The Future of Nature News his issue of Nature Manitoba News is the last one to Several members have written to express regret about the be published in a paper version. Over the past several end of the print newsletter. They point out that many who Tmonths, the Nature Manitoba Board, as well as the currently subscribe to the electronic version do not actually Communications and Promotions Committee, have been read it. We also believe this, as reading a PDF version of the struggling with the many difficult choices involved in transi- newsletter on a computer is not that easy or enjoyable. The tioning from the paper newsletter many of you are holding new e-newsletter will not be like the current PDF, but will in your hands, to mostly digital forms of communication. be in a graphic email format that is more reader friendly when using a computer and, perhaps more importantly, The decision to move to an electronic newsletter is the smartphones and tablets. result of an accumulation of many factors. Nature Manitoba is facing the same conundrum as other organizations with Members will receive an email each month that will include print publications. Our paper newsletter is expensive to short descriptions of all content in that issue, with links to print and mail out, and fails to reach the ever-increasing full articles stored on a new and improved Nature Manitoba portion of the population that relies mostly, or even exclu- website. This email will also highlight upcoming events and sively, on digital communications. activities, something that is currently being done in separate communica- The content of the newsletter is tions from the office. Some of the largely dependent on volunteers for ith a new, relevant content, including the Workshop both contributions and editing. The and adaptable format, and Discovery Evening programs, trend has been that fewer and fewer “W will be available on our website in submissions are being received, we hope to achieve both a convenient printable format. which means that more effort has to greater readership and an go into searching out content. Even increase in contributions.” With this new, relevant and adaptable with the change to quarterly issues, format, we hope to achieve both the job to create each 20 or 24-page greater readership and an increase in issue has become unsustainable. The contributions from our members. We quarterly schedule has also meant our coverage of issues, also believe that a modernization of our communication events and activities is not as current as it should be. methods will attract new members. It is certainly the trend in many other organizations. We are not undertaking this change as a cost-saving measure, but rather, in order to spend the money we do For those members who do not use computers, we are have in the most effective way possible. All the savings from currently working on a plan to define what kind of paper ceasing to print and mail a paper newsletter will be redi- communication we can mail out to keep them informed and rected to the hiring of a Web Communication Specialist to connected. This would probably include such things as manage our communications, including production of a new Discovery Evening programs, Workshop Program, AGM monthly e-newsletter. notices, etc. If you have suggestions for what you see as important content to receive in this manner, we would Annual General Meeting welcome your comments. The Office will be undertaking a telephone survey of all Don’t forget about our 2016 AGM on Monday, members for whom we do not yet have an email address to March 21st at 7:00pm, followed by a film about verify their contact information and to ask if they will Robert Taylor. See pages 4-5 for more information. (continued on next page...) (...continued from page 1)

provide an email address if they have one. If you are in this group, it would be appreciated if you could call the office to let them know. Post Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 0040069231. This is the end of an era and we know that Nature Manitoba News will be missed by many. Members owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the Editorial Issued 4 times a year* as the official Committee (Tommy Allen, Roger Turenne and Donna Danyluk) who have made publication of Nature Manitoba (*to become it such an outstanding publication over the past seven years. Donna’s contribu- a monthly e-newsletter after this issue). tion should be especially singled out. As a volunteer, she has been largely Subscriptions are a benefit of membership. responsible for planning the content of each issue and editing contributions. See backpage for membership details. Finally, we would like to thank those members who have been regular contribu- Opinions are those of the writers and not tors over the years, and we look forward to using your submissions in our new necessarily the organization as a whole. e-newsletter format. We are confident that this change will increase the involvement of our members Office and Library with their organization, in all areas of interest, and will enable us to connect with the many potential new members out there who have yet to discover us. 401 - 63 Albert St. , R3B 1G4 Phone/Fax:...... 204-943-9029 Don Himbeault, President Email:...... [email protected] Website: ...... www.naturemanitoba.ca Communications and Promotions Committee Nature Manitoba News Editorial Committee Office Administrator...... Susan McLarty Office Assistant...... Deanna Dodgson Hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Mon/Tue and Thu/Fri Our Natural Garden Tour 2016 s spring approaches, now is the Tickets will be available at the Nature Manitoba News Atime to mark your calendar for March 14 Discovery Evening and Our Natural Garden Tour 2016! The the March 21 AGM, and at all Newsletter Editor...... Tommy Allen date is July 9 from 10:00 to 4:00 and Nature Manitoba workshops. They Email:...... [email protected] the price is still $15.00. We have five can also be bought from the office Editorial Committee: Tommy Allen varied gardens for you to see in (204-943-9029 or info@nature- Donna Danyluk Charleswood and three more beauties manitoba.ca), and starting in Roger Turenne in St. James. AND we will be stopping mid-to-late April will be for sale at

at the Living Prairie McNally Robinson For future submission deadlines and advertising rates, check our website or Museum on Ness Booksellers on email the editor at: Ave. to walk the Grant, The Pre- [email protected] trails and learn from ferred Perch on St. the staff. Mary’s Rd, Feasey Chiropractic and This newsletter is printed on Enviro 100 Our ticket this year Wellness Centre on 20lb paper which is 100% Post Consumer has a brand new Marion and at the Recycled and FSC certified. look! In addition to following Garden information about Centres: Lacoste each garden, includ- 2015 / 2016 Executive and St. Mary’s (on ing addresses and south St. Mary’s President...... Donald Himbeault directions, it also has Exec. Vice-President...... Jack Dubois Rd), Shelmerdine a small map to help Vice-President...... James Whitelaw on Roblin Blvd, you plan your route. Treasurer...... Nikolas Cyr Schriemer’s in East Our host gardeners Secretary...... Alain Louer St. Paul, and are always available Past President...... Roger Turenne Jensen’s on to answer your McGillivray Blvd. gardening questions Other vendors may 2015 / 2016 Board Members and to just talk be added later gardening. Also new Lesly Andrews, Christian Artuso, (check our website this year, we will be Scott Falkingham, Michele Kading, in late April). Eric Melvin, Les McCann serving light refresh- and Rommel Molod ments at the What better way to spend a Satur- from noon to 4:00. Please drop by day in July – our Garden Tour is a and visit. summer event not to be missed!

