July 2005

Volume 9, Number 1

The Invasion of Purple
Have you ever seen that beautiful spiky purple flower that blooms in the marsh in July?

That fabulously attractive flower is Purple Loosestrife and if not managed, its spread will have a huge and negative impact on the plant and animal diversity in the Marsh.

Since its introduction to North America in the 1800’s, it has spread from the east all the way across the continent. This perennial plant reproduces vegetatively (from roots and stems) and produces thousands of seeds with a potential 100% germination rate. When it gets a foothold, the wetland habitat where fish and wildlife feed, seek shelter, reproduce and rear young, quickly becomes choked under a sea of purple flowers.

Three years ago, there was no Purple Loosestrife in the Dufferin Marsh; however, we have been watching for it and are now developing a plan to manage it. In the meantime, I spent a few hours this week cutting down all the Purple Loosestrife plants that I could find in the marsh. What was fascinating was the diversity of flowers, grasses, sedges and reeds in the wet meadow where the Loosestrife is starting to take hold. It would be a shame to lose this.

For more information on Purple Loosestrife, log on to: www.seagrant.umn.edu/exotics/purple.html

Sustainable Communities – What does this mean?
The term “Sustainability” is bandied about a lot these days, but what does it mean? The Provincial school curriculum for grade 9 defines sustainability as “the ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs”. When we talk about needs, we are talking about natural resources (e.g. air, water, soil, wood, oil, gas, etc.). We already know that we are using resources at a rate faster than the earth can provide. We witness this reality every day with air pollution, water restrictions, rising energy prices, dangerous ultraviolet radiation, changes in weather patterns, and loss of habitat and species diversity. If everyone in the world shared our life style, we would need 3 or 4 worlds to provide the resources we are now consuming. Using technologies that are currently available, and changing our behaviour, can make a huge difference in the amount of resources that we use today.

Come join us on October 13 at 7:30 in the Schomberg Public Library to learn about “Sustainable Communities” with guest speaker Steve Hounsell from the Federation of Ontario Naturalists.

Wine Tasting Night
Our annual wine tasting and social evening went off without a hitch on Saturday June 11th. Almost fifty members and guests gathered to listen to Jens Gemmrich and Heike Koch from Frogpond winery (Ontario's only certified organic winery) discuss wine and lead us on a tasting. For more information about Frogpond Winery, visit their website at www.frogpondfarm.ca

Lights in the Wetland
I expect everyone has noticed that the hot humid weather has created the best possible conditions for many insects – mosquitoes being the most obvious example. However, all through June this year the Dufferin Marsh was home to (or habitat for) thousands of fireflies. After sundown, there was a fantastic display of glittering lights in the marsh; especially on the north side of Dr. Kay Drive. There are about twenty-four species of fireflies found in Canada. The most common species (Photinus pyralis) inhabits wild meadows across the country east of the Rockies. How this tiny insect produces light in its abdomen, is not fully understood. Scientists do know that the firefly light is nearly 100% efficient, losing only a small portion of energy to heat. Male fireflies put on this display to attract a mate. Each species has its own Mores Code-like language that the male uses to announce its presence. The female lays its eggs in the soil usually near water. When the eggs hatch the larvae glow continuously, earning the name ”glowworm”. I can’t remember the last time I saw so many fireflies and look forward to viewing the magical light display again next year.

Corn Roast
On Tuesday September 13th starting at about 5 pm, the Dufferin Marsh Collaborative is hosting a Corn Roast and Barbecue at the Marsh. This event is to recognize the on-going support from our funding partners and to dedicate the installation of the lookout, trail and learning shelter. The event will start with a brief work session to spread new woodchips along the trail, so bring your rakes. Following the work, we can enjoy corn, hotdogs and burgers around the fire. For more information contact Mary at (905) 939-7544 or Pam Fulford at (905) 833-5321. Mark this date on your calendar.

Oak Ridges Moraine Trail
Due to the hot weather this summer, the main part of the trail building has been delayed somewhat. However, planning and landowner contacts have gone ahead. We expect to start building the trail (bridges and styles along with trail marking) in mid-August.

Other Activities
Trail Building
Marsh Cleanup - Saturday, August 6th
Sustainable Communities Meeting - Thursday, October 13th
Corn Roast and BBQ - Tuesday, September 13th
Annual Members Meeting – November
Winter Family Day – January or February

DMC Executive

Chair	Mary Asseltine	905-939-7544
Vice Chair	Eric Leon	905-939-7809
Membership Secretary/Treasurer	Jill Kelly	905-939-2315
Recording Secretary	Sheila Kelly	905-939-2315
Parks Committee Liaison	Linda Cholmondeley	905-939-7079