Fall 2022 News Blast Autumn Bliss |
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30 |
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Land Lakes People
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Reviewing Local Artists by Mary Jane Gomes |
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Cat - by McKellar Resident ATIM - Richard Atim |
ATIM is Richard Nutter’s Swampy Cree name. When Richard lived year-round in a small cabin off Centre Road in McKellar, he felt and recalled his experience of living with his grandparents on the trapline on the Opasatika River, Northern Ontario.
Recalling the living space and natural setting of his youth, he birthed his unique art that reflects the world of his ancestors, and the rediscovery of his roots.
Rich in cultural heritage, Atim’s art evokes his people’s teachings; its aesthetic reflects both ancient and modern influences of our world. For example, he applies techniques drawn from years as a graphic arts technician that when interwoven with his dreams and visions in the McKellar bush, he creates a record that he interprets as the lessons of his grandparents.
On his calling card, Atim reminds us that, “All things work in cycles (circles) and to accept cycles is to honour reality.”
Now residing in Parry Sound, Atim continues to shape images into distinct lessons from a First Nations’ perspective. "First" renderings were initially carried at a First Nation’s Gallery first in Parry Sound. His current work features larger black and white renderings, hauntingly authentic, native and contemporary.
Work at Gibson Gallery, Parry Sound.
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MLCA Shoreline Restoration Group - by Chris Clayton and Susan Adamson
This Fall, the MLCA’s Shoreline Restoration Group met with the owners of four properties on the edges of narrow waterways to review their shorelines. The shorelines of all four properties suffer from erosion from power boating activity. The two that had solid bedrock shorelines showed small pockets of erosion, while the other two, which had shorelines of glacial till soil, showed evidence of long term erosion ranging from cavities of washed out soil to undermined tree roots to complete destruction of the shoreline. |
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What causes shoreline erosion on these properties and many other properties on the lake?
First, Manitouwabing Lake is not actually a lake. Legally speaking, it is “flooded land.” When the dam at Hurdville was constructed more than one hundred years ago, the water level rose in an existing series of small lakes, streams and connecting rivers, and became the huge body of water we enjoy today. The soft soil erosion on the shorelines is evidence that the shorelines are still adjusting to the new water levels.
Second, the soil is glacial till: a mixture of clay, coarse sand and small rocks, embedded with exposed bed rock in some places. While plants could theoretically protect shores from erosion, it is challenging to grow them in this dense clay, because their roots can’t penetrate it, and rain water runs off quickly.
Third, the wakes from today’s speedy power boats create powerful waves that crash into the closest shore. To be fair, slower moving boats with their noses down do not cause problems. The currents set up by the waves loosen the roots of water grasses which hold down the clay sediments of the lake bottom. These sediments are now free to interfere with underwater plants, insects, and micro-organisms. These waves also force water into nooks and crannies, washing their soil out, and forming cavities now becoming prevalent along the shorelines.
And finally, the area’s powerful storms frequently send waves into the shore, and we will always have winter ice, which can also do a lot of damage, especially in narrow passages.
What to do?
Power boaters, of course, should educate themselves on the proper way to pass through narrow waterways. But property owners can take many remedial steps to reduce the effects of wave action.
One step to reduce damage from waves is to leave fallen branches and tree trunks in the water. |
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When the waves hit the branches, their energy will dissipate throughout the tree, rather than on the soil bank.
Anchoring a raft parallel to the shoreline can also help. A raft can prevent the full force of the wave from reaching a small pocket in bedrock, hidden behind the dock. |
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Some owners have found that installing a rock break wall, built to imitate their natural shoreline |
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can break up the waves as they come close to shore. The next sample does the job, but it did require a building permit. The permitting process can be onerous, but a large-scale construction involving substantial rocks and cost must be done to code. |
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Finally, another powerful step you can take is to plant water loving trees and shrubs that happily send down roots that secure the soil. The earlier MLCA suggestion to plant native grasses and perennials can make all the difference. Planting along your shoreline is a bit of an experiment. Many variables affect growth…sun or shade, barren ground or thin soil or deeper soil, bedrock or glacial till or marsh muck. Plus you’ll need to water…. you may need a helpful neighbour if you’re a weekend visitor rather than a full time resident.
If you have plants on your property such as Silver Maple, Acer saccharinum, Yellow Birch, Betula alleghaniensis, Red Twig Dogwood, Cornus sericea or Willow, Salix sp., you could take cuttings in late Winter and propagate them inside in a jar of water in a south facing window sill. They’ll root and become plantable in a few weeks, making this a great project to do with you kids or grandchildren.
If you have native perennial flowers or grasses, collect the seeds, then spread them where you hope to preserve the topsoil. Now they’ll be legacy plants to help the environment and effect climate change.
Another suggestion made to one of the owners the Group met with, was to build a wood platform near a favourite moss-covered shoreline. Moss is a plant that can slow down soil movement in shady spots. The platform protects the moss, which is not tolerant of foot traffic, and gives people a place to walk.