Page 2 Nature Manitoba News Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 Ian Ward Green needles in spring First Nations People made use Softly adorn my branches of tamaracks for both food and Blazing gold in fall medicine. Bark, needles and resin A last show before winter were utilized. The fresh green needles were a welcome source of Vitamin C in spring and used to help with respiratory complaints due to cold and flu. More recent research has shown that tamarack wood contains polysaccharides called arabinogalactins. Studies indicate these compounds help to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer, act as a prebiotic to help stimulate and promote good bacteria in the digestive tract, and help to produce digestive enzymes. In Honour of the (Reference: “The Boreal Herbal: Wild Food and Medicine Plants of Tamarack the North” by Beverley Gray.) by Marilyn Latta replaced many of my roles and I am now largely ignored and forgotten. am Tamarack. The Algonquian people gave me this name which means “wood used for snowshoes”. Others used Times have been difficult recently. The landscape has been altered in many places and habitat loss and drainage have the name hackmatack. Larch is another one of my names I made the land less favorable for me to thrive. Insects and and you might know me as Eastern, Alaskan, American, disease have caused much stress. Some of these are new while Black or Red Larch. others have always been here, but the balance seems to have I once was much honoured and played an important role in the been lost and I struggle more to be strong and healthy. lives of the indigenous people. I supplied tough flexible wood I still try to be a vibrant part of the landscape. Tamarack bogs for snowshoes in winter and my roots were used to sew their are a quiet place of wonder and beauty. The Great Gray Owl birch bark canoes together for summer travel. I was used makes its home in my domain, ever watchful for the sight and medicinally for a variety of problems and body imbalances. sound of small mammals that will sustain it and its young. The Tannins were extracted from my bark and used to tan leather. owls’ haunting calls seep through my limbs and wash over the Later, my decay-resistant wood was used for railway ties, poles, landscape – a remote and eerie place to be on a moonlit night. posts and pilings and even mouse-proof floors. Ship builders Come, listen to the mysterious sounds of the wild. Listen to the prized my roots for joining ribs to the deck timbers. Today, wind sigh through my branches. Open your ears and hear the many of these uses have been forgotten or are no longer drums beat and remember how wise, strong and glorious I important. The plastic and synthetics of today's world have once was. Pause and pay respect to my ancestors and me.

Tamarack Troubles most populous tree in Minnesota, the In Manitoba, an outbreak of ELB that Tamarack now ranks 6th or 7th. began in 2001 has expanded through Tamarack trees (Larix laricina) are much of the tamarack range in the One of its major challenges is a native deciduous conifers that can be found in Province. The beetles breed in stand- insect called the Eastern Larch Beetle bogs and wet habitats throughout most ing trees as well as logs stored with (ELB), whose population numbers are of the forested regions across the the bark intact. Infested trees and logs cyclic in nature. Although always northeastern United States, a large should be utilized or removed from present in small numbers, it may be part of Canada and into Alaska. Their tamarack stands before the emer- many years before there is an ELB yellow needles in fall lead some people gence of beetles in the spring. Tama- outbreak which can then have a to think they are dying, but fresh green rack fuel wood should not be stored devastating effect on tamarack popula- needles emerge in spring and once with bark intact in spring and summer tions. Starting in 2000-01, ELB killed again transform the trees into the in close proximity to live, healthy large numbers of tamarack in north- familiar, if misnamed, “evergreens”. tamarack trees. If not used during the eastern Minnesota in stands that had winter months, logs should be de- Tamarack populations have decreased no obvious history of defoliation, barked for longer term storage. For in different areas over time due to drought or flooding injury. In some more information see www.gov.mb.ca/ factors such as loss of (or changes in) areas of Alaska, 50% of the tamarack conservation/forestry/health/ habitat, insects and disease. Once the were killed in just over two years. eastern-larch.html

Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 Nature Manitoba News Page 3 Nature Manitoba’s 96th Annual General Meeting Monday, March 21st 2016 at 7:00pm

The AGM will start at 7pm at Le Centre Culturel Franco- Nomination Committee recommendation for Manitobain (340 Provencher Blvd, in St. Boniface) in Salle Antoine-Gaborieau (2nd floor). It will be followed by Board Members for 2016-17 a showing of the film, “The Private Lives of Wild Crea- tures” (see page 11 for info on the film). Executive Board Members for Election: President...... Jack Dubois Executive Vice-President...... Roger Turenne 2016 AGM Agenda Vice-President...... James Whitelaw Treasurer...... André Laberge 1. Welcome Secretary...... Alain Louer 2. Minutes of the preceding AGM (March 16, 2015) Past-President (not for election)....Don Himbeault 3. Annual Report of the President 4. Treasurer’s Report and the Report of the Auditors Directors for Election (term ending 2019): 5. Appointment of Auditors for 2016 Eric Melvin, Michele Kading, Lesly Andrews, Nicholas Cyr 6. Annual Reports of Nature Manitoba Committees 7. Resolutions Continuing Directors (term ending 2018): 8. Election of Directors of the Board Rommel Molod and Les McCann. 9. Election of the Executive of Nature Manitoba 10. Presentation of Awards Continuing Directors (term ending 2017): 11. Adjournment Christian Artuso, Scott Falkingham.

