FLORENCE MERRIAM BAILEY, PIONEERING NATURE ACTIVIST AND ORNITHOLOGIST

Link to an interesting article about Florence Merriam Bailey, who evolved from an activist for bird habitats to an environmentalist who pioneered modern bird-watching techniques.

NESTING TURTLES

Sam Smith turtles are being seen near the pond and wetland areas of the park scratching out their nests in the adjacent gravel and dirt areas.

Grace Hunter, who led a study of nesting turtles when working at the Wildlife Research Centre in Algonquin Park, wrote an article about her study that appeared in Cottage Life magazine.

Here is a link.

CALL OUT FOR VIDEO, PHOTOS OR ACCOUNTS OF DRONES HARASSING WILDLIFE IN SAM SMITH

There have been reports of drones in Sam Smith Park being flown close to the grebe nest platforms, the tree swallow boxes and, last winter, the snowy owl on the docks. This and any other kind of disturbance of wildlife is a park bylaw offence and should be reported immediately to the City’s Municipal Enforcement Office.

This can now only be done by calling 311or emailing 311@toronto.ca A response is supposed to happen within 48 hours. Bylaw officers, the few that there are, are no longer assigned to specific parks and cannot be contacted personally. Everything is now handled centrally.

Clearly, this process is sadly lacking!

FOSS is trying to gauge the extent of the problem. If you have observed this kind of behaviour or, better still, if you have photos or video, please contact FOSS at friendsofsamsmithpark@gmail.com

JULY 17TH - PASSENGER PIGEON EVENT

Short Story Reading with author Scott Colby  

Wednesday, July 17

6:30pm - 9pm (Talk at 7pm)

G Building, 17 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive

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"More Death in Etobicoke: The Silence of the Pigeons"

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Join us for a short story reading and discussion with author Scott Colby as he discusses the importance of place and history in fiction writing. More Death in Etobicoke: The Silence of the Pigeons was 100 per cent inspired by living in south Etobicoke, especially during a deep freeze — the coldest month in recorded Toronto history. The story is satire and it pays tribute to two contemporary horror classics — in a hopefully humorous way — and also to some of the history of south Etobicoke. One aspect of that history is the historical and cultural importance of passenger pigeons to the area. Once the most populous bird in the Americas, perhaps the world, it was unthinkably hunted into extinction in a relatively short period of time — until now, that is!

Scott will perform a sure-to-be entertaining reading of his story and discuss why he was inspired to incorporate passenger pigeons into a contemporary story set in south Etobicoke. He will also discuss where the pigeon lives on today, through names and imagery in the area, and how technological advancements allowed for the killing of the pigeon on a massive scale and also led to the rise of modern horror stories.

Event is hosted by the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, in partnership with the Friends of Sam Smith Park, the Citizens Concerned with the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront (CCFEW), the Humber Arboretum, the Toronto Ornithological Club, and Quest Nature Tours.

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Doors and Partner Booths open at 6:30pm; talk begins at 7pm

Light refreshments will be available

Mobility accessible space

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE A FREE TICKET

SUMMARY: MINUTES FOSS STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING - JUNE 24TH, 2019

Summary: FOSS Steering Committee Meeting                                  

June 24th, 2019, 7:40PM, Private Residence, Etobicoke

NAMING COL. SAM’S ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AND NATURAL HERITAGE AREAS: The FOSS Steering Committee has finalized its mapping project assigning names to significant areas of the park (such as the already-designated “Whimbrel Point”) in order to provide consistency when communicating info about Col. Sam. A map will soon be available. For more details, check the blog.

HERITAGE APPLE ORCHARD: FOSS has amassed past research about the apple orchard and is in the process of determining how these venerable trees may receive protection via a heritage designation.

COL. SAM’S IMPORTANCE AS A MIGRATION STOP: Steering Committee member, Terry Smith, is developing a map of the North and South American flyways that ties Col. Sam into the greater context of this annual avian journey.

CANOPY TENT: FOSS has purchased a sturdy “Alumix Canopy Tent” for use during events such as the Spring Bird Festival.

IN THE WAKE OF THE PASSENGER PIGEON: An exhibit held at the Humber College Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, May 11 through September 25. Next event is scheduled for July 17^th. See link below for more details:

https://humber.ca/today/events/exhibit-wake-passenger-pigeon-54357

CONTINUING PARK CONCERNS:

COL. SAM’S UNLOCKED TRASH BINS: FOSS has contacted the Park Superintendent re: unlocked trash can/trash spillage concerns. The Superintendent has contacted the city’s solid waste management department personnel who are responsible for such matters.

