near Dufferin St and Bloor St W. A linear walk, mostly paved, with one set of stairs and some gentle slopes. Washrooms at end of walk.

Sun LECTURE: Wolf and Coyote Behaviour Dec 4 Speaker: Dennis Murray, Integrative Wildlife Conservation, Trent University 2:30 pm Meet at Emmanuel College, Room 001, 75 Queen’s Park Cres E. See details page 3.

Wed TORONTO ISLAND – Birds Dec 7 Leader: Anne Powell. Meet at the ferry terminal for the 10 am ferry to Ward’s Island for a circular walk on mostly 9:45 am paved surfaces, mainly flat. Bring binoculars. Washrooms at beginning of walk. Will return on 11:45 ferry.

Sat EAST DON PARKLANDS – Nature Walk Dec 10 Leader: Stephen Kamnitzer. Meet at Second Cup, 1567 Steeles Ave E just east of Laureleaf Rd and the Esso Gas 10:00 am Station for a 2 1/2 hour circular walk on mostly unpaved and uneven surfaces with some steep slopes and stairs. We will explore the East Don Parklands between Steeles and Finch using the main paved path and various unofficial unpaved trails. Bring binoculars and water. Optional coffee stop after at Second Cup. Washrooms at beginning of walk.

Wed LESLIE CREEK – Nature, Trees and Heritage Dec 14 Leader: Joanne Doucette. Meet outside Pape subway station for a linear walk on mostly paved surfaces with gentle 10:30 am slopes and stairs and maybe some slippery surfaces. Leslie Creek is underground but we will follow its course south to Lesliegrove Park on Queen St E. Learn about Canada's ‘Johnny Appleseed,’ George Leslie and the trees he loved. Morning only. Washrooms at beginning of walk.

Sat TADDLE CREEK – Nature Walk Dec 17 Leader: Alexander Cappell. Meet at the northeast corner of Queen St W and James St (1 block west of Yonge St) for a 1:30 pm linear walk on fairly flat, mostly paved, surfaces. We will find traces of buried Taddle Creek at the Eaton Centre, the U of T campus, the ROM, and in some small parkettes and curving streets north of Bloor St W in . We'll end at a coffee shop near Casa Loma.

Sun DON VALLEY BRICKWORKS – Lost Rivers Dec 18 Leaders: Members of First Story Toronto, Rivers Rising Ambassadors and Lost Rivers. Meet at the Watershed 2:00 pm Consciousness Wall by the front entrance drop-off at the main Evergreen Brickworks building. Celebrate the Winter Solstice and the start of the Second Rivers Rising season with First Story and Toronto Green Community. Enjoy the Evergreen winter village at the end of the tour.

Tues COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARK – Birds Dec 20 Leader: Doug Paton. Meet at the southwest corner of Lake Shore Blvd W and Kipling Ave for a circular walk. 10:00 am Morning only.

Thurs TORONTO ISLAND – Birds Dec 29 Leader: Anne Powell. Meet at the ferry terminal for the 10 am ferry to Ward’s Island for a circular walk on mostly 9:45 am paved surfaces, mainly flat. Bring binoculars. Washrooms at beginning of walk. Will return on 11:45 ferry.

December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-5

Sat BELTLINE – Nature Walk Dec 31 Leader: John Bacher. Meet at Davisville subway station for a circular walk. No washrooms. 1:30 pm Wed A COOL WALK ALONG THE HUMBER – Nature and History Jan 4 Leader: Ed Freeman. Meet at the southeast corner of Eglinton Ave W and Scarlett Rd. We will walk south along the 1:30 pm to the Old Mill and Bloor St W. Bring icers if conditions warrant.

Sat WILKET CREEK – Nature Walk Jan 7 Leader: Ken Sproule. Meet in the parking lot at the entrance to Wilket Creek on Leslie St just north of Eglinton Ave E 10:00 am for a circular walk (morning only) through Wilket Creek and Sunnybrook Parks on mostly unpaved trails. If paths are dry and ice-free, there will be some modestly steep hills to climb. Bring binoculars.

Wed HEWARD CREEK – Nature and heritage Jan 11 Leader: Joanne Doucette. Meet at the northwest corner of Queen St E and Pape Ave in front of the Bank of Nova Scotia 10:30 am for a linear walk on mostly paved flat surfaces. We will explore the southern part of this lost creek (also known as Holly Creek) including its industrial past and natural history, ending at Gerrard St E and Carlaw Ave where we will go for coffee.

Sat ASHBRIDGE’S BAY – Waterfowl Jan 14 Leaders: Jim and Petra Grass. Meet at the southwest corner of Lake Shore Blvd E and Coxwell Ave for a circular walk. 10:00 am Bring binoculars. Morning only. No washrooms.

Sun PARKDALE IN THE WINTER – Lost Rivers Jan 15 Leaders: Helen Mills with members of Greenest City, First Story Toronto and the Rivers Rising Ambassadors. 2:00 pm Meet at Masaryk Park, 220 Cowan Ave, south of Queen St W. Stories of people, gardens, lost ponds and rivers. Learn about the amazing work of Greenest City and others in the neighbourhood. Meet the Rivers Rising Ambassadors and share your local stories. Circular walk ending at a warm site across from Masaryk Park.

Thurs EAST – Birds Jan 19 Leader: Doug Paton. Meet at the southwest corner of Lake Shore Blvd W and Park Lawn Rd for a circular walk. No 10:00 am washrooms. Morning only.

Sat – Botany of Tropical Plants Jan 21 Leader: Nancy Dengler. Meet inside the conservatory doors on the east side. Allan Gardens is on Carlton St between 10:00 am Jarvis St and Sherbourne St. We will tour the collection of tropical and subtropical edible plants (banana, papaya, tamarind, akee, coffee, pomegranate, citrus) as well as other plants of cultural importance (sacred fig, mahogany, papyrus, agave, kapok). Dress in layers for the tropical warmth and humidity.

Thurs WILKET CREEK – Nature Walk Jan 26 Leader: Peter Heinz. Meet at the bus stop at the southwest corner of Leslie St and Lawrence Ave E for a circular walk 10:00 am with stairs and mostly unpaved and uneven surfaces with some steep slopes. We will follow the creek south from and, conditions permitting, climb the escarpment to where we will get a view of the valley below. Expect to see wintering robins and chickadees. Bring binoculars. Morning only. Washrooms at end of walk.