leader. He is an avid photographer and wilderness traveler. He was NOMINEES – EXECUTIVE: active for many years in the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, working for wilderness protection. Jack Dubois (President) Prior to his retirement and active involvment in the conservation Jack was born and raised in Winnipeg, graduat- movement, Roger was a policy advisor to the Government of ing from the University of Manitoba with a Manitoba, and before that, served as a Canadian diplomat in B.Sc. (Zoology/Botany) in 1972. He is recently Europe and in Africa. He is the author of a book on the Franco- retired from his position of Director of the Manitoban community and does occasional freelance work as a Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch, political analyst for Radio-Canada. Manitoba Conservation, where he worked for ten years. Previous employers have been the Roger joined the Nature Manitoba board in April 2008 and was Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature and . Jack has President from 2009 to 2012. He has worked hard to promote been active for many years in community issues in Manitoba and Nature Manitoba’s new visual identity, revitalize and modernize has taken active roles on many boards including the Manitoba the organization, and strengthen its membership. Eco-Network Inc., , Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, Interpretive Centre, James Whitelaw (Vice President) Churchill Northern Studies Centre, The Fur Institute of Canada, James Whitelaw has a B.Sc. (Ecological Sci- and the Manitoba Naturalists Society (Nature Manitoba). Jack and ences) from the University of Edinburgh and a his family like to canoe and otherwise spend time in remote areas Ph.D. (Zoology) from the University of Liver- of Manitoba. He is also known to do a little hunting, fishing, pool. He was a staff scientist at the Royal spelunking and bird watching in his spare time, when not at their Society Aldabra Research Station and worked on cabin on Hecla Island. urban nature conservation projects in London. He was a member of the management commit- Roger Turenne tee of the Scottish Wildlife Trust (Tayside), on the regional (Exec. Vice President) committee of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, and was for seven years chairman and secretary of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, Roger joined the MNS in 1986, has been a Tayside Branch, before fleeing back to Canada in 2004. frequent presenter at the Indoor Program and, at various times, has been active in the Outdoor James has been a Nature Manitoba member since 2004 and has Committee, the Parks Committee, and as a trip greatly enjoyed the bird outings, indoor meetings and workshops.

Page 4 Nature Manitoba News Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 NOMINEES – DIRECTORS: Following Eric Melvin (Director) the AGM: Eric Melvin grew up in the small town of The Private Lives Carman, Manitoba where his passion for wildlife biology all began. As a child, Eric developed a of Wild Creatures love for the outdoors, during his many hunting, We are pleased to an- trapping and fishing trips. During his youth, Eric nounce that following the was a member of Scouts Canada, and now AGM we will be showing volunteers with them as a leader. Eric’s love for the new documentary film wildlife and the environment as taken him across Canada and about Robert Taylor. See around the world. Eric has completed mutiple environmental page 11 for more details projects from the far reaches of Churchill researching polar bears on the film, which is and the north to the exotic lands of South Africa assisting in an approx. 1-hr in length. elephant mangagement project, Eric is always looking to gain new Electric Monk Media experience in his field of study. Eric is currently in his third year at the University of Manitoba, pursuing an environmental studies degree with plans to graduate in 2017. James is a keen birder and is interested in all aspects of natural history and environmental issues. He enjoys his family, his dogs, Michele Kading (Director) and his birding trips. He has been moved on by the military in Ven- ezuela, detained by the army in Ecuador, and robbed at knifepoint Michele joined the Nature Manitoba Board of in Gambia, and is looking forward to more birding adventures. Directors in 2000 as the Action Vice-President. With a particular interest in Winnipeg’s urban André Laberge (Treasurer) environmental issues she served in this office until March 2003 when she became the Execu- André joined Nature Manitoba in 1991 and tive Vice-President (until March 2007). Michele has been involved in the Outdoor Committee, continues to play a key role on the Policy Review trip leader workshops, Victoria Beach cabin and Committee and Bylaws Review Committee. She is the Chair of the has previously served as treasurer. He has also Human Resources Committee (since 2008). Michele has worked as been involved with the Mantario program as a a professional interpretive naturalist since 1980 in Manitoba and committee member, trip leader and contributed Ontario. In 1992, she became the Head of Interpretation at Oak extensively to the rebuilding of the cabin. He Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre. In September 2013 Michele enjoys hiking, backpacking, travelling, and has passed his love became Executive Director of Save Our Seine. Her interests of canoeing onto his family. André attended St Boniface College include birding, photography, gardening (prairie plants and and is a certified financial planner who has been in practice for water gardens), travel, and exploring wetlands and interpretive 20 years. centres around the world. She has birded and delivered wetland education workshops to teachers in 24 Caribbean locations. Alain Louer (Secretary) Michele served on Winnipeg’s first Civic Environmental Committee Alain has been a member of Nature Manitoba (December 2001 to 2005). She has an M. Sc. in Biogeography since 1996, attracted by his great love for and an undergraduate degree from the University of Winnipeg the outdoors. He knew joining would lead to (Physical Geography, Biology, and Environmental Studies). opportunities such as hiking the Mantario trail, and now feels the accomplishment of doing Lesly Andrews (Director) so. He went to the Mantario cabin for the first Lesly Andrews joined Nature Manitoba in 1986 time, as a participant, during the 2001 summer and worked on the Mantario and Outdoor program, the year the cabin rebuilding was completed. He chaired Committees. the Mantario Committee for several years, and is also active in the outdoor program with hiking, canoeing, skiing and snowshoeing. She greatly enjoys participating in physical Although far from an expert, he enjoys the learning experience activities and outdoor adventures offered by of our birding and botany outings, the Discovery Evenings, the Nature Manitoba. She has been a trip leader for Workshops and the Garden Tour. Alain is a government worker and many years and has been involved in Mantario’s Family Week. has been a volunteer for the Union Nationale Française since 1994. A long time resident of Winnipeg, Lesly has a BSc. in Environmen- tal Science and is a Public Health Inspector CIPHI(C). She operates Welcome New Members! FoodSafe, a Manitoba-based food handler training business. Nov. 15, 2015 to Feb. 14, 2016 Nicholas Cyr (Director) Jasmine Berard Dennis LeNeveu Paul Shipman & Roland Chartier Michael Lehner Eveline Bohemier Nikolas is an accounting student working towards his Certified General Accountant Claudette Clusiault Jane & Randy Constance Smith designation. He has enjoyed the outdoors for Janet Evans MacDonald Angie Wittmann, many years, and has seen many of the natural Sylvie Hebert Darrell Ostrowski Phoenix Wittmann & Tyrul Loewen environments Canada has to offer. He first went Norm Jahanson Bernice Parent Michelle Pasnak Caleb Wong to the Mantario cabin in 2004 with his parents Jenny Kuchta and sister as part of family week. Ainsley Kulbaba Tamara Pheifer

Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 Nature Manitoba News Page 5 Trips are not always planned far enough ahead to be listed here. See the Outdoor Activities section at www.naturemanitoba.ca for the most up-to-date listing, or sign-up there to receive a weekly list by email.

