TEACHING AN APPRECIATION FOR CONSERVATION

Written by admin on 19 June 2010

Perry Lake Trail Walk

by Karina Hunter

MANITOUWADGE, ON – Sunday, June 14^th, a group of nearly 40 adventurous nature enthusiasts headed out on the Perry Lake Trail in Manitouwadge, part of the community’s Turn Off the Screens Week the walk was sponsored by the Manitouwadge Conservation Club (MCC) which had played a large part in the original designation of Perry Lake as a Ducks Unlimited trail years ago. MCC members, Marlene Turner, Tammie Hache and John Lavoie, led the group of children, parents and friends through the narrow winding path in spite of drizzling rain.

Participants had been encouraged to bring along grocery bags and pick up garbage or debris they found trailside as they walked and many did so. Lavoie, a local trapper and environmentalist, paused occasionally to share information, briefing attendees on different tree species, the wild variety of flaura and fauna, small and large mammals and even various amphibians who call the Perry Lake area home, emphasizing the importance of each in our forests and wetlands. Ornithological Columnist Tammie Hache identified bird songs and calls along the way, explaining their origin and even pointing out a couple loons who were casually floating on the lake.

During one such pause, the group divided as many younger participants were unable to resist a closer look at a small beach, just feet from the trail.

Some friends check out the creatures they found.

Three became four, four became five, and before long there was a large group of children and parents left behind; this included Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Biologist and Ducks Unlimited volunteer, Virginia Thompson. Thompson’s participation in the annual walk is a highlight for many participants; bringing with her materials to facilitate instruction, regarding the Lake and its marshy areas, and vast environmental knowledge her sincere love of this watery environment puts even the most bug-fearing children at ease.

Her message focusing on the importance of species diversity, Thompson encouraged the children to use provided nets, and their hands, to retrieve creatures for further inspection; she quizzed and instructed the budding scientist further highlighting the importance of the leaches, tadpoles, water-boatmen, fresh-water shrimp, dragonfly larvae, and other creatures they found, as necessary to a healthy environment rather than pests. Various creatures were deposited in plastic containers that everyone might take a closer look; this continued for about an hour, the children, ranging from 2 – 13yrs of age seemingly oblivious to the rain.

The first group returned and was rejoined, on the trail, by the aquatic inspectors and everyone retraced their steps to the beginning of the trail where participation prizes, DU Colouring books, and other materials were distributed to the group. The Manitouwadge Conservation Club has reduced the number of events they coordinate throughout the year due to insufficient participation, the overwhelmingly positive response to this day’s fun was very encouraging said member Marlene Turner adding “Walks such as this one offer an opportunity to introduce kids to the world around them and encourage a love for the environment they will keep throughout their lives; we were thrilled with turn out Sunday, it is very encouraging to see so many people out enjoying the Perry Lake Trail and learning about all the life which can be found in their own backyards”.