Sat TAYLOR CREEK PARK – Winter Plant Identification Jan 28 Leader: Stephen Smith. Meet at the southeast corner Don Mills Rd and Overlea Blvd for a circular walk on mostly 10:00 am unpaved surfaces with some gentle slopes. We’ll look at plants in winter condition at the west end of Taylor Creek Park and the forks of the Don. We may see winter birds and signs of mammals. We will look at stewardship work done by Scouts Canada, and the Elevated Wetlands sculpture. Wear sturdy footwear as trails may be icy with slippery slopes. Bring warm drinks, binoculars, hand lens, tree and shrub book, notepad and pen. No washrooms.

FOR ENJOYMENT OF WINTER OUTINGS

Long underwear Warm hat TTC Ride Guide

Layered clothing Mittens over gloves Snack

Waterproof boots Binoculars Thermos for hot drink

Thick socks Camera Sunglasses Icers to prevent falls

TFN 624-6 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016

PRESIDENT’S REPORT I’m happy to announce that Barry Singh has agreed to summon up the will to don the winter gear and leave a assume the role of TFN bookkeeper, taking over from warm house, but the effort will be repaid many times over. Wendy Rothwell who, as editor of this newsletter, has I attended Doug Tallamy’s lecture on October 25 at the been doing double-duty and is, I’m sure, pleased to have Toronto Botanical Garden. This was part of a conference Barry step in. Barry has had long experience in public put on by the Carolinian Canada Coalition. Doug received accounting practices and commerce. Many of you will a rapturous welcome from a packed house; Lorraine have met Barry, a long-time TFN member, on TFN Johnson, introducing the speaker, described him as the first outings. With Bob Kortright as treasurer, Anne Powell as “rock star” in wildlife ecology. The talk was fact-packed chair of the Finance Committee, and now Barry on board, and far-ranging, from the folly of lawns to the diet of TFN’s finances are in excellent hands. Carolina chickadees. Anyone who I’m writing this in the middle of hasn’t read Doug’s book Bringing October and the temperature is Nature Home is missing out on an 25°C, humidity 35%. By the time illuminating read. (See Bob you read this, it will be the Kortright’s review in the October beginning of Toronto’s winter – newsletter.) Tallamy’s central abhorred by many and loved by argument is that introduced plants few. Although winter may seem a might as well be garden flamingo barren season for naturalists, there ornaments for all the insect and are plenty of reasons to brave the spider species they attract, compared elements and sally forth on a TFN to, especially, native oaks. Likewise outing. lawns, which tend also to be doused in insecticides and fertilizer. He There is a surprising amount of notes the precipitous decline in all nature on display in winter: shore wildlife species – a recent WWF birds, of course, massing along the report warns that the world is on waterfront and on the rivers. Also Great Horned Owl. Photo by Norah Jancik track to lose two-thirds of wild the few brave resident birds that animals by 2020 – but he is not somehow eke out a living in freezing temperatures: robins, despondent. He suggests numerous ways that we can help chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, blue jays, owls and support and create wildlife habitats in our own garden (if many others. Identifying trees in winter is a challenge well we’re lucky enough to have one), principally by planting worth pursuing. Then there are outings focused on native species to provide food and shelter. heritage, the built environment and local history. While I’m on the subject of wildlife in the city, I There are also health reasons. A brisk walk is surprisingly encourage you to attend this month’s lecture by Dennis effective at maintaining body and brain health and also Murray on wolf and coyote behavior. We don’t have any topping up levels of vitamin D. My doctor tells me this is wolves in the GTA, but coyotes are now well established essential for sound immune function, among other things, in the city. Their presence demonstrates both nature’s and is deficient in much of the population. resilience and adaptability and is also an indictment of our Not to forget the social aspect. Winter walks are good messy and wasteful culture. Aside from finding out more opportunities to get out and exchange news and about a fascinating topic, attending lectures such as this information with fellow members. And who among us can shows that the public cares and is concerned. remember how to identify the diving and dabbling ducks Charles Bruce-Thompson accurately from year-to-year? Not I! It’s sometimes hard to [email protected]

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBER WANTED VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR TFN MEMBERSHIP DATABASE Person with knowledge of accounting and financial

procedures is wanted to sit on TFN’s Finance Committee that advises the board on financial policies and procedures If you can program in MS-Access in the investment and management of funds. An accounting and would like to help modify our designation or relevant degree would be an asset. database, please e-mail the TFN

Commitment: Committee meetings (2-3 hours) held two to office (see page 2). four times a year.

December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-7

MONTHLY MEETING REPORT

Toronto’s Urban Bird Programs As a result of this Count, Emily has a November 6, 2016 good awareness of the Emily Rondel, Bird Studies Canada numbers of at-risk species in Toronto (e.g. bobolinks, Me: “So, Emily, where are you going birding this meadowlarks, wood weekend?” thrushes) as well as Emily: “Toronto” evidence of a healthy Me: “No, seriously…” chimney swift population in Toronto. Emily: “Seriously. Toronto has an amazing variety of birds! Serious birders all know about how amazing Whereas, according to Toronto is! Check out our many parks such as the Leslie Cornell Lab of Street Spit, Col Samuel Smith… Ornithology, “Citizen Emily Rondel with Scientists are over- Emily Rondel, the Toronto Urban Birds Program whelmingly highly golden-winged warbler Coordinator for Bird Studies Canada (BSC), shared her educated, upper-middle class, middle-aged and white,” fascination with birds and the bird programs that she runs almost 50% of Torontonians identify as non-white. Emily in Toronto. BSC is our national science-based bird is very aware of this discrepancy and is developing conservation organization. Its mission is to conserve the programs to interest all people. In addition to school-break wild birds of Canada with research, Citizen Science events at the ROM, Emily works with the programs, partnerships and Nature Centre to lead hikes for advocacy. The contribution of non-birders, which have an volunteers has allowed BSC to excellent turn-out. She suggests have one of the largest that it’s time for the renaming of databases of avian the “Christmas Bird Count” as observations in the world, well as the February “Great providing data largely from Backyard Bird Count.” (It’s not citizen scientists (shown to be about backyards – it’s about as good as those of seeing birds, and any space with researchers). In addition, birds will work.) She is working Emily leads a research to make urban birding more program on the declining inclusive and welcoming by population of golden-winged leading programs in various warblers and is the Records neighbourhoods. Councillor of the Toronto An exceptionally active Q & A Ornithological Club. Common nighthawk session showed the high interest Emily is developing BSC’s Urban Birding program in of the people attending. Toronto. Our city has a large green canopy and lies on a The problem? There is only one of Emily and she is eager major migration route. Are there birds? Yup – 355 to absorb more volunteers. When asked how much species reported so far, of which almost 200 breed here. experience is required, part of her answer included, “…or It is clear that Emily’s mission and passion are to make us the willingness to learn.” urbanites more bird-aware. She facilitates BSC programs Volunteer with Emily! eBird, NestWatch, SwiftWatch and FeederWatch in the Toronto area and is working to make the programs more Spread the word! Toronto specific. The Toronto Summer Bird Count Donate to our urban programs! involves a team of volunteers each spending five minutes Emily can be contacted through www.birdscanada.org recording all the birds they see or hear at each of the sites or by e-mailing [email protected] that were used for the Breeding Bird Atlas data collection. Meg O’Mahony with thanks to Vivienne Denton