Ski Pinawa Trails Sun. March 6th Over 30 km of groomed trails, ranging from novice to advanced, with three Keep an eye on our website’s “Bird Outings” page for new or modified trip details. warm-up cabins. A full-day trip, with many trails to choose from, St. Adolphe and Libau, Mars Hill and and lunch in one of the cabins. Windygates Hawk Watches (possibly) Patricia Beach Email (preferred) Kathy Picard at kdpicard@ Tue. March 15th - Fri. April 15th Sat. May 21st mymts.net or 204-345-8422. [Nvc-Int-Adv] Raptors and a host of other birds migrate This outing will visit areas that may not north along the Red River and Pembina be familiar to some of you. We will look Birds Hill Ski River valleys in early spring. Come join for Red-headed Woodpecker, Orchard Sun. March 13th the birders who monitor this migration. Oriole and Bobolink at Libau and for Join Karen for possibly a last ski They will be present from mid-morning Lark Sparrow and Indigo Bunting at of the season in Birds Hill Park. at either site on most days from mid- Mars Hill. Time permitting, we will visit Contact Karen Clements at 204-770-4375 March to mid-April, especially when Patricia Beach to look for grebes, terns and or [email protected]. [Int] it is sunny with a south wind. The St. passerine migrants. Meet at Boston Pizza Adolphe site is on the east side of the at the southeast corner of Chief Peguis Exchange District Walk & Brunch bridge on PR 210. The Windygates site is Trail and Henderson Hwy at 7:30 a.m. Sun. March 20th on PR201 at the Pembina River Valley. For more information or to register, contact Walk through the Exchange District These Watches are not scheduled, so there Garry Budyk at 204-667-1062. [Nvc] and share brunch at Neechi Commons. is no need to register. Come and go as you Contact Roger Sutherland please. All skill levels are welcome. [Nvc] Annual Robert Taylor at 204-451-1219. [Nvc] Memorial Bird Blitz Woodcock and Owl Foray Sat. May 28th Thu. April 28th Participation is open to all, from backyard Join Rudolf Koes on an evening birder to Big Day enthusiast. The idea is to More Spring Trips outing to search for woodcock enjoy birds at your own pace and submit a and hopefully some owls, too. list of your sightings, plus area(s) covered, More trips will be offered for Call Rudolf at 204-661-0763 for more to Rudolf Koes ([email protected]) after the spring, they just haven’t information or to register. [Nvc] the event. Results will be reported on been planned yet. Please check ManitobaBirds (Yahoo!Group list serve) our website for an up-to-date after the event, as well as on the Nature listing. We will also include Seven Sisters and Environs Manitoba website. Robert will be with us more trips in the upcoming Sat. May 7th in spirit. No registration is necessary. April e-newsletter, and you can We’ll search for loons, grebes, ducks, always sign-up for our weekly raptors and other migrants along trip list emails via our website. the Winnipeg River. Meet at the Seven Sisters Dam at 9:00 a.m. Birding for Beginners Contact Peter Taylor at 1-204-753- Wednesdays at 6:30pm 2977 for info or to register. [Nvc] No registration required for Birding for Beginners trips. [All trips: Novice] Beausejour/Milner Ridge Sat. May 14th May 4: This outing will start at Walter Meet at the English Garden entrance. Please visit our website for full descriptions. Chryplywy Park at the western edge of May 11: St. Vital Park Beausejour at 9:00 a.m. Many deciduous Meet at the duck pond parking lot. West Coast Trail forest species and migrants should be June 2016 present here, while Milner Ridge may May 18: Bunn’s Creek Sean Worden at 204-781-0796 or deliver some boreal forest birds. Meet at the parking lot of [email protected] (no texts please). [Adv] Contact Peter Taylor at 1-204-753- Centennial Park (365 McIvor). 2977 for info or to register. [Nvc] May 25: King’s Park Woodland Caribou Park Canoe Meet at the main parking lot. Tue. Aug. 16th - Mon. Aug. 29 or 31 Contact Jerry Ameis at 204-284-1902 June 1: La Barriere Park or [email protected]. [Adv] Meet at the main parking lot.