If you want more plants, refer to the MLCA’s Spring plant purchase program.
Another vexing shoreline issue are flocks of Canada Geese. While visiting one of the properties in our review, we came across this beautiful home-crafted fence made from fallen branches, which is working very well. |
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In summary handy home owners can try planting and handcrafting solutions with a bit of experimenting to slow down shoreline erosion. More elaborate solutions need proper permits and professional construction.
The Shoreline Review Group is still available this Fall or next Spring to meet owners who want their own review. Contact MLCA to set up a convenient time - reply to this email. |
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Wake Research on Lake Manitouwabing - by Susan Adamson
This past summer, The MLCA embarked upon a campaign to educate lake enthusiasts about the effect of boat wakes on the health of our lakes. The sale of No Wake Signs at the The McKellar Summer Market was part of that effort. University of Windsor’s Coastal Research Group is also studying the nature and affect of boat wakes in order to provide scientific data for those who are concerned with the issue. Note that neither group is in any way against watercraft that produce wakes. We just want to find ways for wakes and healthy lakes to exist in harmony with each other. |
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Next summer, 2023, the Coastal Research Group (https://www.windsorcoastalgroup.ca/) at the University of Windsor will be measuring wind, wave, and boat wake energy around Lake Manitouwabing. This is an extension of their work to document the relative importance of boat wakes and wind waves in other Ontario lakes including Whitestone Lake and several Muskoka lakes. Their work on one of the longest stretches of Whitestone Lake suggests that up to 80% of all wave activity is associated with boat wakes. Up to 15 wave sensors will be placed in shallow water throughout Lake Manitouwabing in 2023 and interested residents should contact Dr. Chris Houser at Chris.Houser@uwindsor.ca to express interest in having one of these sensors placed on their property. |
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The Coastal Research Group is recognized for their work on sediment transport and nearshore processes with field studies in the Great Lakes, in the Maritimes of Canada, and in Costa Rica.
Dr. Houser has a strong family connection to the Parry Sound region and spends summers at the family cottage on Whitestone Lake. His parents live in Parry Sound and his maternal grandparents (Richard and Nella Brear) lived at Maple Island. |
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Survivors’ Flag
The Residential Schools Survivor's Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Each element depicted on the flag was carefully selected by Survivors from across Canada, who were consulted in the flag’s creation. Elements Explained |
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Bee & Honey Festival
Saturday Oct 1 @11:00
Kinsmen Centennial Park Parry Sound
Free - donations welcome
Local Beekeepers exhibit their harvest & educate visitors on the importance of Honey Bees. Try food made with honey. Check out gardening tips and supplies.
Highlights:
Moose On The Loose - new menu item made with honey
The Holmstead - goat’s milk soap with honey and wax
P.S. Horticultural Society - polinator gardens with a master gardener
Georgian Bay Biosphere - bee friendly ideas
Pudge’s Honey - with Rob Gibson talking Bees For The Bees - lots of exciting products
Muskoka Honey -extraction demonstration
Games for the kids -Hive box painting and more |
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ELECTION DAY Monday Oct 24th 2022 |
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Thanksgiving Monday October 10th Enjoy with Friends & Family |
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150th SESQUI FLAGHigh Quality 27" x 54" 2 Grommets for hanging $45 MLCA members $60 non members
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Saturday October 8 10 am - 1 pm 60 Vendors Live Music Moose on the Loose Photo Booth
Fire Firefighters Association will be collecting donations for Parry Sound Harvest Share during the
McKellar Thanksgiving Market
If you are closing up your cottage for the Winter and have extra non-perishables or personal hygiene items that are looking for a new home our firemen will graciously accept them during the market.
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This Newsletter's Featured Business |
McKellar Farm Fresh Features |
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Tish and Rob Olsen at the Farm Store (Rob Olsen is camera shy) Rob's Philosophy
Rob Olsen continually embraces new plant varieties and techniques to find what will work in his soil. He blends the new with the old and has no fear of failure. Rob's creative, innovative, and persistent ways makes every visit to Beaver Creek exciting and unique. It's great fun to visit and ask what's new and what's coming down the pipe. The grapevines have been developing their roots all summer. The grapes will take a few years to come to fruition but crop innovation takes patience. And when it comes to patience, Rob is outstanding in his field. |
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New Store Coming The concrete floor for the Big Red Shed is being laid today. We all look forward to shopping there next Spring. It's very exciting to imagine the possibilities - a pizza oven is apparently in the plans. |
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What's in Stock? Every week a new bounty of harvest arrives at the Store. Follow the Farm on Instagram and Facebook to see what is available. And get there early on Saturday (12-4 pm) as many of the favourite items sell out quickly. |
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New Mayor & Councillors start their 4 year term NOVEMBER 15th 2022 |
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Big Thank You to Our Advertisers see Directory at mlca.ca |
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