MONARCH BUTTERFLIES IN SAM SMITH

Monarch butterflies are beginning to gather in groups at Sam Smith for the great migration south.  Look for them in the trees and shrubs.
(See these recent photographs)

Ancient Native legends have told of waves of monarch butterflies heading southward in the autumn. For thousands of years, their destination was unknown. In 1975, the monarchs' overwintering grounds were officially discovered by Dr. Fred Urquhart of the University of Toronto. Following reports of butterflies he and others had tagged in Canada, Dr. Urquhart was led to the evergreen forests high in the volcanic mountains of central Mexico. There he discovered the monarchs.

© Parks Canada

Tens of millions of monarchs arrive at their wintering grounds each autumn. Here, they hang on the trees in such numbers that they bend the boughs. The cold winter temperatures cause the monarchs to become almost dormant. This allows them to live off their previously stored energy. Monarchs do not become active again until February, when the drive to reproduce carries them northward.

© Parks Canada

The monarch migration cycle is a mystery. Through the summer there are two, possibly three, generations raised in Ontario. The life cycle from egg to adult can take only a month, however, most large butterflies take about 45 days (see the life cycle). The generations that emerge in late summer and autumn are somehow triggered to become migratory.
These monarchs overwinter in Mexico and mate there in early spring. On their way north, eggs are laid on fresh milkweed and the adult dies some time thereafter. A few monarchs that have overwintered in Mexico return to Ontario (during May), an incredible journey of 3000 kilometres. However, it is the generation that is produced between Mexico and Canada that returns in numbers, mainly in June.

NEW PLANTINGS FOR FALL 2010

As part of the Trees Across Toronto/Toronto Water tree planting program, Urban Forestry is proposing new plantings at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. The proposed plan is intended to increase the urban forest canopy, increase habitat and biodiversity and reduce stormwater. The sites would be prepared by rototilling and subsoiling prior to planting. The planting would be a combination of native bare root and potted tree and shrub species. 
The planting around the off-leash dog park will be on the perimeter as there are water tanks beneath the area.  Dog walkers have been asking for trees in this area to provide shade and wind protection.

(The two maps below show the planting areas.  Double-click on maps for enlarged view)

 

ACCESSIBILITY PROBLEM WITH PARK'S NEW INTERPRETIVE SIGNS

Walt, a local resident and Friends of Sam Smith Park member, has brought to the attention of the City Parks Department that the wonderful, new interpretive signage around the park is very difficult to view for park visitors in wheelchairs and also for young children.  The angle and height do not allow everyone to enjoy them.  There have been some site visits with Walt and City staff to determine the best pedestal height and angle and we are told that some action will follow.
This is a universal problem in City Parks and needs to be corrected and taken into consideration with future interpretive projects.
Kudos to Walt for following through on this and to the City for its quick response.

ICONIC POPLAR TREE CUT DOWN FOR SKATING TRAIL

The poplar that was too healthy to remove has now been removed!

OFF-LEASH FENCE PROBLEMS

Here is an interesting post from a local blogger about the fence that the City is building around the off-leash dog walking area at the filtration plant and the issues that it is bringing up. 
The City really does need to make sure that public consultations are just that.

SUNRISE AT SAM SMITH - George Raikou

NEW FAMILIES LOVING SAM SMITH - pics from George Raikou

STORMWATER MEETING AT LAMP

Lakeshore Planning Council has invited City staff to speak to the community and answer questions about the Stormwater Management Plan that is being prepared for South Etobicoke.  This plan may have have huge implications for the park.  Friends of Sam Smith Park, as well as CCFEW and others, have advocated for natural solutions that would enhance wildlife habitat in the park to treat end-of-pipe storm water.

The meeting is at LAMP (Fifth Street, north of Lakeshore Blvd) on Thursday, July 8th from 7.30 to 9.30.  The last time they were invited it was canceled at the last minute so be sure to check out Lakeshore Planning Council's website for up to the minute information.

For background information, type in "stormwater" in the FOSS website search bar above.

DOGS DISTURBING WILDLIFE

There have been recent complaints from park users about the number of dogs being walked off leash and disturbing wildlife, particularly since the new signage has gone up alerting people to bird-sensitive areas.  It has been suggested that dog walkers may not know about the new off-leash designated area near the filtration park and signs should be put up in Sam Smith to inform people.  Here is the response to that suggestion from David Chapman, Park Supervisor.

"We are not in the habit of extensive signage in areas other than that were the "Off Leash" area actually is. That is because in all parks, "if it is not a designated off leash area" all dogs are to be on a leash. In addition there will be a fenced off area as soon as the TRCA installs the new fencing. It's best to call 338 - PAWS (Animal Control) and not 311, since they are in fact the actual by-law enforcement section of MLS which would be called in.

 

David'e e-mail address is dchapman@toronto.ca

SAM SMITH PARK ENVIRONMENT DAY

For a list of things you can take and get at this event, click here.

DEAD MAMMALS IN PARK

Heather Jack sent these photographs of unknown, dead mammals floating in the ponds in the park.  She reports finding scenes like these every few weeks by the bridge, the second beach and the pond. 

Has anyone else noticed an increase in deaths?  Is there something going on here that is unusual and should be checked in to?

"ART IN THE PARK" SESSIONS TO CONTINUE - COME ON OUT!

On Monday, Don and Donna-Marie led the first "art in the park" session.  Both artists are very knowledgeable and more than willing to share tips and techniques, especially to beginning artists.
They are holding more sessions next Monday, (June 28th), one in the morning at 9 a.m. and one in the evening at 7.30 p.m. 
Meet in the South Parking lot.
Bring art materials.
(If you arrive late or cannot find the group, call Don's cell 416 460 5688).   
Questions?  E-mail Don McClement or call him at 416 259 5856.