Page 6 Nature Manitoba News Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 GENERAL RATING GUIDELINES APPLICABLE Free on Wednesdays? TO ALL ACTIVITIES Join the Grey Hares for interesting trips and activities and good company. Novice (Nvc): Typically 2-3 hr duration. Little or no experience required. Easy Ski Pumpkin Creek trails Hike Assiniboine Forest terrain or calm water. Limited physical Wed. March 2nd & FortWhyte fitness acceptable. Weather not normally Ski the Pumpkin Creek trails in the Roseisle Wed. April 6th severe (shelter usually available). valley west of Carman, or the forested Hike the trails from the Assiniboine Typically a 4-6 hr day trip. Sandilands trails east of Steinbach, or the Intermediate (Int): Forest to FortWhyte Alive and Some previous experience and skill desirable. Bittersweet trails near Treherne. The choice return. Lunch at FortWhyte. Some steep or difficult terrain or waves will depend on the snow conditions. Marilyn Hurrell 204-832-8908. [Int] possible. Moderate physical fitness required. Ted Harvey 204-889-5725. [Int] Weather not normally severe (shelter likely Trip to the Zoo not available). For multi-day trips: A fairly Snowshoe Lac du Bonnet Area easy 2-5 day camping trip requiring medium/ Wed. April 13th heavy packs, some specialized equipment Wed. March 9th A Trip to the Zoo! Our last visit to the and skills. Effects of inclement weather and Snowshoeing in the Lac du Bonnet Zoo was a success. There are the new injuries more severe than for a day trip. area (Blueberry Rock hiking trails, heavy horses to see and take a ride if Old Pinawa Dam area). Advanced (Adv): A full day trip. Previous desired. The cubs have moved experience, significant skill and good physical Kathy Picard in Lac du Bonnet 1-204-345- to a larger area and by April may be condition required. Must be able to carry 8422 or [email protected]. [Nvc] with the older bears. The snow leopard a heavy pack. Steep or difficult terrain or cubs are on display and by April will waves to be expected. Sustained strenuous Ski Beaudry or Grand Beach have grown. The animals tend to be activity required. For multi-day trips: A Wed. March 16th more active in the cooler temps. Chris strenuous camping trip of many days duration requiring medium/heavy packs, specialized Ski the forested trails at Beaudry volunteers at the Zoo so she knows it well. equipment and skills. Long portages over Chris Urban 204-837-5940. [Nvc] Park (Headingly), or the sheltered difficult terrain may occur. Severe weather forested trails of Grand Beach. conditions may halt trip and require use of Marilyn Hearn 204-895-4659. [Int] Bike Winnipeg’s Trails skilled survival techniques. Accidents such Wed. April 20th as capsizing or physical injuries may be life Ski Groomed Trails Bike some of Winnipeg’s Cycling Trails. threatening. Wilderness or remote location may make rescue or aid difficult to obtain. Wed. March 23rd Ted Harvey 204-889-5725. [Int] Ski at a location with groomed For detailed Trip Rating Guidelines, see trails. Updated information will Bike Winnipeg’s Trails www.naturemanitoba.ca/?q=trip-ratings be at www.mts.net/~4bmiller/ Wed. April 27th GreyHares_Ski2015-2016.htm. Bike some of Winnipeg’s Cycling Trails. PLEASE NOTE: Ted Harvey 204-889-5725. [Int] All those planning to participate in a trip Hike, or Bike, or Ski must register with the leader beforehand, Wed. March 30th unless otherwise indicated. Space is often Hike, or Bike, or Ski – we will limited, so call early. If the leader cannot be see what the weather brings! Beluga Habitat reached, call the office at 204-943-9029. Sharron Bettess 204-256-2248. [Int] Sustainability Plan As a member of Nature Manitoba you have the right to participate in all of our activities he Manitoba government has developed and programs, but you must provide a T a Beluga Habitat Sustainability Plan for valid membership card. Trips are led by the Seal, Churchill and Nelson River unpaid, non-professional volunteers. estuaries. The plan outlines ways to support Trip leaders may exercise discretion and the Western beluga population decline to include any person. When throughout its range. Belugas arrive in registering you must rely on your own Manitoba's northern estuaries along the assessment of your ability to participate, Summer Hiking coast of Hudson Bay around mid-June and based on the requirements of the trip remain until mid-September. Activities in as described in the detailed trip rating Fun in the Rockies the estuaries revolve around calving, guidelines on our website (see above). Skyline Hikers of the Canadian nurturing their young and moulting their By showing up it is understood that Rockies, a volunteer-run hiking skin. There are numerous important you acknowledged and are prepared group, offers week-long hiking estuaries along the Hudson Bay coastline, and able to participate at the level camps in the Canadian Rockies however, the Churchill River and the Nelson indicated. You will be required to sign an Informed Consent and Liability Release near Banff during July and August. are known to have some of the highest concentrations of beluga whales in the Agreement in order to participate. Outfitter supported – hike only world. The draft plan is available for public Participants must be prepared for with your day pack from a base comment until March 7, 2016. Go to inclement weather. Participants must have camp. See www.skylinehikers.ca www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/ adequate clothing, water, food, must carry or contact NM member Rosemary belugahabitat.html to view the plan and their own gear, and are responsible for McVicar at [email protected]. for info about submitting feedback. ensuring it is in good working condition.

Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 Nature Manitoba News Page 7 Great Gray Owl in January Dennis Swayze

