FIRST EVER SAM SMITH PARK "PUMPKIN PARADE" - SOME IMAGES

We had 45 imaginatively carved pumpkins last night at our inaugural "pumpkin parade".  Thanks to all those who participated.  FOSS volunteers had their work cut out to keep the candles burning in the strong chilly wind, but perseverance paid off and everyone had a good time.  There were other challenges and some learning curves ... but all of that will just make next year's parade all the better.

SUMMARY: MINUTES FOSS STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING - OCTOBER 28TH, 2019

Summary: FOSS Steering Committee Meeting
October 28th, 2019
6:34PM, LAMP, 185 5th Street, Etobicoke

PUMPKIN PARADE AT COLONEL SAM PARK: Friday, November 1. Drop-off begins 5:00PM onward. Pumpkin lighting 6:00-7:00PM. Location: the traffic circle next to the south parking lot. FOSS will compost all pumpkins afterward.

METAL SIGN NEAR YACHT CLUB: The original sign was stolen and later found (in pieces) in the water. The city has indicated that a new sign will be erected in a more secure location.

APPLE ORCHARD: FOSS is pursuing heritage status for Colonel Sam’s apple orchard as possible protection against future development.
NON NATIVE TREE PLANTINGS AT COLONEL SAM: TRCA plans to remove these plantings.

“GOINGS-ON” IN COLONEL SAM: Several structures/platforms have been erected in the trees to the east of North Creek. Smoke has been seen billowing out of the area creating a possible fire hazard. Concerned park users have reported individuals engaging in sex nearby. A mattress has already been removed. The builders appear to be young students. FOSS has notified Humber College as well as neighbourhood high schools. FOSS has submitted a report (complete with photos) to 311. FOSS urges concerned park users to do the same.

SHORELINE EROSION: The City plans to fix shoreline erosion and trail flooding problems in November. Smaller stones have already been placed as infill behind the larger rocks.

NEW BENCHES AND BRIDGE MAINTENANCE: Several new benches have been installed throughout Colonel Sam. The bridge near the yacht club has received new decking.

HOLIDAY MARKET AT HUMBER COLLEGE: DECEMBER 14, 10am to 3pm. Details to be announced. Watch blog for details.

ON-GOING CONCERNS:
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.

PUMPKIN PARADE - SAM SMITH PARK, NOVEMBER 1ST

"WOMEN'S WORK" - NEW EXHIBIT COMING TO HUMBER COLLEGE'S INTERPRETIVE CENTRE

RECENT HEADLINE : "NEARLY 3 BILLION BIRDS LOST IN OUR LIFETIME"

Scientists called the results "staggering": a net loss of almost 3 billion breeding birds in the U.S. and Canada since 1970, according to a new study in the journal Science. The across-the-board losses include many common, beloved species such as Dark-eyed Juncos and Red-winged Blackbirds. 

CLICK HERE to find out more about this massive decline and the causes behind it. 

This alarming study reminds us again of the importance of protecting and enhancing the natural environment, even in small pockets like Sam Smith Park, if we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy the presence of birds and other wildlife.

There are helpful actions that can also be taken around the house.

SAM SMITH BIRD WALK - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5TH

RECENT WHIMBREL POINT PLANTINGS

NOTE FROM BARBARA KEAVENEY ....

First, TRCA, Toronto Region Conservation Authority, went in and dug up all the burdock in this area by the roots.  Black tarp was laid down in spring.
   
Plastic mat was removed this week, and a hemp mulch mat was laid over the whole planting area.  This will break down in 3-5 years- enough time to give the new plants a good start.  After plants were put in the ground, a layer of tree mulch was laid on the whole area as well, and the plants were all watered by a couple of very energetic volunteers!

Species planted - Alleghany Blackberry; Flowering Raspberry; Red Osier Dogwood; Pasture Rose; St. John's Wort; 3 Eastern White Pine.

2 samples of each species were measured and statistics recorded.  These sample plants have a green ribbon on them, which should not be removed.  This site will be monitored by TRCA for the next 5 years, and the progress of these individual plants will be recorded for comparison purposes.  

Thank you to Jacob Mokrzynski and the TRCA for organizing this whole project!

Barbara

MARINA SHORELINE PATH MAINTENANCE INFO - STARTS OCTOBER 14TH

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with the City of Toronto, is planning to undertake minor maintenance repairs on an existing seawall structure in Colonel Samuel Smith Park in order to protect against the hazards of shoreline erosion and address public safety concerns. The seawall is located along the inner shoreline of the park near the Lakeshore Yacht Club.

