Summary: FOSS Steering Committee Meeting
April 26, 2021
7:03 PM, Via Zoom Video Conferencing
COLONEL SAM’S BIRD FESTIVAL 2021: On May 4th FOSS Steering Committee members will participate in an on-line session with city organizers. Any festival held in 2021 will be virtual due to the on-going COVID pandemic. FOSS is prepared to contribute a variety of videos that highlight the natural beauties of the park.
NEW RED-NECKED GREBE PLATFORMS: Three new (and one old) platforms and ramps have been installed. The non-treated wood was free, but the remaining costs for such items as parts, paint, foam, glue, etc. was provided by FOSS. Thank you to the Keaveney family for building and installing the structures. Thank you also to the yacht club for their support and for the use of a boat.
MEMBERSHIP: No fees were collected in 2020. Membership fees for 2021 are $10 for an individual and $15 per family. Membership applications are available on Facebook, Twitter and via e-mail.
SWALLOW FIELD: Most successful year ever. Nests were kept covered longer this year and opened only when Tree Swallows appeared. Fewer invasive House Sparrows are nesting and any that do are evicted. Many park visitors are taking great interest in the birds.
MEN’S PICNIC PAVILION: FOSS is concerned with the declining state of the Men’s Picnic Pavilion. Permission/estimates must be obtained from the city prior to applying for community grants. In spite of efforts by FOSS, so far, there has been no cooperation from the city.
KITE BOARDERS: A marshalling site used by kite boarders is close to a path, provides little space and has resulted in the damage/removal of trees/shrubs. The boarders would prefer a site closer to Whimbrel Point and would like to have an additional amount of grass cut. There is concern that more grass cutting would be damaging to ground nesting sparrows. The kite boarders promised to abandon their activities during the two-week Whimbrel Watch period. The city has been consulted on this matter but has provided no information/resolution so far.
NATURALIZATION: The increase in visitors to the park over the past year has resulted in the overuse and damage to many trails. FOSS has requested the city consider closing some areas for the purpose of naturalization/regeneration.
BIRD STRIKES: Migration season has begun. In spite of FOSS’s request, nothing has, as yet, been resolved in the matter of bird strike prevention at Col. Sam.
Visitors are asked to notify the police at 416 808-2200 for drug infractions and 311 for trash build-up. Any problems reported to 311 are greatly strengthened when accompanied with a photo.
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