TFN 624-8 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016

SCARBOROUGH WATERFRONT PROJECT

On October 4th, TFN members attended an enlightening information session regarding the Scarborough Waterfront Project (SWP), hosted by Anne Leon, who has served as our representative on the project's Stakeholder Committee. Our most sincere thanks to Anne for opening her home to us and to the representatives of the TRCA who spent approximately two hours providing us with an in- depth look at the current proposal Bluffer’s Park. Photo by Ken Sproule, www.toronto-wildlife.com for Scarborough's waterfront. area by Bluffer's Park will be subject to the greatest Since its inception, the SWP has attracted intense public amount of intervention, largely due to pressures wrought scrutiny. The project site, 11 kilometers of shoreline and by the area's popularity. The TRCA will look to lessons tableland stretching from Bluffer’s Park to East Point Park, learned from their experiences with the Port Union trail to is greatly treasured by people from all across Toronto. The inform final design guidelines. Permeability issues will be various ravines, parks and other natural features potentially considered during material selection. impacted by the project are jewels of our city. A predictable tension has been present between those who Public access will be improved in several locations, would see the beaches and bluffs left in a natural state and notably at Brimley, Guild, Doris McCarthy and those wishing to increase access and capacity in the area Beechgrove. Access considerations are largely influenced through a more formal trail system. Ambiguity in early by the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with project documentation and misinformation circulated by Disabilities Act, and the desire to greatly reduce the various sources only served to compound these tensions. number of informal (and often dangerous) trails in the area. It is hoped that almost 30 such trails may be closed in Plan details presented to the TFN provided much needed the area around East Point Park alone. clarity and demonstrated a sincere interest in balancing the protection of habitat with public access and property risk. The TRCA has identified over 650 terrestrial flora species There was obvious measured consideration for stakeholder in the project area, 14% of which are considered of concerns, including those of naturalists and local residents, regional concern. Discussions highlighted several rare as well as Toronto Water, Emergency Services, and similar species found in East Point Park, most notably pasture entities. thistle (Cirsium discolor) and ragged fringed orchis (Platanthera lacera). Close to 90 species of terrestrial The current proposal leaves the beach along the eastern fauna have also been identified, of which, coincidentally, segment of the project area in a natural state, while central 14% are considered of regional concern. Notable attention and western sections will host a multi-use beachfront path. was given to the local bat population, which includes no The central portion (between Sylvan and Guild) has fewer than three species identified as provincially special constraints involving private property that will endangered: the little brown bat, the northern long-eared strongly influence the final implementation. The project bat and the eastern small-footed bat.

Improvement of aquatic habitat was positioned as a major goal of the project. The historic practice of "stonehooking" has resulted in severe degradation of habitat value and accelerated shoreline erosion. Reintroduction of aquatic features that serve as "fish furniture" aims to repair this damage and improve habitat for the nearly 50 species of fish identified here, including provincially-endangered American eel. Contouring of the shoreline, particularly in the central section of the project area, will be designed to further address habitat issues and strengthen erosion control measures. TRCA staff stated that open coast is not as attractive for waterfowl as a protected bay, so they anticipate less conflict with fishing. Photo by Nancy Dengler continued on next page December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-9

EXTRACTS FROM OUTINGS LEADERS’ REPORTS Ward’s Island, Sept 15. Leader: Jenny Bull. We went Todmorden Mills, Sept 18. Leader: John Wilson, through the various habitats in the ESA: beach, dune, assisted by Ed Freeman. The serendipitous highlight of wetland, dry meadow, wet meadow, and woodland. We this walk was finding the salmon run on the in saw some fringed gentians, but ladies’ tresses and gerardia full swing at the fish-ladder and weir just north of Pottery had almost finished flowering. We noted several late Road. Rain the previous day had obviously piqued their summer-flowering grasses: switch-grass, Canada wild rye, instinct to battle upstream. We observed perhaps 10-12 sand dropseed in dry areas, and Canada blue-joint (beaver salmon jumping over the weir (with varying success). hay) and phragmites in wetter areas. We looked at marram These fish (non-native chinook salmon, stocked by grass behind the main dune. This patch never flowers Ministry of Natural Resources and various angling clubs because marram grass only flowers when it is continually to promote sport-fishing) run in several of the larger GTA being covered by sand. We noted grey and Canada rivers, but successful spawning has yet to be observed by goldenrods, and heath, panicled and New England asters. conservation authority biologists in the Don River. That We also looked at a couple of biennials, wormwood and does not detract from the magnificence of the 2-foot long evening primrose, which grow a low leafy rosette in their fish exerting their last efforts to search for suitable first year, then put up a flowering stem in the second year. spawning ground – cold, gravel-bedded streams that are in The grape vines sprawling on the ground or smothering short supply on the urbanized Don River headwaters. trees had a good crop of fruit. Most of the cottonwoods have been "coppiced" by beaver, making them appear L'Amoreaux Park, Oct 1. Leader: Jonathan Harris. bushy and even hedge-like in some areas. We found green On a rather blustery day we walked around L'Amoreaux frogs and crayfish at the Eastern gap. Park and Passmore Forest, visiting the Alexandra site, a Huron-Wendat village unearthed in 2000 during the development of a subdivision just north of the park. We viewed double-crested cormorants and ring-billed gulls in L'Amoreaux Pond, part of the headwaters of West , that is piped underground north of the ponds which double as a storm water management system. At the entrance to the forest, a small meadow area contained fall treasures such as New England and heath aster, and Canada goldenrod. In the forest were zig-zag goldenrod, herb-robert, spotted jewelweed and sensitive and ostrich ferns. In the forest was an abundance of mature sugar maple, American beech, trembling aspen and the odd bur oak, blue beech and hop hornbeam. Wildlife was limited due to the wind and rain, but we had good views of hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, brown Gerardia, left, and green frog. Photos: Jenny Bull creeper and black-capped chickadee. As we headed back,

