One hundred and fifteen hectares of old-growth forest and wetlands have been protected on Georgian Bay’s Rose Island in Carling Township. The preserve will be a place to connect with nature through an existing trail system that will be open to the public and school groups. The lands are now a permanent nature reserve held by the Georgian Bay Land Trust. The Rose Island Nature Reserve protects 115 undeveloped hectares (286 acres) of the 162-hectare (400-acre) Rose Island. The Reserve contains 28 hectares (70 acres) of wetlands, including two large interior swamps and two coastal marshes. Rose Island, located in Carling Township, contains some of the last remaining old-growth forest in Southern Ontario. It is one of the few islands on eastern Georgian Bay with sandy soils – a remnant of ancient glacial deposits. These soils are the reason for the island’s unusually diverse deciduous forest, which is a rare habitat type on the eastern Georgian Bay coast. Rose Island is home to at least ten species at risk, including the Monarch (Special Concern), Eastern Foxsnake (Endangered), and Blanding’s Turtle (Threatened), listed under Canada’s Species At Risk Act. The Island is a critical link in a coastal migration corridor which allows wildlife to pass between the lands of Wasauksing First Nation to the south, Killbear Provincial Park to the north, and beyond. Congratulations to the Georgian Bay Land Trust and its partners for this outstanding achievement. For further information see www.gblt.org
GBA is supporting Norm Miller’s (MPP, Parry Sound-Muskoka) Bill 228 to ban unencapsulated dock foam in new docks and dock repairs. We have written to all MPPs to support the Bill, and are now asking that members consider sending an email to their MPP in support. (more…)
WCA Fall Newsletter November 2020 WCA Summer Newsletter July 2020 - UPDATED September 13th WCA Spring Newsletter April 2020 (more…)
Congratulations to Bruce Davidson who is now the owner of Peter Pook's beautiful painting "Family Outing". The proceeds from the auction have been donated to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation. Many thanks to Peter for his generous donation of his painting and to Bruce for his support.
Online Auction: Friday October 16th, 10 am – Saturday October 24th, 7:30 pm Virtual Celebration: Saturday October 24th, 6-6:30pm Support the Georgian Bay Land Trust's work to protect Georgian Bay's wilderness places through Bayscapes! Bid online on a fantastic array of Georgian Bay themed art, photographs, items, and experiences, with all proceeds supporting nature conservation. Bidding will open at 10 am on October 16th and close at 7:30 pm on October 24th. Tune in from 6-6:30 pm on October 24th for a live virtual celebration, featuring musical entertainment from the shores of Georgian Bay and updates from the Land Trust. Visit gblt.org/bayscapes for more information and to participate.
The West Carling Association Members’ Contest Winner Announcement - and photo locations revealed (more…)
Contest Winner: Hannah Tucker (more…)
The West Carling Association has a long history of caring for our environment and our community. To help us celebrate our community and to give back to the healthcare system that has worked so hard to keep us safe, we are auctioning a beautiful painting of a family of Canadian Geese called "Family Outing" by WCA's own Peter Pook. All proceeds will be donated to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation. The auction is open to all members of the West Carling Association, new members are welcome. The winning bidder will be validated and if not a current paid member given the chance to become a member or the next highest bid by a paid member will be chosen. Family Outing by Peter Pook Oils on hardboard, 24” x 10” with a 3” wide custom made northern barn-board frame. The scene is of a family of Canadian Geese cruising the shoreline reeds on Mirror Lake located just inside the western shore of Franklin Island. Make a Bid Today!
Use your creative talent to paint a stone of your choice. The contest is open to kids ages 4 to 15. Group submissions are acceptable and likely more fun! Between August 1 and August 15 submit your entry below and include: (more…)