UPCOMING SAM SMITH BIRD WALK

FIRST ART IN THE PARK SESSION

The first "art in the park" session will take place on Monday, June 21st at 9 a.m.  Meet in the South parking lot.  The get-together will be related to photography as well as art.  Bring art materials, (and a camera) and be prepared to move to a spot with the group to do some sketching.

Questions?  E-mail Don McClement or call him at 416 259 5856.

LET'S ALL HELP PROTECT THE NESTING GREBES

The Toronto Region Conservation Authority has posted these notices close to the nesting platforms being used by the two Red Necked Grebe pairs.  Observers have reported eggs in at least one of the nests.  This is the third year that these persistent uncommon birds have struggled to raise families in our park.

It is imperative that we do more than simply walk by saying "Tut tut" to ourselves when we witness photographers, dog walkers or curious park users getting up real close to these birds.  We need to speak up and remind them why the notices are there.

CLIFF SWALLOW COLONY GROWING

Over the past few years, birders have watched the steady annual growth of the Cliff Swallow colony that has chosen to set up residence under the east eave of the R.L. Filtration Plant at the south-west corner of Sam Smith Park.  Yesterday's count showed seventy nests.

 









Cliff Swallows breed in large colonies. They build conical mud nests and lay 3-6 eggs. The natural nest sites are on cliffs, preferably beneath overhangs, but man-made structures are now the principal locations for breeding.

MAKE YOUR GARDEN BIRD FRIENDLY

THIS AIN'T NO CARP

Have you spotted this colourful critter yet?

The "gold fish"? has been seen on several occasions swimming in the lake near the entrance to the pond.

It is over one foot long.

ANYONE INTERESTED IN DOING ART IN THE PARK?

If anyone is interested in meeting on an agreed and somewhat regular basis to do some art around the neighbourhood (Sam Smith Park and area), please contact Don McClement at 416 259 5876 or e-mail him.

(Don, along with Donna-Marie Batty, led art and photography groups for Friends of Sam Smith Park at last Saturday's Bird Festival)

PARK CRITTER PICS FROM GEORGE RAIKOU

SOME BIRD FESTIVAL PHOTOS

HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AND BIRDHOUSES

At the planting last Friday, 200 native trees and shrubs were planted by community volunteers to enhance the dogwood thicket.  This area provides spectacular cover for migrating songbirds and is fast becoming the birding hotspot in the park.  Members of Friends of Sam Smith and CCFEW, local students from Lanor Middle School, volunteers from Southern Graphics Systems Canada and City staff all helped to get the job done.   

Along with the planting, Justin DiCiano from One Village Care and Councillor Grimes presented Purple Martin houses, built by local youth, to Friends of Sam Smith and CCFEW for the park.  The beautiful birdhouses were hand made and “donated to honour the work and the effort that both organizations put into helping to maintain our parkland.”

The two birdhouses will be installed later on in the year.  Toronto Region Conservation Authority will assess how best to install them in the right locations and in such a way that they can be cleaned out each September.

CANADA NEEDS AN OFFICIAL BIRD

As a follow-up to the very successful first Sam Smith Spring Bird Festival last Saturday, it's an opportune time to consider the fact that Canada needs an official representative national bird.  The Red-Tailed Hawk and the Canada Goose have been suggested, but there are many other species that might well fill the bill.


If you wish to participate in a national survey/petition to be delivered to the government, click here.  But first, read this to consider criteria you might use to make your choice.


(Red-Tailed Hawks are occasionally observed in Sam Smith Park)

SAM SMITH BIRDING CHECKLIST

CCFEW (Citizens Concerned for the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront) has created a bird checklist (2009) which lists all the birds that have been seen on the bird walks that they have run over the years in Sam Smith Park and Humber Bay. 

Many thanks to Brian and Barbara Keaveney, Brian Bailey and Dave Hallet for producing this valuable resource.



For a PDF version, go to their website to download it.

There will be CCFEW organized bird walks starting at 8 a.m. at Saturday's Bird Festival.

FOSS AND SAM SMITH IN TORONTO'S "EYE WEEKLY"

EYE WEEKLY article

SATURDAY BIRD FESTIVAL DETAILS

SAM SMITH SPRING BIRD FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, MAY 29TH.

8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

AMAZING WHIMBREL PHOTOGRAPH

This amazing photograph was recently taken at Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park).  It shows migrating whimbrels flying overhead in the mist, on their way, no doubt, towards Sam Smith and, later, James Bay.  Note the radio transmitter on the bird at bottom centre.  (Double click on photograph for better view)
It is hard to believe that it does not impede flying.  For more information on the tracking program , click here.  To follow the 28 000 km journey of a whimbrel named Hope, click here.
See previous FOSS blog post also.

NEW INTERPRETIVE SIGNS IN PARK

The City has now installed new interpretive signage in the park.  Thanks go out to Janette Harvey for making this happen.  Janette is a Natural Environment Specialist with the City of Toronto - Parks, Recreation and Forestry.  To come up with the signs' content, she consulted with an energetic group of students from Sir Sandford Fleming College, members of Friends of Sam Smith Park and CCFEW.

Anything that draws visitors' attention to wildlife and habitat in the park helps to cement in peoples' minds the fact that Sam Smith is a nature park and awakens a strong interest in preserving it as such.  There was a guy in the park this morning who bragged about going home to his wife and impressing her with the actual names of birds he had seen and throwing out a few facts!

Come and check them all out.