Continued on next page

TRCA procurement policies require that materials for On the whole, members present were encouraged by the revetments are sourced by lowest bid. However, previous information presented and believe it demonstrated many projects have made use of sources such as waste limestone fair compromises among competing interests. A final from a quarry near Marmora, so they will most likely be Environmental Assessment should be submitted by the able to avoid materials sourced from the Niagara TRCA in early 2017. There will be an opportunity for Escarpment. comment on the final design proposal at the next public consultation. There also exists the possibility of another Details regarding future monitoring and stewardship of TRCA/TFN meeting, if desired. terrestrial and aquatic communities have yet to be determined. Given the disruptions that will be introduced TFN feedback during future public consultations will be by construction efforts, future encroachment by invasive important if the natural beauty and ecology of this area are species is of notable concern. The potential spread of to be best protected and enhanced. Further updates on the phragmites-dominated wetlands at the base of the bluffs is SWP will no doubt appear in future issues of the particularly worrisome given the extent to which it is newsletter. In preparation, members may find the already problematic in Bluffer's Park. following documents of particular interest: http://goo.gl/j0mfwh and https://goo.gl/S4srle

Jason Ramsay-Brown

TFN 624-10 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016 a belted kingfisher and great blue heron were observed at proceeded to the viewing station by the Goulding Estate the pond. overlooking a deeper pond, which several mallards seemed to be enjoying. Along the way we discussed 20 Centennial Park, Oct 10. Leader: Claire Bergeron. years of ecological restoration work completed in the area We stopped for 15 minutes at the conservatory to enjoy and looked at a variety of past planting sites. Crossing the beautiful tropical plants. At the Centennial Park Pond under Dawes Road, we joined the City of Toronto and we spotted three pied-billed grebes, a female ring-necked Friends of the Don East to take part in some ecological duck, a junco, a red-tailed hawk and lots of golden- crowned kinglets, mallards and geese. Two cormorants posed for us for the longest time. We then walked through the woods to reach the other side of the pond and spotted four small turtles. We concluded our walk along and enjoyed the beginning of the fall colours. It was a most beautiful sunny fall day.

Prospect Cemetery, Oct 13. Leader: Pleasance Crawford. The unique, purplish-bronze fall colour of some still-healthy white ashes was lovely, especially because we saw others that were dead or dying from the emerald ash borer invasion. Nut trees – oaks, Turkish

Planting crew with Jason Ramsay-Brown. Photo: Charles Bruce-Thompson

restoration of our own at a community planting event. 157 plants made it into the soil, including basswood, ninebark, white cedar, swamp rose, purple-flowering raspberry and red osier dogwood.

Colonel Sam Smith Park, Oct 27. Leader: Anne Powell. A small group of intrepid birders braved adverse rainy weather with winds blowing out of the east at 40 kph White ash fall colour. Photo: Jenny Bull to search for places where birds hang out in such conditions. Chickadees were the only passerines seen in filberts, black walnuts, European beeches, and shagbark sheltered spots out of the wind. About 50 gadwalls and an hickories – had few nuts, but cones on spruces, larches, equal number of Canada geese were seen close to shore in and Douglas-fir were plentiful. The common barberry the eastern beach area, along with an American wigeon (Berberis vulgaris) in Section 22 was covered with and northern shoveler. We also saw about 30 mute swans drooping clusters of the red berries prized in Persian and great numbers of red-necked grebes. cooking. Female ginkgos, too, had borne a good crop of seeds. Like several old silver maples throughout the Along the Old Shore of Lake Ontario, Oct 29. Leader: cemetery, the one planted by the Prince of Wales in 1919 Ed Freeman. Fifteen TFN members met at Lower Jarvis appeared to be nearing the end of its life. Fortunately the and the Esplanade for a walk on reclaimed land. We 150 to 200 year-old bur oak near the eastern fence in the observed waterfront parkland (, Sherbourne southernmost part of Section 15 seemed fine. We saw Common with its water treatment and recreational dark-eyed juncos and a red-tailed hawk, and heard facilities, David Crombie and Parliament Parks) before chickadees and a nuthatch. Besides squirrels throughout entering the populous . The many new the cemetery, we saw raccoon scat at the base of a sculptures and art installations en route were met with shagbark hickory. amazement and appreciation. Passing over the Don River, we walked along the 1913 landfill edge of Ashbridge’s Restoration Project, Re-naturalization in Taylor Creek Bay past Carlaw to examine photos of what the Bay Park, Oct 22. Leader: Jason Ramsay-Brown. looked like around 1900. Mallards were swimming in the We had a lovely ramble that ended with time spent Don, black squirrels scampered, and the red leaves of planting native flora along Taylor Creek. The walk took us burning bush were vivid in contrast to the red berries of to the nearby wetland, built by the TRCA in 2008-2009, the hawthorn. which was nearly dry due to this summer's weather. We December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-11

TORONTO’S ROSE FAMILY: PART III

For a general discussion of the Rosaceae (rose family) see Part I of this series (TFN newsletter, October 2016). This article discusses three species, one locally rare and two considered all too common by many people.

Waldsteinia fragarioides (barren strawberry) was reported in the TFN’s Vascular Plants of Metropolitan Toronto (1994, 2nd ed.) as locally rare and found in Smythe Park (Humber watershed), at Taylor Creek (Don), in High Park and in the Rouge Valley. I found a new site in Morningside Park (Highland Creek). The name fragarioides refers to the similarity of the flowers and leaves of this species to those of strawberries (genus Fragaria, with local species F. vesca and F. virginiana, not shown). Waldsteinia fragarioides does not produce edible fruit, hence the term “barren strawberry.”

This species has yellow flowers, about 10 mm wide, that are solitary or in small clusters. Locally it blooms as early as mid-April, earlier than reported (May to June) in The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario (2004). It grows in drier forests. The ROM Field Guide shows it across southern and eastern Ontario as far north as the Lake Temagami ecoregion. Its full range is Ontario to New Brunswick and most of the eastern third of the U.S.

Geum aleppicum (yellow avens) and G. canadense (white avens) are both common in Toronto. A locally rare third species, G. rivale (water avens), was discussed in the TFN newsletter in March 2012.