Fall & Early Winter Sightings extreme as the snipe, other late shorebirds were a Hudsonian by Rudolf Koes Godwit at Delta Nov. 10-11 (Carrie Braden) and a Sanderling also at Delta on Nov. 15 (Robert Parsons, Linda Pearn, Katha- ugust was warm and wet, while September and October rine Schulz, Liis Veelma). The PR 227 dump has frequently brought very pleasant weather. Winter arrived mid- produced rare gulls; this fall the best bird was a Lesser Black- A November, but serious cold did not occur until the backed Gull on Sept. 26, seen by a Nature Manitoba group. second week of January. The southward passerine migration through southern Manitoba was early and numbers were Reports of Snowy Owls started to come in mid-October, much generally low; flycatchers, thrushes and many warbler species earlier than usual. Many of the early arrivals were apparently were particularly scarce. starving and taken in for rehabilitation, but the birds in the wild seemed to be doing fine by early winter. A Burrowing Owl Visits to Whitewater Lake in early August resulted in some very at Oak Hammock Marsh on Oct. 24 (David Brophy) was well high tallies of waders and shorebirds. Rob Parsons saw 37 east of its current restricted breeding range in southwest Great Egrets there on Aug. 2 while Christian Artuso and Jo Manitoba. Northern Hawk Owls and Great Gray Owls arrived Swartz found 145 White-faced Ibises, 4592 American Coots, later, and (so far) in lower numbers. Short-eared Owls, on the 3123 American Avocets, 3291 Stilt Sandpipers and 843 other hand, were present in good numbers at Oak Hammock Wilson’s Phalaropes the same day. A count at the lake on Sept. Marsh, where they drew many birders and photographers. Peak 5 by Christian Artuso and the Van Egmond family resulted in count was nine on Dec. 1 (Rudolf Koes, Donna Martin). 529 Semipalmated Plovers and 960 Least Sandpipers. Colin Blyth tallied nine Snowy Egrets on Sept. 2, the highest-ever Rufous Hummingbird reports came from Peguis on July 30 (fide Manitoba count. Joanne Smith) and another from Brandon, seen from Sept 18 to Oct. 19 (Shari Wengel). Exceptionally late were a Winter It was not a good year for seeing “Northern Ducks”; there were Wren near Starbuck (Carole Penner) and a Marsh Wren at Oak only a handful of scoter sightings, while Harlequin Duck and Hammock (Garry Budyk), both on Dec. 1. Townsend’s Soli- Long-tailed Duck went unreported. Numerous ducks and other taires were more common than usual: at least seven were water birds lingered into December and January. Rob Parsons reported. Varied Thrushes were also well represented. Bohe- found Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck and mian Waxwings remained scarce until January, when several Pied-billed Grebe at the Wilkes Sewage Lagoons on Dec. 6; the sizeable flocks were noted. A Yellow-rumped Warbler was seen wigeon and grebe hung in until at least Dec. 20, the day of the on the Oak Hammock CBC on Dec 19 by Gerald Machnee, Winnipeg Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Open water at Lockport Colleen Cobbe and Judith Campbell. attracted a Tundra Swan, a Ring-necked Duck and three American White Pelicans. The swan A Spotted Towhee near Warren from Nov. soon disappeared, but the others 25 on (Bob and Bonnie Hamlin) attracted remained, with one pelican still alive A Nature Haiku numerous birders; another one was seen as late as Jan. 24 (Gerald Machnee). by Gail Walker on the Minnedosa CBC (fide Erica Alex). A Dark-eyed Junco of the Gray-headed race Another indication of late migration Seven starlings sit at Assessippi Ski Resort in December was was the concentration of 460+ On a single branch, Winter’s extremely rare (Jana Venter). An oriole at Common Mergansers at Hecla, fully a Exclamation marks a Gimli feeder was seen by many from month later than normal for such a Nov. 17 to Dec. 7. Although it showed number (Charlie Mc Pherson, Ray most characteristics of a Bullock’s Oriole, Methot). At Portage la Prairie a Great its true identity will likely remain a Blue Heron survived into January (Carrie Braden), while Peter mystery, given the difficulty in identifying immature orioles Taylor found a Common Loon, two Western Grebes and two (Donna Martin). A Baltimore Oriole visited a Stonewall feeder Red-necked Grebes on the Winnipeg River in the first half of in the first half of December (Ray & Liz Harkness). A Gray- December. A Virginia Rail became the prey of a falconer’s crowned Rosy-Finch made a brief stop near Warren on Jan. 12 Red-tailed Hawk near the Brady Road dump on Dec. 1, provid- (Fred Gross). A rare bird that has had a considerably longer ing the province with its first-ever winter record (fide Christian stay is the Eurasian Tree Sparrow first found during the 2014 Artuso). Another winter first was a Wilson’s Snipe along the Winnipeg CBC. Garry Budyk and John Weier relocated this bird Boyne River in Carman (first seen Dec. 6 by Rhonda Smith, but one year later during this year’s count (Dec. 20), at the same not identified until Dec. 9 by Paul Goossen). Although not as spot near Inkster Industrial Park. Page 8 Nature Manitoba News Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 Manitoba 2015/16 Christmas Bird Counts by Robert Parsons his was certainly one of the most pleasant count periods ever Eurasian Collared-Doves had their best showing ever, with 39 experienced, weather wise. The strong El Nino resulted in a being reported from six counts, including first records for Cypress Tdelayed start to winter and mild conditions up to and River and Carman. Mourning Doves were still on more counts (7) through the count period. This resulted in good turnouts of than Collared-Doves, but with a much lower total of 13 birds. participants on several counts. There were 32 Snowy Owls reported from 11 counts. Single Twenty-one counts were held this year, including a new count at Northern Hawk Owls were reported at Oak Hammock and Pinawa. Inglis. Winnipeg regained top spot this year at 45 species, edging A Barred Owl at Winnipeg (second count record) was a nice find; out Cypress River-Spruce Woods by one, followed by Brandon another was a count week report from Minnedosa. Pinawa and (41), Oak Hammock Marsh (38), and Morden (37) rounding out Riding Mountain reported two Great Gray Owls each. Perhaps the the top five. The 15-mile (24 km) diameter circles for all of these least expected owl species was Short-eared Owl from Balmoral, counts have good to excellent coverage by observers. At the other where three were found. extreme, the lowest species totals were Thompson, a badly American Kestrels were represented by singles at Brandon and under-manned count, at 10 species, Cranberry Portage (13), The Cypress River. Merlins numbered 17 on seven counts, including ten Pas (19), Inglis (20) & Gimli (21). Most of these are fairly north- in Winnipeg. Two Gyrfalcons were found; one was probably the erly and, excluding Thompson, had good coverage. highlight of the inaugural Inglis A total of 86 count-day species count and the other was at were recorded, plus four in count Pinawa, also a highlight if not week only: Common Merganser the highlight. (Pinawa-Lac du Bonnet), North- This was probably the winter of ern Saw-whet Owl (Selkirk), the larger corvids. In addition to Northern Cardinal (Winnipeg) Dennis Swayze their perfect attendance on all and Rusty Blackbird (Glenboro- counts, ravens and magpies were Spruce Woods). A count week numerous with totals of 2942 and observation is one from at least 1098, respectively. It appears one of the three days before and/ they may have rebounded from or after the count, but missed on West Nile. American Crows are, the count day itself. likewise, doing well with 1005 Only four species were seen on on eleven counts. Impressive every count: Downy Woodpecker, Bohemian Waxwings in January numbers, to be sure. Black-billed Magpie, Common Two Townsend’s Solitaires in Raven and Common Redpoll. Winnipeg was impressive, with a Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee and House third bird in the city but outside the count circle. Another was at Sparrow were missed on one count each, mainly in Thompson. In Cypress River where they are more routine. A Varied Thrush at addition to rarities listed below, the following species were seen on Balmoral graced the compiler’s yard, while another in Winnipeg one count only: Common Goldeneye (Pinawa), Ring-necked Pheas- vanished by count day (although it did manage a count-week ant (Lyleton), Willow Ptarmigan (Thompson) and Eastern Screech- appearance). Not all fruit-eaters were numerous – waxwings were Owl (Winnipeg). scarce, with many counts missing them or only managing count- The warm weather left plenty of open water by count period and a week observations. nice selection of water birds lingered. Canada Geese totalled 100 Sparrows were mostly unremarkable except in Minnedosa where on six counts, including a surprising individual on the Inglis count. both a Song Sparrow and a Spotted Towhee were found. Glenboro Mallards totalled 109 on three counts, mostly in Winnipeg, but managed a couple of Harris’s Sparrows, with another at Cypress also Balmoral (with 12), where they are reasonably regular, and River, and there were also count week birds at Hodgson and Cypress River (with 7), only their second count appearance. Selkirk. Winnipeg had an American Wigeon, two Lesser Scaup and a Pied-billed Grebe; Oak Hammock managed American White For the third year in a row, Yellow-headed Blackbirds were found Pelican and Ring-necked Duck. These were also reported on the at , with five this year, joined by singles at Glenboro Selkirk count, but it looks as though they were just barely outside and Oak Hammock. the latter circle—a problem of overlapping circles. Last but certainly not least, Manitoba’s (and Canada’s) first-ever Sharp-shinned Hawks were reported on three counts: Cypress count record (from the 2014 Winnipeg count) of Eurasian Tree River, Glenboro and Oak Hammock. The latter also reported a Sparrow put in a repeat appearance in 2015, to the delight of the Cooper’s Hawk. As no details were provided, it is possible these field party who had failed to find it in a scouting expedition a few may have been the same bird reported by different observers. weeks earlier and had concluded it was probably gone. Always Another Cooper’s was reported with a fairly good description from worthwhile to keep checking! Brandon, but it should be stressed there isn’t much evidence to support any winter Cooper’s Hawks in Manitoba. A Red-tailed All Manitoba CBCs can be viewed on the National Audubon Hawk on the Cypress River count was a great find. With the lack Society website and I can also provide an Excel file of all the of much snow cover, it was surprising that Rough-legged Hawks counts to anyone requesting it (email [email protected]). were not more numerous; only two were found, both on the Thank you to all compilers and everyone who took part. Delta Marsh count.

Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 Nature Manitoba News Page 9 Nature Manitoba’s Workshop Series 2016 from January 26th until April 26th

PRE-REGISTRATION required! Contact the Nature Manitoba office at 204-943-9029 or [email protected]. GENETICS and the SCIENCE of If you are unable to attend after registering, please CANCEL by calling the office so others may benefit from the vacancy. 7 GROWING GIANT PUMPKINS Manitoba’s 2015 Provincial We suggest that you sign up for ONLY THREE Milan Lukes, Giant Pumpkin Growing Champion workshops at a time. If you are interested in additional workshops, please call the office one week prior to the workshop to see if there are any vacancies. Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Milan Lukes has a passion for the colour orange, for pumpkins See opposite for time, location and fees. and for competing! Mentored by MB’s pumpkin growing champi- ons, retired farmers, soil scientists and manure experts, this past October Milan was crowned our 2015 Provincial Giant Pumpkin Growing Champion (1st and 2nd place). Milan’s presentation will SHOREBIRDS discuss the many intricacies of growing giant pumpkins and will 5 Rudolf Koes, Nature Manitoba Birder focus on the role science and genetics play in “growing the big one”. These skills would be transferable to growing regular Tuesday, March 1, 2016 squash plants. Milan is a recipient of the MB Schools Science Manitoba harbours a fine array of shorebirds and they will soon Symposium’s 2014 Gold Medal in Bio Technology, and at 13 start to return from warmer climes. Some are difficult to identify, years of age, is a very accomplished speaker and presenter. but with the help of this workshop, the task may be a bit easier. We will look at some slides and reference materials and we will THE NATURAL and UNNATURAL also discuss some of the best places in Manitoba to see them. 8 HISTORY of BISON in MB – MIGRATING HAWKS Not the Same Old Story 6 Ward Christianson, Nature Manitoba Birder Dr. Randy Mooi, Curator of Zoology at The Manitoba Museum Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Join Ward in this multi-media workshop on the basics of raptor identification. Learn about where and when to look for hawks What more could there be to know about bison in Manitoba? in migration and what to look for when you attempt to identify Were you aware that five species of bison have wandered them. Your enjoyment of these majestic birds can begin here. In across the province over the last 40,000 years, including one the field, participants will practice identifying hawks from some twice as big as the ones we see at the zoo and having horns of the best viewing sites in Manitoba. 2 metres wide! Using examples from specimens held at The Manitoba Museum, Dr. Mooi will explore some of the unique and sometimes quirky history of these magnificent animals through Participants the fossil record and even the Provincial and Winnipeg archives. study some fern He will also give you a sneak preview of a new permanent exhibit specimens at planned for the Museum. Richard Stani- forth’s “Native Ferns in MB” BACKYARD WILDLIFE HABITAT workshop in Retired Professor from the January 9 Ted McLachlan, Department of Landscape Architecture, U of M Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Ted’s presentation will explore how we can rethink our home environment to create a landscape of seasonal mystery, intrigue and delight. We can make nature accessible, whether standing

Julia Schoen at the kitchen sink or playing in the sandbox. Page 10 Nature Manitoba News Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 Workshop Time, Location & Fees

TIME: 7:30pm Allen Tommy

LOCATION: KELVIN HIGH SCHOOL (Room 31), Stafford Street at Academy Road. 2015 - 2016 PARKING at Kelvin High School is available in the lot behind the school, by the west entrance.