Works are tentatively scheduled to commence the week of October 14, 2019 and are anticipated to take three weeks in duration. The maintenance works will address damage to the seawall and adjacent brick platform that was caused by the 2017 and 2019 record high lake level events. Repairs will include the replacement of rock material behind the seawall and the placement of gravel underneath the platform to fill existing voids. This work will strengthen the existing shoreline, help stabilize the park trail, and provide increased protection to park users.

The site will be accessed by Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive from the intersection of Kipling Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard West. Trucks will enter the park from the cul-de-sac at the end of Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive and travel to the work area along the park trail. All deliveries will be guided by a Traffic Control Person who will direct trucks down the main trail to the work area while watching for pedestrians and cyclists. The trail within the immediate work area will be closed to park users to ensure public safety. Several "Notice of Construction" and "Trail Closure" signs will be placed along the trails leading to the work area to notify park users of the upcoming construction and available detour routes. Work hours will conform to City bylaws with activities taking place between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. It is estimated that a total of 20-25 truck deliveries will be required to supply project materials. The majority of deliveries will take place in the early stages (first week) of the construction timeline, with a range of 2-4 deliveries per day during this time.


Prior to the commencement of construction activities, TRCA will provide a Notice of Construction letter that can be posted on school bulletin boards to inform students, parents, and staff members. TRCA and its drivers are aware of the multiple school campuses in the vicinity of the access route and student safety will be of utmost importance throughout the duration of the works. A map which highlights all school locations, crosswalks, and trail crossings along the access route will be provided to all delivery drivers to ensure that extra caution is taken while proceeding through these areas (please see attached map). Traffic Control Persons will facilitate the navigation of trucks within the park, further ensuring the safety of all park users and students in the area.

NEW SAM SMITH PARK MAP WITH LOCATION NAMES

We have finally put together a map of the park with landmarks labelled on it, the purpose being to standardize location postings.  This should improve the accuracy of wildlife sightings, especially for those unfamiliar with the park.

The names are based on personal knowledge and what we understand to be common park usage.  We had to invent some new ones. 

While understanding that it is, essentially, an impossible task to come up with something that satisfies everyone in every detail, hopefully our efforts will, in time, prove useful.

The map can be downloaded here. 

CITY OF TORONTO STUDY OF EXISTING OFF-LEASH AREAS - OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE EXPERIENCES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

It has long been felt that poor conditions at the Sam Smith Park off-leash area are not very attractive to dog owners and, in fact, push owners to walk their dogs in the environmentally sensitive areas of the park, often off leash. The more appealing the dog park becomes, the more people will use it, leading to fewer off-leash dogs in unsanctioned areas.

FOSS has previously written to Councillor Grimes with suggestions for dog park improvements .....

The City of Toronto is currently conducting a formal study of existing off-leash areas. The purpose of the study is to identify necessary/desired improvements.  Here is the link to the study.

There are three ways to take part in the study:

1. Take the online survey. It's critical to get your thoughts documented.
2. Attend one of the pop-up consultations at a dog park this fall.
3. Write imalczewski@swerhun.com  (Ian works for Swerhun Facilitation, and has been hired by Thinc Design (the City's consultants) to be the point person on the project. You could also email dola@toronto.ca, the general inbox for dogs off-leash areas.

The survey is pretty good. Know that if you identify yourself as a dog owner, you'll get the full survey, giving you the chance to express feedback on dog park design and more. If you say you don't have a dog, you'll only get a handful of questions. One question is about negative effects to the environment by off-leash dogs. Please tell it like it is. Please also include any solutions you'd like to suggest, if you wish.

PASSENGER PIGEON TALK BY GLEN COADY - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH

Click here for more information and to book free ticket.

REMINDER - 2020 FOSS PHOTO CONTEST

We hope all you nature and wildlife photographers out there are filling your camera cards with images from Col. Sam Smith Park for next year's Nature Sanctuary Photo Contest!

"HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS" - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14TH - LAKESHORE GROUNDS INTERPRETIVE CENTRE PRESENTATION

BOOK FREE TICKETS HERE

STILL LOOKING FOR REPORTS OF ANY SIGHTINGS OF DRONES HARASSING WILDLIFE IN THE PARK

FOSS has put out a call for anyone who has witnessed an incident of a drone being used in Sam Smith Park to disturb wildlife.
Please send reports to our email address.

Meanwhile, our feathered friends fight back ......

Thanks to Alastair Scott for these images ....

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

​

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

​

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.