SENIORS IN THE PARK WALKING PROGRAM: Col. Sam’s neighbours from the Friends of Marie Curtis Park have started a walking program for seniors. Interested individuals should check out their website at:

https://fomac.000webhostapp.com/

NORTH CREEK POLLINATOR MEADOW: FOSS is working with the City of Toronto to design and plant a pollinator meadow in the park. Students from Sir Sandford Fleming College (supervised by Janette Harvey, City of Toronto) have completed a design for the garden and have offered suggestions as to the nature of the plantings. Work began on May 2. See blog for details.

DRONE PROBLEMS IN COL. SAM: Drone operators have aggressively buzzed both people and wildlife (swallows, owls, grebes) in the park. Harassment of wildlife is against the law. If you observe such harassment, contact the Municipal Standards By-law Enforcement Officer responsible for Col Sam Park—Gary Borges, Cell # 647 460-4270. Office # 416 338-5706 OR call 311, OR e-mail 311@toronto.ca, OR contact Ward 3 Councillor Mark Grimes.  See blog for more detail.

BURDOCK REMOVAL: The TRCA plans to set up a burdock eradication test site on Whimbrel Point.

OWL HARASSMENT: A few thoughtless birders/photographers have been harassing Col. Sam’s owls of late. In addition to disturbing the birds, these individuals tramp down trails and damage vegetation. Caution: it is illegal to harass wildlife.

PARKING LOT TICKETING BLITZ: The city has recently been conducting parking ticket blitzes at Col. Sam. There is a two hour parking limit for the south lot. Please report any parking problems to 311.

FOSS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS: Check out FOSS on both Instagram and Facebook. No personal Facebook account? You may still view the contents, but you will be unable to post comments. Keep watch for nature photos highlighting your park.

DRUG/GARBAGE PROBLEMS AT COL. SAM: Discarded drug paraphernalia and litter are on-going detriments in the park, particularly in the North Creek area. 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.

JUNE 13 - FILM SCREENING - "THE LOST BIRDS PROJECT"

Click here for more information and to register.  

This a free event.

"A LITTLE RAIN NEVER HURT ANYONE!" 10TH ANNUAL SPRING BIRD FESTIVAL, SAM SMITH PARK

SUMMARY: MINUTES FOSS STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING - MAY 27TH, 2019

Summary: FOSS Steering Committee Meeting                                         

May 27th, 2019

7:07PM, LAMP, 185 5^th Street, Etobicoke

SPRING BIRD FESTIVAL: In spite of the rainy weather, much was enjoyed and accomplished and the attendee numbers were surprisingly good. Thanks to all the volunteers and the crew from the City of Toronto who made the festival possible.

IN THE WAKE OF THE PASSENGER PIGEON: An exhibit to be held at the Humber College Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, May 11 through September 25. See link below for more details:

https://humber.ca/today/events/exhibit-wake-passenger-pigeon-54357

UPDATED FOSS BLOG: FOSS’s blog is in the process of being updated and will soon be capable of allowing a live feed on both Facebook and Instagram. A new slide showing highlighting the natural jewels of the park is also planned.

NAMING PARK ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AND NATURAL HERITAGE AREAS: A June deadline has been set for finalizing the FOSS mapping project assigning names to significant areas of the park (such as the already-designated “Whimbrel Point”) in order to provide consistency when communicating info about Col. Sam. For more details, check the blog.

COL. SAM’S TRASH BIN CONCERNS: FOSS has contacted the Park Superintendent re: unlocked trash can/trash spillage concerns. The Superintendent has contacted the city’s solid waste management department personnel who are responsible for such matters.

GREBE PLATFORMS: Four Red-necked Grebe nesting platforms have now been installed by FOSS President Brian Keaveney and Mr. Joe Calico (originator of the platforms) of the Yacht Club.  All are now occupied.

SENIORS IN THE PARK WALKING PROGRAM: Col. Sam’s neighbours from the Friends of Marie Curtis Park have started a walking program for seniors. Interested individuals should check out their website at:

https://fomac.000webhostapp.com/

NORTH CREEK POLLINATOR MEADOW: FOSS is working with the City of Toronto to design and plant a pollinator meadow in the park. Students from Sir Sandford Fleming College (supervised by Janette Harvey, City of Toronto) have completed a design for the garden and have offered suggestions as to the nature of the plantings. Work began on May 2. See blog for details.