Yellow avens grows in a variety of habitats from marshes to forest openings. White avens occurs in drier sites, particularly in forest openings. Both species can be Canada except Nunavut, and most of the U.S. except considered infamous for their fruits, densely hairy achenes south-central states; for G. canadense, Ontario to Nova with hooked styles that stick persistently to clothing. Scotia and the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. These fruits occur from June to August or later. Plants of Do try to extend the known distribution area of both species are up to 1 m tall, with clusters of flowers, W. fragarioides and report this to TFN. You may, perhaps, each flower about 12 to 25 mm wide (yellow avens) or 10 choose to try not to help the locally common Geums to 15 mm wide (white avens). The ROM Field Guide cites spread farther. Good luck with this! a wide distribution across most of Ontario for yellow

avens, and notes that white avens is confined to southern Article and photos by Peter Money Ontario. The full ranges are: for G. aleppicum, all of

Above: Barren strawberry, Waldsteinia fragarioides

Far left: Yellow avens, Geum aleppicum

Left: White avens, G. canadense

TFN 624-12 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016

MONARCH-RAISING REPORT

Toronto Field Naturalists members participated in raising monarchs again this year. Although more than 20 members signed up, only seven actually raised any: Jan McDonald and Pierre Robitaille, Margaret McRae, Kayoko Smith, Paula Davies, Karin Fawthrop, Rick Gosling and Jason Ramsay-Brown. We raised a total of 58, about half male and half female. Only two of us raised 20 or more and the rest raised between one and three.

We hope our butterflies have a safe journey to Mexico and that we will have a better crop next year.

If anyone wants to join us in raising them in 2017, please contact me (416-429-7821 or [email protected]) as we have to register with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Photo by Wendy Rothwell Margaret McRae

Nature Images Show

Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 1:30 to 4 pm Auditorium, S Walter Stewart Library

Light refreshments will be served. Members may display their nature artwork on tables for us to view during the coffee break.

170 Memorial Park Ave at Durant Ave (one block north of Mortimer or one block south of Cosburn, 1 block west of Coxwell). Coxwell bus to Mortimer or Cosburn Avenues.

Volunteers TFN photographers! needed! Inspire others with your images of landscapes and biodiversity! We welcome donations Rules for participating: of goodies for the  Must be a TFN member refreshment table, as  Bring up to 25 digital images on a USB Flash Drive or CD. well as help with setup and cleanup. Setup  Bring large resolution images (minimum 1024 pixels on long edge). begins at 1 pm.  Focus on Ontario with nature subjects (plants, animals, landscapes).

 Arrive at least 15 minutes early so your images can be transferred for Please let Margaret projection. McRae know if you can  Be prepared to introduce your images or provide a scripted introduction help: 416-429-7821 or that can be read by a volunteer. [email protected]

OWN “THE MESSENGER”

If you want this film to view in the comfort of your home or as a special gift for someone you love, order it now!

Pre-orders are being taken for late Fall delivery in Canada. Visit PRE ORDER THE DVD to place your order.

December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-13

CHILDREN’S CORNER THE DOG FAMILY: Wolves, Coyotes, Foxes and… Dogs

The family Canidae (“dog family”) is the scientific classification of some carnivorous mammals. Its members are referred to as “canids.”

Unscramble each answer and fill in the blank. a) Canids are carnivores, meaning they eat mainly______. A-T-E-M b) Canids have ______tails. U-H-Y-S-B c) Canids create a winter food ______by burying prey in shallow holes. H-C-C-E-A d) Wolves live and hunt in groups called ______. S-P-C-A-K e) A pet dog is descended from the grey ______. F-L-W-O f) Grey foxes can______trees (the only canid which can). M-C-I-B-L g) Adult wolves ______up food to feed to babies in the den. C-E-W-H h) There are coyotes living in Toronto ______(valleys). S-R-N-V-E-I-A i) ______means “like a wolf” (Latin word for wolf: lupus). U-N-I-E-L-P j) Coyote babies are called ______. U-S-P-P k) A female fox is called a ______. X-V-N-E-I l) The boss wolf is an ______. A-A-H-L-P m) The white ______wolf lives in Canada’s north. C-C-T-R-I-A n) Many ______foxes reside in the Toronto area. D-R-E o) Coyotes often walk on their______so their enemies can’t hear them. S-T-E-O p) A ______wolf does not belong to any group. E-N-L-O q) A wolf’s ______may be heard up to 10 miles away. O-H-L-W r) A dog ______to communicate. K-S-A-B-R s) A fox can pull in its claws like a ______(the only canid which can). A-C-T

See answers on page 19. By Judy Marshall

Coyote. Photo Ken Sproule Red fox. Photo Ken Sproule Grey Wolf. CCO Public Domain Arctic Wolf. CCO Public Domain

James L Baillie Memorial Fund for Bird Research and Preservation (The Baillie Fund)

Bird Studies Canada is accepting applications to the Baillie Fund for 2017. Priority is given to projects that engage the skills and enthusiasm of amateur naturalists and volunteers to help us understand, appreciate and conserve Canadian birds in their natural environments.

Application deadlines: Regular Grants: December 15, 2016; Small Grants: January 15, 2017; Student Award for Field Research: February 15, 2017

Information: visit www.birdscanada.org/about/funding/jlbmf/ or contact the Baillie Fund Secretary at [email protected] or 1-866-518-0212

TFN 624-14 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016

Q&A: WILLOW PINE CONE GALLS Gall Diversity

Question: I have a question about the “pine cones” on some willows Galls occur on many different parts of a plant on the , which I understand are galls. I’d like to know and on many kinds of plants. about the insect that lives inside them and its life cycle, and possibly some discussion of how bad things like galls are for plants (the "pine Nipple gall on hackberry cones" are actually rather attractive) and whether we should get all leaf, psyllid anxious about eradicating them from our gardens. Judy Marshall

Answer: A plant gall may be caused by an insect, fungus, mite or other organism. In the case of insects, an egg is inserted on or in a Redgall on developing plant. Chemicals applied at the same time cause the plant willow leaf, to modify its growth and create a chamber for the hatched larva, sawfly providing food and shelter. When the adult emerges, it may not be the same species as that which induced the gall, as many gall-inducing insects are parasitized by other insects.

Willow pine cone gall is caused by a midge. Three Rabdophaga (or Mite galls on ash Rhabdophaga) species induce a terminal bud on willows to swell and flowers produce these galls. The gall pictured (approximately 2.5 cm) is on Missouri or wooly-headed willow (Salix eriocephala) and is caused by Rabdophaga strobiloides (willow pine cone gall midge).

