Trail Talk: Spring has decided to stay

Yellow Trout Lily.

Spring has finally arrived and seems to have decided to stay. Many wildflowers have now joined the early ones (Skunk Cabbage, Coltsfoot, Hepatica and violets).

These more recent ones include Bloodroot, Marsh Marigolds, Yellow Trout Lily (also known as Dog toothed violet or adder’s tongue), the less common White Trout Lily, Red and White Trilliums, and Blue Cohosh.

Around our house we have over 1,000 daffodils in bloom as well as dandelions and Forsythia. I have also already seen a garter snake in the garden and in the Hullett Sugar Bush.

When I went up to Sault Ste Marie for the Easter weekend, North of the Sault, my son and I were snowshoeing on about three feet of snow, and the next day hiking at St. Mary’s Island, where there was very little snow. It was there I saw my first butterfly of the year, a Mourning Cloak. With the spring weather here to stay, back in Huron County I have now seen two garter snakes, a few dragon flies and some small white moths.

On the way up to Sault Ste Marie I saw my first Great Blue Heron and a couple of Sandhill Cranes.  We drove through areas that had had significant ice storm damage.

In Dundalk the streets were lined with brush piles waiting for the woodchipper.  Further on down the road, branches were still resting on hydro lines that were insulated so I assume that the power was still on.

Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, send an email to mta@maitlandtrail.ca

Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1.5 to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com

NOTES:

The Menesetung Bridge across the Maitland River at Goderich is planned to be closed to pedestrians and cyclists for 16 to 20 weeks.

Spring Turkey Hunt is from April 25 to May 31.

Friday May 2 at 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Bicycle Goderich to Blyth. About 40 km Please pre-register with Sally Brodie 226-378-1648 or Donald Andrew 519-530-9019 call or text.  This is the first of a series of bicycle rides on the G2G all starting on Friday mornings

Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. - Bayfield Village History Walk with Dave Gillans.

Friday, May 9 - Bicycle Blyth to Milverton, about 46 km in length. This is the second of the G2G series. Please pre-register with Sally Brodie 226-378-1648 or Donald Andrew 519-530-9019 call or text.

Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. - Noon - Hike Cherrydale Road to Bishop’s Road Meet at 81171 Cherrydale to carpool to 37153 Bishop’s Road and hike back to Cherrydale. Weather permitting there will be coffee on my deck. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact George Cantin at streamsideinc@gmail.com. This is a Level 2 moderate pace hike

Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. - Huron Bruce Nature at the George G Newton Nature Reserve. Expert guides will lead you along the revitalized trail system, offering a unique opportunity to explore the enhanced network while learning about the flora and fauna. Register online to secure your spot. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ontarionature/1640571

Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Plant and Compost Sale at Knights of Columbus parking Lot. Guided hike from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. in the Maitland Woods.

Sunday, May 11 at 8:30 a.m. - Birdwatching with George Ebers at Windmill Farm BRVTA members only Limit 20 people. Preregister with Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com

Sunday, May 11 at 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. - Bicycle at Point Farms leisurely paced Mother’s Day ride. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Donald Andrew at 519 530-9019 by calling or texting.

Saturday, June 14 at 5:30 p.m. Maitland Trail 50th Anniversary Supper at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The speaker is Adam Shoalts a professional adventurer and bestselling author. Limit of 200 tickets at a Cost $100.