FEE: $5 for Nature Manitoba members, $10 for non- members (students: $3 for members or those on a family (Registration info at bottom-left of this page) membership, $5 for non-members). Workshops are open to children over 10, accompanied by a parent. Monday, March 14, 2016 Workshop Co-ordinator: Julia Schoen The Mysteries of Songbird Migration Revealed: Tracking Long-Distance GROWING a GARDEN Migration Using New Technology Dr. Kevin Fraser, Department of Biological 11 from the GROUND UP Sciences, University of Manitoba Kelley Leibzeit, Master Gardener in Training igration is a fascinating natural phenomenon that has Mintrigued humans for centuries. Billions of songbirds Tuesday, April 19, 2016 make epic migratory journeys every year between their Kelley will show you how her garden went from dirt and gravel to breeding sites in North America and their overwintering an oasis for people, plants, and wildlife. With 20 years of garden- homes in the New World Tropics, yet we are only just ing experience, she’ll share tips and photos on how her garden beginning to unravel the mysteries of migration. Using new grew. After attending a Naturescape program, she made a technology, we can now track the specific migratory routes decision to change the direction of her garden. She added more and behaviour of individual birds, providing important native plantings to draw in even more birds and butterflies. The new insights into how birds time their travels, respond to Spring Migration of 2013 was a roaring success, bringing in weather, and where specifically our Canadian breeding birds spend the rest of their year. With many songbird many varieties of warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers and hawks, species experiencing steep rates of population decline, there as well as a few of her favourites like waxwings and orioles. She is an added urgency to mapping songbird migration and even had a few unusual surprises. Come and hear Kelley’s understanding which populations may be most at risk in our Garden Story. (Please note that Kelley’s garden was widely changing world. Kevin Fraser studies the migration ecology admired on Our Natural Garden Tour in 2015). and conservation of long-distance migratory songbirds. He will present new data on the migration and ecology of MORELS and OTHER FUNGI several songbird species that breed in Manitoba, including Purple Martin, Canada Warbler, and Mountain Bluebird. 10 Dr. David Punter, Retired Professor of Botany from the U of M Monday, March 21, 2016 Tuesday, April 26, 2016 (early start at 7:00 pm) Morels are the mushrooms that appear in the spring while most Annual General Meeting other fungi can be found in late August and September. Partici- followed by pants in this workshop will begin learning to identify mushrooms The Private Lives of Wild Creatures in time for the morel season. A field trip will be offered in the late summer. e are pleased to announce that following the AGM we Wwill be showing the new documentary film about Robert Taylor. “The Private Lives of Wild Creatures” blends Nature Manitoba’s Discovery Evenings are held dramatic photo sequences with archival interviews and field at Le Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, 340 recordings to present Bob’s work as an artist and scientist. Provencher Blvd, in St. Boniface. All programs will The film (about an hour in length) had its public premiere be held in Salle Antoine-Gaborieau (2nd floor). at The Manitoba Museum in October, but we understand the filmmakers (Electric Monk Media) are working on a new Programs start at 7:30 pm except for the version with some changes. They will be present at the AGM st March 21 , 2016 A.G.M. which starts at 7:00pm. showing to answer questions about the making of the film. Admission is $2 for members / $3 for non-members. So join us on March 21 and venture outdoors with Robert Members must show member card. Note: No admission Taylor as your guide, from “The Polar Bear Capital of the will be charged for the AGM evening on March 21. World” to the tamarack bogs of the Great Grey Owl. To whet your appetite, watch the film trailer on Vimeo at: For more information, call the Nature Manitoba office vimeo.com/131227909 at 204-943-9029 or email [email protected].

Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016 Nature Manitoba News Page 11 Publications Mail Agreement Number 40069231 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 401-63 Albert Street Winnipeg, MB R3B 1G4 Phone: 204-943-9029 [email protected]

About Nature Manitoba Nature Manitoba is people sharing a passion for nature. Since its foundation in 1920, Nature Manitoba’s mission has been to promote awareness, appreciation and understand- ing of nature, and to preserve and enjoy it. In support of this Become a Member mission, Nature Manitoba offers a wide variety of educa- of Nature Manitoba! tional programs and publications, supports research into Manitoba’s biological and geophysical diversity, organizes Individual $40, Family $55, Student $20, Senior $35 field trips and outdoor activities year-round, and advocates Join online at www.naturemanitoba.ca. for the protection of our natural environment. Don Orchyk

Gardens Manitoba’s 9th annual Grey Hares Hecla Trip tradeshow and educational symposium ixteen Grey Hares spent an enjoyable he 9th annual Gardening Saturday, will be held on March 19th at the Sfour days (January 19-22) skiing at TVictoria Inn Convention Centre. Since 2008, Gardening Saturday has played Hecla and Camp Morton. A big thank you to a vital role in Manitoba’s gardening community by providing educational Doris Orchyk for organizing this trip. Adding information to gardeners of all levels. to the good times were the following, alliteratively listed by Julia Schoen: With over 75 vendors in the tradeshow area, it is the place to get the most up-to-date gardening information and tools. This year’s 16 workshop sessions »» Wonderful Weather include The Art of Perennial Gardening, Xeriscaping: No Lawn & Little Water, »» Awesome Accommodations Owning a Hobby Greenhouse, Solutions for Shade and many more. »» Soft Snow and Sumptuous Scenery »» Fabulous Food Keynote speaker, Zachary Weiss, works as a consultant and contractor around »» Marvellous Music (Ed Rajfur & guitar) the world specializing in Holzer Permaculture and Passive Solar-Geothermal »» Wild Waterslide Greenhouses. He specializes in re-naturing properties into natural paradises »» Pleasant-Plus People making for with an abundance of food, water, medicine, and habitat. From his close work Comfortable Company with Sepp Holzer, Zach brings his enthusiasm and energy to the table helping The trip was given a resounding rating of spread these techniques throughout the world. TWO THUMBS UP by the Grey Hares. In addition to the vendors and workshops, Gardening Saturday also offers the Hobby Lobby and Food Market. The Hobby Lobby is a space for hands-on, guided workshops. The Food Market offers delicious lunch and snack options from local vendors.

Doug Belcher Whether beginner or a pro, it will once again be a great event to learn new gardening methods and tips from the experts. For more info and to register, visit the website www.gardeningsaturday.ca or contact Monica Derksen, Event Manager at [email protected] or 204-990-7317.

Page 12 Nature Manitoba News Vol. 8, Issue 2 - Spring 2016