Workshop Series

Partners

 Over the summer of 2011, Muskoka Heritage Foundation teamed up with the Parry Sound-Muskoka Stewardship Network and the Ontario Forestry Association to offer interactive workshops especially designed to provide hands on experience, knowledge and understanding of land stewardship.

Similar workshops are planned for 2012. Stay tuned!

Past workshop topics have included:

Hike Up Your Tree ID IQ
Having Trouble Identifying your tree species? Can you tell a sugar maple from a red maple? Why do some trees look healthier than others? What is a “wildlife tree”? Not to worry, these and many other questions will be answered during our hike through the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre. Together we will key out trees, identify a variety of tree defects and diseases and examine the overall forest ecology.  Participants will be introduced to forest management techniques and the tools used by forest professionals.

Species at Risk
One third of Canada’s species at risk are found in Ontario. Locally in Muskoka-Parry Sound we are home to 34 species that have been designated as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Learn which species are on the list and explore ways to help enhance and protect habitat. We will also review the New Endangered Species Act. You will be provided with easy to follow, hands-on tips and materials to take home. 

Batty About Bats
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about bats but were afraid to ask. Bats are an invaluable natural resource and yet they are sometimes feared and persecuted. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of bats and dispel the myths surrounding them. We will look at different bat house designs and show you how to build a bat house of your own! You will leave this session with a new appreciation for the bats you see in the evening sky!

Woodlot Management and Tree Selection
This workshop will introduce participants to silviculture (forest management) principles and techniques.  Forest ecosystem types, site conditions, and species-specific requirements will be covered.  Participants will also be introduced to common diseases and insects found in our forests and should be able to assess the overall health of trees by the end of the workshop.

Blog

 The blog is a hub for all Muskokans and for landowner participants in the Muskoka Stewardship Program who are interested in conserving the ecological integrity of their land. It is a place to access educational articles, resources, links, and photos about stewardship in Muskoka. It is also a forum for participants to discuss, collaborate and share stories of private land stewardship and the conservation initiatives. Check in every week for a new post about issues important to landowners in Muskoka!