Cottonwood petiole gall, aphid

Oak apple, gall wasp

Reference 1 (below) says "Galls rarely cause significant damage to the Red pouch host plant." Reference 2 says "In general, plant galls are not a serious gall on staghorn threat to the life of a plant … controls are not normally recommended sumac leaf, for willow galls." Galls may even have some value. It has been and gall speculated (A. Pirozynski) that flowers and fleshy fruits may have aphid originated via a symbiosis with gall-inducing insects. Ken Sproule References Goldenrod ball galls, and 1) Tracks and Signs of Insects and Other Invertebrates, gall fly larva inside C Eiseman and N Charney, 2010, Stackpole Books

2) https://www.treehelp.com/willow-galls/ 3) http://bugguide.net/node/view/270904

Q&A series: If something in nature intrigues or puzzles you, please send a question to the TFN office and we will refer it to a member who has knowledge in that field. Ed Gall photos: Jenny Bull. Insect photos: Ken Sproule

December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-15

IN THE NEWS Ontario Environmental Protection Report The report has sections on Human Impacts On the Planet, The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, Dianne Exploring Root Causes, and A Resilient Planet for Nature Saxe, has released her 2015/2016 Environmental Protection and People. This last section includes recommendations on Report: Small Steps Forward. In it she takes the Ministry of preserving natural capital, equitable resource governance, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to task over its redirecting financial flows, creating resilient markets for inability to provide effective species protection, which is its production and consumption, and transformation of energy responsibility. She recognizes that the MNRF is challenged and food systems. It’s worth a read! by limited resources and the demands of many stake- The full report (74 pages) can be found here: holders, but doesn’t believe the ministry is taking its www.worldwildlife.org/pages/living-planet-report-2016 biodiversity duties seriously enough. A summary report (18 pages) can be found here: The main topics covered in the report are: using fire to awsassets.panda.org/downloads/ manage Ontario’s northern forests; lpr_living_planet_report_2016_summary.pdf invasive species management; and wildlife declines that are A Biodiversity Report Closer to Home threatening biodiversity. One Ontario Nature (ON) has also recently released a report on specific case highlighted is biodiversity. Biodiversity offsetting in Ontario: Issues, Ontario’s declining accomplishments and future directions is a summary of moose populations. ON’s 2014-2016 project that explored the promise and There are about 92,300 pitfalls of biodiversity offsetting. Biodiversity offsetting, moose in the province like carbon offsetting, is a controversial compromise that and approximately 98,000 allows developers to harm biodiversity in one site if they licensed moose hunters, not improve it in another. ON looked at biodiversity offsetting Moose drawn Moose by Diana Banville including Aboriginal peoples who through the viewpoint of planners, law and policy makers, have a right to hunt moose without a license. Making and conservation authorities. The report includes in-depth matters worse, too few calves are reaching breeding age. looks at restoration projects (Couchiching Conservancy, Hunting is not the only issue as not everyone with a license North Oakville, Rice Lake Plains, Tommy Thompson Park) kills a moose calf in a given year. Habitat degradation, and their outcomes. The report concludes with 19 disease and parasites, predation and climate change are also recommendations to improve biodiversity offsetting should threats. Moose numbers are down 20% in the last decade. the province continue to move forward in implementing The MNRF needs to act urgently on habitat protection and this policy. biodiversity monitoring to save moose and other at-risk species. Whether you agree or disagree with biodiversity offsets, The full report and executive summary can be found here: this report is an interesting and informative read. https://eco.on.ca/reports/2016-small-steps-forward/ https://www.ontarionature.org/discover/resources/PDFs/ reports/Biodiversity_Offsetting_in_Ontario_Summary% Living Planet Report 2016 20of_Ontario_Nature's_2014-2016_Project_Report.pdf Every two years, World Wildlife Fund, with the support of Global Footprint Network and the Zoological Society of World’s Largest Marine Reserve London, publishes the Living Planet Report, the world's An international deal among 24 nations and the European leading, science-based analysis on the health of our planet Union is set to create the world’s largest marine reserve. and the impact of human activity. The reserve will protect 1.55 million square kilometres of the Ross Sea, off the coast of Antarctica, from commercial The current report shows the alarming decline in global fishing and mineral exploitation. This remote area is not biodiversity. Looking at data from 1970-2012, there has under intense fishing stress at the moment, but commercial been a 58% drop in vertebrate population abundance. The fishing has been growing in the area and some species are average annual decline of 2% shows no sign of decreasing. already in decline. Scientists hope that preserving this area Land species have declined 38%, freshwater species 81%, will help in climate change research, as they can monitor and marine species 36% during that time period. climate change effects on an ecosystem that is not already Habitat loss and degradation, species over-exploitation, highly altered by humans. The deal takes effect in pollution, invasive species, disease and climate change are December 2017. the forces at work threatening biodiversity. Habitat loss and More information and maps here: degradation are the most common threats for land and http://www.nature.com/news/world-s-largest-marine- freshwater species. Over-exploitation is the most common reserve-hailed-as-diplomatic-breakthrough-1.20900 threat for marine species. Lynn Miller

TFN 624-16 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016 URBAN RAVINE RESTORATION SYMPOSIUM

