We're perfectly suited to outdoor learning and exploration adventures
Guider Peggy created a custom version of our South End Aerial map in colour and black&white. These have now been posted.
A map containing many GPS waypoints has been added. Kybos, activity fields, shelters, lodging, firepits, trailheads (red and blue) and points of interests are all listed. This is the first version, as future ones will include the tracks for our trails and roads plus we’re looking to add geotagged photos so people can have a virtual walk through the camp.
The Glengarry Pioneer Museum hosts an annual driving tour of Eastern Ontario, and they made a stop at our camp.
Specifically, they had lunch in the Pole Barn. This is fitting, as the Pole Barn was one of the original buildings built in the 1960s when the property was handed over to Scouts Canada (Boy Scouts of Canada at the time).
Patrick was on site to tell stories of the property and lead them in campfire songs. Of course, Patrick was more than happy to have a fire going to set the proper atmosphere.
As part of creating a Sustainable and Managed Forestry Plan for the camp, we invited conservation officers from Nation and Raisin River Conservation areas to visit us. Technically, we’re in the Raisin River area. The Conservation Areas are offering free assistance to help landowners prepare Forest Management plans.
Peter took Cheyene, Nation Conversation Area, on a walk through the property (Red Trail, NW field to gate, NE field to gate, Blue trail – Orange – Main road). We saw a wide variety of trees, she educated Peter on tree identification by bark and leaves, plus we discussed best practices for our existing poplar stands.
Some of the tree varieties:
The wetland area on the western side of the property is considered a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). That means no buildings to be constructed; no problem. We did find there is a birdhouse in the wetland, would be a good place to add more.
The old Domtar poplar stands are reaching the end of their lifespan. We can start doing in-fill planting and use the poplars to protect the saplings for a few years. We could also do selected planting of cash crop trees, again using the poplars to protect the saplings. Both of these options provides an opportunity for Scouting youth to organize and plan a tree planting session to help with our reforestation plans.
Next steps are to determine if we want to have a detailed forest survey (last done in 1985) to go along with the plan.
Everybody has heard about the decline of habitat for pollenating insects and the die-off of bees. Considering the size of property (297 acres) we set aside an area to promote flowers for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Mike staked off an area of the NE field. In May, Peter started the process by turning the soil and found out just how much rock and gravel exists in the county under 1 inch of soil. Peter ordered a variety of seeds and bulbs from Vesey Bulbs (PEI) and came prepared with 6 bags of topsoil.
Along with packets of sunflowers and seeds for bees provided by Mike, Peter has planted:
If you Main road trail, you’ll see an area roped off on your left just as you enter the NE field. Hopefully we’ll have a good crop of flowers that’ll help the local insects and birds. We’ll keep you up to date as the seasons progress.
This new flower area could be helped out with the installation of some insect / bee homes. A good environmental project for youth.
Canadian Living – How to Build a DIY Bee Hotel
April 28, 2018
Spring Work Weekend!
Free camping to the workers and we’ll feed you Saturday lunch too.
We’ve got a long Project List and looking forward to having many hands help out with checking off a bunch of items.
Here is a list of some of the major items for our Work Day. This list may change as items are added before April 28th.
Wade Lodge, cleanup, maintenance
Trails – clearing
Generators – servicing
Pole Barn – cleanup
Hyde Away Cabin – heater installation
Kybos (14) – check supplies, LED lighting
Adirondacks (2) – inspect
Fire Pits (3) – perimeter, tools, cleanout
Roads – Holes and filling
Wells (2) – Proper signage in place and replace if required
Equipment storage shed – check and inspect and account for all equipment
Play Structure & Bouldering Wall – inspection and weed removal
Peter Smith is pleased to announce the new AHSR Camp Committee has been selected.
We’ve still got the one open position. The IT Administrator will be primarily responsible for the website, but will also be requested to help in finding groupware applications to help in the sharing and distribution of information with and between the Camp Committee and Ranger Team.