DRONE PROBLEMS IN COL. SAM: Drone operators have aggressively buzzed both people and wildlife (swallows, owls, grebes) in the park. Harassment of wildlife is against the law. If you observe such harassment, contact the Municipal Standards By-law Enforcement Officer responsible for Col Sam Park—Gary Borges, Cell # 647 460-4270. Office # 416 338-5706 OR call 311, OR e-mail 311@toronto.ca, OR contact Ward 3 Councillor Mark Grimes.  See blog for more detail.

BURDOCK REMOVAL: The TRCA plans to set up a burdock eradication test site on Whimbrel Point.

OWL HARASSMENT: A few thoughtless birders/photographers have been harassing Col. Sam’s owls of late. In addition to disturbing the birds, these individuals tramp down trails and damage vegetation. Caution: it is illegal to harass wildlife.

PARKING LOT TICKETING BLITZ: The city has recently been conducting parking ticket blitzes at Col. Sam. There is a two hour parking limit for the south lot. Please report any parking problems to 311.

FOSS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS: Check out FOSS on both Instagram and Facebook. No personal Facebook account? You may still view the contents, but you will be unable to post comments. Keep watch for nature photos highlighting your park.

DRUG/GARBAGE PROBLEMS AT COL. SAM: Discarded drug paraphernalia and litter are on-going detriments in the park, particularly in the North Creek area. 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.

LAKESHORE GROUNDS (HUMBER COLLEGE'S INTERPRETIVE CENTRE) UPCOMING EVENTS

To register for Lakeshore Grounds Sam Smith Park walks, click here.

To see their upcoming events, click here.

SUMMARY: MINUTES FOSS STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING - APRIL 29TH, 2019

Summary: FOSS Steering Committee Meeting                                         

APRIL 29th, 2019

7:00PM, LAMP, 185 5^th Street, Etobicoke

SPRING BIRD FESTIVAL: 10^th Annual festival will be held on May 25^th from 10AM-2PM in Col. Sam Park. Children’s activities, guided walk in Swallow Field, FOSS hat, t-shirt and membership sales. Prizes and much more. Volunteers needed. No experience necessary.  See blog for details.

NORTH CREEK POLLINATOR MEADOW: FOSS is working with the City of Toronto to design and plant a pollinator meadow in the park. Students from Sir Sandford Fleming College (supervised by Janette Harvey, City of Toronto) have completed a design for the garden and have offered suggestions as to the nature of the plantings. Work began on May 2. See blog for details.

DRONE PROBLEMS IN COL. SAM: Drone operators have aggressively buzzed both people and wildlife (swallows, owls, grebes) in the park. Harassment of wildlife is against the law. If you observe such harassment, contact the Municipal Standards By-law Enforcement Officer responsible for Col Sam Park—Gary Borges, Cell # 647 460-4270. Office # 416 338-5706 OR call 311, OR e-mail 311@toronto.ca, OR contact Ward 3 Councillor Mark Grimes.  See blog for more detail.

BURDOCK REMOVAL: The TRCA plans to set up a burdock eradication test site on Whimbrel Point.

GREBE PLATFORMS:  FOSS President, Brian Keaveney, has been busy repairing/building/installing platforms with the aid of Mr. Joe Calico (originator of the platforms) of the Yacht Club.

OWL HARASSMENT: A few thoughtless birders/photographers have been harassing Col. Sam’s owls of late. In addition to disturbing the birds, these individuals tramp down trails and damage vegetation. Caution: it is illegal to harass wildlife.

NAMING PARK ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AND NATURAL HERITAGE AREAS: A FOSS mapping project to assign names to significant areas of the park (such as the already-designated “Whimbrel Point”) in order to provide consistency when communicating info about Col. Sam. For more details, check the blog. Names are being collected and a map will be published in the blog when completed.

PARKING LOT TICKETING BLITZ: The city has recently been conducting parking ticket blitzes at Col. Sam. There is a two hour parking limit for the south lot. Please report any parking problems to 311.

FOSS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS: Check out FOSS on both Instagram and Facebook. No personal Facebook account? You may still view the contents, but you will be unable to post comments. Keep watch for nature photos highlighting your park.

DRUG/GARBAGE PROBLEMS AT COL. SAM: Discarded drug paraphernalia and litter are on-going detriments in the park, particularly in the North Creek area. 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.