As mentioned in the October newsletter, Toronto City of Toronto staff, Wendy Strickland and Jane Welsh, Botanical Garden (TBG) hosted an all-day ravine outlined the City’s draft Ravine Strategy which, when symposium on Friday, October 28 – a wonderful day for approved (spring 2017 target approval), will provide a the TFN, as you will see in these highlights. framework to guide policy, investment and stewardship related to ravines. Next steps include identifying eight Lorraine Johnson, noted environmental educator and priority investments, best practices for ravine manage- Master of Ceremonies for the day, was very ment, and initiating development of management plans for complimentary about the TFN at the outset – thanks, the 86 ESAs (Environmentally Significant Areas). Lorraine. Overview of Invasive Plants and Management Options Our Jason Ramsay-Brown deservedly received the Kellie Sherman, Coordinator of Ontario Invasive Plant greatest applause of the day for his sweeping and stirring Council, outlined the threat posed by the 441iinvasive presentation, Toronto’s Ravines: Past, Present, and plants OIPC has identified in Ontario, management Future, from the last glaciation to an imagined near future options, early detection and rapid response initiatives such in which green infrastructure is treated as seriously as as EDDMapS, biocontrol and the role of homeowners in infrastructure for water, sewage and transportation. Jason invasive plant management. Primary risks, which are also also covered archeological evidence of first nation the ways most invasive plants have arrived, are settlements over thousands of years; deforestation; dam- horticulture, the St. Lawrence Seaway, climate change and building for mills; sewage and industrial pollution; and the degraded land that makes it easy for invasive species to advent of conservation following Hurricane Hazel in take root. She outlined management of dog-strangling vine October, 1954, and more recent and current projects like and Norway maple in some detail. A new Invasive Species Corktown Common in the West Donlands; the proposed Act in Ontario should help. TBG expansion (from 4 to 30 acres) and the proposed costly Raildeck Park. He urged all to consider signing the Restoring Ecological Health to Toronto’s Ravines petition to remediate ravine, and to urge our Eric Davies and Anqi Dong of University of Toronto’s councillors to support the investment necessary to Faculty of Forestry were part of a team that resurveyed remediate all our ravines. plots that had been surveyed by TFN in the 1970s (documented in Ravine Study and Park Gavin Miller, Toronto and Region Conservation, who has Drive Ravine Study) as well as Moore Park and Rosedale provided a column on Toronto weather for the TFN Ravines. The study showed that although the number of newsletter since the 1980s, spoke on Forty Years of native tree species remained stable (19 now as against 20 Change in Ravine Vegetation. He discussed the changes in 1996), non-native species had increased from 9 to 16. in plant species that have occurred since the TFN surveys Most worrying was the total area covered by non-natives, done in the 1960s and 1970s, as he did in his February particularly the steady encroachment of Norway maples. lecture to the TFN. This time he covered Glendon- The study predicted that, at this rate, by 2050 the area Sunnybrook-Wilket Creek, Lambton Prairie and High under study would be a “green desert” of Norway maples. Park, as well as the Rouge. He also outlined threats (air In response the Faculty of Forestry launched the Toronto pollution, deer, invasives, trails…) and solutions (fence Ravine Revitalization Study (www.TorontoRavines.org) trails, manage invasives…), and pointed to High Park’s in 2015. Its main objectives are to quantitatively assess success in restoring oak savannah.

Mounted policeman in David Balfour Park, Lower Don, View of path through skunk cabbage leaves and green 1964. Photo: Stewart Hilts [?] woods in Magwood Park, Humber River south of Dundas, 1999. Photo: Robin Powell

December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-17

ecosystem health (native vs non-native species abundance,  Inventive use of tools, e.g. a raspberry cane cutter affixed tree age structure, ground cover, mammal tracking, bird to an extendable pole to cut underwater count, etc.) These data will be analyzed to assist the  Phragmites stems at the base regeneration and reintroduction of native species in the ravines. Eric urged the use of citizen science to help in Ten Years of Aquatic Monitoring by Citizen Scientists collecting local seed of native trees to assist in restoration. in the Rouge. David Lawrie, Citizen Scientists, explained that volunteer citizen scientists are used to monitor aquatic Patricia Huynh, University of Waterloo, presented on ecosystems. They sample (usually by electrofishing and Restoring the Urban Stream System. Her team looked at netting or high-speed photography) and measure water flow, sediment transport and benthic macro- temperature and turbidity. Citizen Scientists have noted the invertebrates in Wilket Creek, Morningside Creek and a disappearance of many species over time, especially as this tributary of Duffin’s Creek. They also did chemical analysis is correlated to rising temperature and turbidity levels. of the water (pH, O2, chlorides, sulphates, nitrates), Introduction of the rusty crayfish Orconectes rusticus has turbidity and suspended solids. They are finding that had a detrimental effect on aquatic ecosystems. Citizen stormwater management and riffle pool restoration result in Scientists have also been involved in road ecology research less flashiness of flow and thus reduction in sediment (i.e. effects of road-kill), and surveys of odonates transport, with consequent effects on water quality. (damselflies and dragonflies), salamanders, vernal pools, Paula Davies, Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve bats, meadow bird species, and moths. (TMWP), spoke on Lessons from a Decade of David bemoaned the lack of research on native mussels, Stewardship at Todmorden Mills. Paula showed images benthic invertebrates, and what he called the “urban stream from the devastated landscape that was Todmorden in the syndrome.” He looks forward to the possibility of a World 1950s compared to what it is now. Biosphere Reserve being established in east Toronto. She stressed that: A useful directory of Ontario Citizen Science projects can  Stewardship efforts have to be consistent and ongoing be found at www.ontarionature.org/directory-of-citizen-  Such consistent, long-term stewardship pays off science/home.php.  Stewards need to keep abreast of the latest research. She recommended the Stewardship Network’s webinars Finally, Harry Jongerden, Executive Director of the (www.stewardshipnetwork.org) as a good resource. Toronto Botanical Garden, closed the proceedings with a  Integrated Pest Management be employed brief synopsis of developments at TBG, its changing role (from artificial, horticultural to plant conservation and She went on to describe the various techniques used at natural ecosystems), educational possibilities, research, and TMWP to suppress invasives: displays.  Chemical vs mechanical methods of control  Soil impoverishment Speaker biographies and other information on the  Mulching symposium are at: http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/learn/  Decompaction adult/symposium/  Use of knowledgeable local nurseries for plants Bob Kortright  Landscape fabric (for phragmites in this case)

All photos from TFN Slide Collection

Cedarvale Ravine, Lower Don, 1978. New path with light Clean-up Day in Lower Don, 1986. Mary Cumming sitting standards north of Heath St W. Photo: Robin Powell beside a tire, drawing skunk cabbage at Todmorden Mills. Photo: Robin Powell

TFN 624-18 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016

MOCCASIN LADY'S SLIPPER The Pilgrims applied the term “Moccasin slipper” to all lady's slippers. Fortunately, the name has been retained to describe the one that resembles a maroon sac with a cleft down the middle. The entire bloom can be covered with a network of rich, deep red veins. Another favorite title was “Whip-poor-will shoe” which may have been suggested because it blooms in late May and much of June when the nightjar's call penetrates the darkness.

In Our Wild Orchids (1929), Frank Morris recalled a visit to an island on Stony Lake:

And all about the island, almost from the water's edge, up the rocky slopes to the very roof of it, especially where it was carpeted with gray and green moss, both in the open beyond the shadow of the pines and in the hemlock groves; We had never seen a more perfect setting for a flower, particularly in the shadow of the hemlocks, where as many as twenty or thirty might be counted in a single small grove, looking like little Chinese lanterns hung over the path to light one's footsteps in the dusk.

