Willow Beach News Archive 2010
March 2010 WBFN Monthly Meeting
Dr. Stutchbury Photo © Bruce Parker
Dr. Bridget Stutchbury: Silence of the Songbirds
One of the largest turnouts of the year came to hear Dr. Bridget Stutchbury from York University speak about her cutting edge research on songbird migration in the western hemisphere. Canada Research Chair in Ecology and Conservation Biology, Professor Stutchbury talked about the decline of songbirds, possible causes of the decline and her work with geolocators to track songbird migration patterns. She also spoke of how the public could assist in helping to ensure the survival of songbirds.
Dr. Stutchbury Explains How New Research Is Aiding In Finding Answers To The Complexities Of Songbird Migration
WBFN Announces New Willow Beach Field Naturalists Scholarship Award!
Willow Beach Field Naturalists will present for the first time in 2010 a $1000 Education Scholarship to an area graduating high school student moving on to post-secondary education.
Check out the Education Page to find out more information about this scholarship and our Annual Education Awards.
Peter's Woods Opening Saturday April 24th
Spring is almost here! For information about the opening of Peter's Woods click here.
Working on improvements for Peter's Woods with the replacement of sections of the boardwalk .
Brighton Constructed Wetland Permit Approved!
Black-necked Stilt, Brighton Constructed Wetland.
Photo © Bruce Parker
Background
The Brighton Constructed Wetland was completed in September 1999 as a solution for polishing treated wastewater from the Town of Brighton. It was only the second municipal wastewater treatment wetland in Ontario to receive a Certificate of Approval from the Ministry of the Environment.
In 2007 Keith Lee (Tiny) an employee of the Town of Brighton, Public Works Department approached Brighton Town Engineer Jim Phillips in the hopes of offering access to the Brighton Constructed Wetland to birdwatchers. Permission was granted and Keith made himself available to open the wetland to visitors. In 2007 Keith Lee was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) for his efforts.
Maureen Campeau assisted Keith during 2007 and suggested to increase the number of visitors sightings at the wetland should be posted to Ontbirds, OFO's electronic mailing listserv that notifies birders of interesting Ontario bird sightings. The idea was successful and in 2009 about 1,000 people visited the wetlands. Maureen was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by OFO for her contributions.
Permit Approved
In the fall of 2009 Maureen offered to prepare a report to the Town of Brighton to see if a permit system might work and thereby make it possible to visit the wetlands without Keith's or Maureen's presence. Maureen has announced that she has received Permit #001 from the Municipality of Brighton, Public Works Department for the Brighton Constructed Wetland which will allow for public access with the purchase of a permit from April 1st through October 20th.
The request for a permit is available by clicking here for a printable PDF form. Fill out the form and return it to the Public Works Department, 67 Sharp Road, Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 along with the $5.00 fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. You will receive your permit along with a laminated, wallet size card to carry with you.
The Brighton Constructed Wetland is located exactly 7.2 kilometres south of the 401 at exit 509 Highway 30. As you come into Brighton the street name changes from George to Young to Prince Edward (same street just various names). You follow the road out of town, the constructed wetland will appear on the south side of the road. You can't miss it as you come out of the sweeping curve on County Road 64.
Glossy Ibis, Brighton Constructed Wetland.
Photo © Bruce Parker
To view a list of bird species, flowering plants, butterflies, damselflies, dragonflies and mammals seen at the wetland click here.
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