Massassauga’s Winter Offerings

Massassauga’s Winter Offerings
January 18 & January 20

There is something truly special about Massassauga Point Conservation Area in the winter. And I would guess, judging from the well packed trails that resemble those used heavily at the H.R. Frink Centre, that others are moved too by this 60-acre piece of property owned by Quinte Conservation.
When we explored the area one day early this month, the parking lot was full of cars, and the trails busy with families taking in the beauty of the snow covered bur oaks and open savanna. As we followed the shoreline trail along, the Bay of Quinte groaned and pinged as the ice rebelled against the expansion that was taking place across its surface. Now and again, other noises predominated, like those of marine animals communicating to each other, somewhere deep beneath the ice.
The presence of the frozen bay only complements the many other winter dimensions at Massassauga. You have to do what one famous person once said, “Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” While thick stands of buckthorn and red cedar make this suggestion impractical to consider, there are areas of Massassauga that burst open into small expanses. It is here the quarry’s resident red fox has explored, and where spring blooming early buttercups and early saxifrage lie sleeping under the snow as they await a warm spring sun.
The restored bur oak savanna on the property’s east side gives us a glimpse of how this area may have looked when the Massassauga Park Hotel enjoyed its vibrant past. Here and there, cement footings and mysterious mounds of earth cause us to wonder if this location may have even enjoyed some activity here during the winter months. It would be shame if that era missed out on this area’s diversity of winter rhythms and patterns.
Beyond the dog tracks and those of human traffic, we find subtle reminders of other life here – the delicate tracings of a deer mouse, the communal activities of cottontails, and the otter like prints of a passing fisher. Now and again, a band of chickadees come through, checking us out, but keeping focussed on the job at hand of finding food. The distant chirping of two, perhaps three, robins are indications that Massassauga has failed this year in supplying its usual harvest of wild grapes and red cedar berries that often guarantees this species here in high numbers. Buckthorn berries are a substitute in a pinch, and one can’t help but wonder if our taste buds and those of robins are identical, for as anyone who has ever sampled buckthorn berries knows, they are hideous. However, there are other fruits and seeds here, and the nomadic flocks of cedar waxwings have their locations memorized.
Because of its popularity, Massassauga Point Conservation Area can be enjoyed on foot regardless of snow depth, but the terrain also lends itself well to exploration by both snowshoes or cross country skis. On Sunday, January 29^th, winter enthusiasts are encouraged to pick their favourite mode of locomotion and join us as Quinte Conservation offers an opportunity to explore the winter secrets of this popular location. Quinte Conservation has just released its 2006 program of spring, summer and fall interpretive hikes and other events, and they can be found at www.quinteconservation.ca . However, this is your only opportunity to enjoy a winter hike in this series of available events, and discover the hidden secrets of this popular conservation area.
If we’re lucky, we’ll catch sight of some of the area’s inhabitants. We’ll check out some of the loops as we follow the trails through a mixed habitat of red cedar, bur oak and shagbark hickory. We’ll have a closer look at some of the trees and shrubs that grow in this conservation area, and learn how to recognize them in winter. In the event of insufficient snow, we will hike some of the trails instead. Be sure to bring along some snacks and a hot beverage. Following the hike, we’ll meet at the picnic shelter to discuss more about what we saw, the area’s history and the efforts of the Friends of Massassauga.
Join us, if you can, but contact us soon as this event is limited to the first 25 people who register. The fee is only $10.00 and helps to offset the cost of making these programs available to the public. We will meet for 1:00 p.m. departure at the main parking lot at Massassauga Point. I have the pleasure of leading this hike on the 29^th, and showing you some of the attributes of this special season of the year.
And a reminder too that we still have a few spaces left in our Bird Identification Course that runs for six weeks, and commences two days after the Massassauga hike, on January 31st. This is your opportunity to finally sort out all those mysterious birds you see migrating in the spring, or nesting in your backyard.
Pre-registration for both events is mandatory and you can do so by calling either 968-3434 at Extension 111 and leaving a message (Greater Napanee residents can call 354-3312), or you can call me at home at 476-5072. You can also e-mail me at tsprague@kos.net .

This week’s column was prepared on behalf of Quinte Conservation