Article and photo by Harvey Medland

WEATHER (THIS TIME LAST YEAR) December 2015 Precipitation remained below normal with near-normal December was absurdly warm as the 2015-2016 El Niño rainfall and almost no snow. We did have one snowstorm kicked into high gear. This month ran 5.4° above normal on the evening of December 28th, which turned to light downtown and 5.8° above normal at Pearson Airport rain by the next morning. Pearson Airport had a total of (monthly means 5.2° and 4.1° respectively). It was not just 3.2 cm from this system and downtown had 4.8 cm. only the warmest December on record but also was This was not a record though; that dubious claim belongs warmer than a normal November. The only month with a to December 2006, which had a fairly similar weather larger warm anomaly (in Pearson’s history) was March pattern (and was the previous warm monthly mean record- 2012, which was more than 6° above normal. This kind of holder). Total monthly precipitation was around 45 mm, departure now seems to occur fairly frequently, enough most of which fell as rain during the last week of the that the average of the past 30 years is increasing to the month. point where the December normal for downtown has almost breached the freezing point (–0.2°). January 2016 The mild El Niño winter continued, but much less Essentially, a massive blow-torch extended from the El accentuated than in December. Temperatures ran about Niño-warmed waters in the eastern Pacific northward one degree above normal: it averaged –3.6° at Pearson across Central America and the Gulf of Mexico to cover Airport and –2.3° downtown. The coldest point of the eastern and central North America. Temperatures for large month was January 4th, with a minimum of –15.4° at portions of the month were in the thirties in Florida, Pearson and –14.2° downtown: these values are not very twenties into New England, and teens in Ontario and cold, but slightly below-freezing temperatures prevailed Quebec. The peak was just before Christmas, when deep much of the month, punctuated by brief returns to mild tropical air displaced already-mild Pacific air that covered weather. So it was winter, however half-hearted. There our area. It fueled tornadoes in the Mississippi valley and was a slight warming trend overall during the last part kept conditions ice and snow free for Christmas into of the month. Algonquin Park. Snowfall was, as might be expected, well-below normal. The warmest reading was 15.4° on December 24th at We had some snow mid-month with a week or two of thin Pearson Airport; this is still well shy of the 1982 records but continuous snow cover. Total snowfall was 10.6 cm at of 20.0° on December 3rd, 15.7° on Christmas Day and Pearson Airport and 8.6 cm downtown, the lowest since 17.2° on December 28th. However, the warmth this year 2006. The tendency was for weather systems to pass either was much more continuous with no significant cold north of Toronto (bringing mild weather and rain) or well outbreaks at all. The warm Christmas storm system then to the south where they brought precipitation to the U.S. moved into the North Atlantic and brought flooding rains mid-Atlantic states but only high clouds to Toronto. to the UK and eventually wrapped up with a brief spell of Rainfall was close to normal and total precipitation temperatures just above freezing at the North Pole. somewhat below normal (30-40 mm). Gavin Miller December 2016 Toronto Field Naturalist TFN 624-19

FROM THE ARCHIVES

RAVINE ACTION GROUP PROPOSAL The TFN ravine studies completed and underway are a major accomplishment and From TFN 303, December 1976 provide a major contribution to the store of information about Toronto’s natural areas. These studies have been well received by politicians and civil servants who do not have the interest or expertise to carry out such studies. The studies, therefore, have the potential for influencing decisions about proposals for development and alterations of natural conditions in ravines.

It is not enough to study ravines; TFN members frequently find themselves launching protests against plans to destroy the very area they were so carefully studying. Wouldn’t we all benefit by sharing the knowledge we’ve gained through our studies and efforts to save ravines? It is proposed that a Ravine Group be formed as an outgrowth of our publication Toronto the Green. The group would co-ordinate ravine studies and succeed our former Environmental Committee. ,1983 Linda Cardini Photo: Robin Powell. TFN slide collection

COMING EVENTS

If you plan to attend any of these events, we recommend that you contact the organizing group beforehand to confirm time and place.

High Park Walking Tours (www.highpark.org) 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 10:30 to noon. Meet at the benches south of the Grenadier Restaurant. Information: 416-392-6916 or [email protected]  Dec 4. High Park Through the Ages. Leader: Dave Berndorff.  Dec 18. Holiday Hike to Colborne Lodge. Leader: Walking Tours Committee.

Rouge Park Weekly Guided Nature Walks (www.rougepark.com/hike) Explore Rouge Park’s trails with a Hike Ontario certified volunteer leader. E-mail [email protected] or phone 905-713-3184, Mon - Thurs.

The Market Gallery (www.toronto.ca/marketgallery) Unearthing Toronto's Oldest Marketplace: The Archaeology of the North St Lawrence Market. A rare opportunity to look into the City’s past as this site undergoes a major archaeological dig. The gallery is located at South St Lawrence Market, 2nd floor, 95 Front St E. Gallery closed Sun, Mon and holidays.

ROM Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 (www.rom.on.ca/en/wildlife2016) From Nov 12. The exhibition showcases category finalists and winners of the competition through 100 breathtaking photographs.

Lost Rivers Walks (www.lostrivers.ca) Walking tours limited to 20 participants. To ensure a spot on the tour, please e-mail in advance to [email protected]

Ian Wheal Walks  Sun Dec 4, 10:30 am. Timber Wolf Trail (Toronto to Garrison Creek Ravine). A 4-km walk on routes taken by wolf packs to Fort York in the 1850s. Meet at the entrance to Christie subway station.  Sat Jan 28, 11 am. Geology and Physical Geography of the environs of the University of Toronto in 1827. Meet at the southeast corner of College St and Spadina Ave. A 2 1/2 hour walk.

Answers from page 13

a) MEAT; b) BUSHY; c) CACHE; d) PACKS; e) WOLF; f) CLIMB; g) CHEW; h) RAVINES; i) LUPINE; j) PUPS; k) VIXEN; l) ALPHA; m) ARCTIC; n) RED; o) TOES; p) LONE; q) HOWL; r) BARKS; s) CAT

Siberian Husky Dog. CCO Public Domain

TFN 624-20 Toronto Field Naturalist December 2016

Toronto Field Naturalists Publications Mail 1519—2 Carlton St., Registration No. 40049590 Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1J3

Milkweed seed pods bursting at Tommy Thompson Park, October 23. Photos: Lynn Pady