EXPERIENCE THE ART OF WINTER IN THE HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS
Home & Cottage
08 Art of Winter in the Haliburton Highlands
12 Baby It's Cold Outside! - Birchview Designs
18 Firewood Tips
21 Waterways "Under A-Salt" - Love Your Lake
22 Why Consider a Mudroom?
25 Cottage Rental TIPS
28 Cold Comfort: Life in the Subnivean Zone
31 Cottage Memories - Macho Down Under
32 Ice Fishing Memories
35 Flying Proud: The Maple Leaf Forever
41 Keeping Your Home Organized
Get Outdoors
36 Take a Friend Snowmobiling - Craig Nicholson
42 Nature Sculpting Recipes
38 Weekend at the Cottage Recipes
Kids Corner
44 Kids Corner with Kenz
45 The Shoots of Spring
Pets & Vets
46 Welcoming Meadow! - Riverview Park and Zoo
46 The Silent Sentinel of Winter: The Great Horned Owl
47 Woof'ing Good Times - Norwood Veterinary Clinic
48 Royal Winter Fair
PUBLISHER, EDITOR & DESIGN
Kelly Welsh, Owner
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Emily Ireland
ADVERTISING SALES
Moira Gale, Fiona Rudder
CONTRIBUTORS
Emily Ireland, Jacob Rodenburg, Don Willcock, Birchview Designs, Craig Nicholson, Rick Whitteker, Mike Williams & Mike Fitzgerald Volume 31 • Number 1 705-313-2245 www.cottage.rocks Published 6 times a year by Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine Inc., 705-313-2245, PO Box 8, Buckhorn ON K0L 1J0. Distributed by Canada Post Publications Mail (to Cottages, Homes & Businesses) and distributed to over 100 drop locations. Also promoted and viewed Online and on Social Media. In Print, Online and on Social.
WELCOME TO THE WINTER ISSUE
Welcome to 2025 dear readers! We have so many exciting things planned for this fresh new year, and we are so thankful that you are along for the ride.
Let us take this opportunity to thank both our advertisers and our readers for an amazing 2024, without both we would not be able to do what we do! Bringing our readers content that is beyond everyday news and offers a reader enjoyed, educational experience is what we aim to do, and we are excited to continue bringing you insightful and fun articles in 2025.
2025 also ushers in a season of change for us here at the magazine. Fun fact: this publication began as a newspaper called the Causeway Connection in 1994 - though the actual product has evolved and changed over time we celebrated 30 years as a publication in 2024. As times change so do the needs of our advertisers and while we love holding a physical copy of the magazine in our hands, we understand that we also live in a digital age.
Evolution for us means more online content, accessible connections between our advertisers and our readers, and sharing even more content online via our blog, online reader and social media channels. Don’t worry - physical copies are not leaving, but we’d love it if you followed us on social media!
You may have noticed a new look on the cover, 2025 brings with it a refined high-end print product with all the amenities of digital; an
artistic luxury feel. We will still be bringing you topics that are dear to us like: outdoor adventure, boating, lake life, cottaging tips, local tourism information, day tripping suggestions and environmental stewardship and conservation initiatives.
Welcome to the Winter 2025 Issue of Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine. In this issue we bring you Haliburton Highlands Tourism on the cover; Haliburton is a beautiful place to visit anytime of yearbut Winter in the Haliburton Highlands is exceptionally magical. Get out and play this winter.
Birchview Design offers design and styling advice for creating cozy, comfy spaces this winter. Speaking of cozy, read our tips on how to stock up on the best, most heat producing firewood to keep you warm this season. Regular writer Rick Whitteker educates us on the busy happenings out of sight under the snow, and Bird Friendly Peterborough tells us about The Great Horned Owl, and how to protect it.
Jacob Rodenburg of Camp Kawartha brings us an inspiring read on how nature equals art, and resident fishing guy Mike Williams of Williams Outfitters reminisces about his early memories ice fishing.
With so much hustle and bustle over the holidays, January offers the perfect time to slow down, relax, be more mindful and cozy - the perfect scenario for time spent with a magazine and a blanket - don’t forget your cup of coffee!
EXPERIENCE THE ART OF WINTER IN THE HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS
By Angelica Ingram
Welcome to winter in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands. Whether you are a visitor travelling from far or nearby, we are so glad you chose this beautiful destination for either a short or long stay.
The Haliburton Highlands is where residents and visitors alike celebrate the essence of Canada’s outdoor and creative spirit. Here you will find something to see and do on a daily basis, whether it’s checking out a local boutique or café, browsing art installations, savouring a meal at a restaurant or experiencing outdoor adventure. There are so many activities to keep you entertained and wanting to visit the area again and again.
Haliburton Highlands offers a stunning landscape of natural beauty and breathtaking scenery for all seasons. Enjoy over 500 lakes, a network of trails and a multitude of hills. If you like to ski, snowshoe, go ice fishing or sledding then you have come to the right place!
While you are here, enjoy over 2000 kms of recreational trails; motorized, non-motorized, land and water, close to villages and as remote as you can imagine. Ski down the hill at Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate when you reach the bottom. Hop on a pair of snowshoes and enjoy the scenic nature, or strap on a pair of skates and discover a frozen lake for a quintessential Canadian experience.
Continued on page 11
Integrated into the natural tapestry of an area rich with outdoor adventure is a creative and artistic community, brimming with music, culture and live entertainment. There is also the world-renowned Haliburton Sculpture Forest located at 297 College Drive in Haliburton. A unique outdoor collection of sculptures, the Sculpture Forest offers a creative experience unlike any other all year long. Hike, ski or snowshoe through the trails and stumble upon installations made by Canadian and international artists. A visit to the Sculpture Forest is a hands on, interactive experience.
So come and join us! Join us on our lakes, in our cafes, on our trails, down our ski hills, at our concerts, festivals and events. Join us for outdoor adventure, and enjoy the scenery with a pair of skis, skates, snowshoes, a snowmobile or just with your own two feet.
For inspiration, visit MyHaliburtonHighlands.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Call us at 1-800-461-7677 or email us at: info@myhaliburtonhighlands.com
Discover the beauty of winter this season in the Haliburton Highlands!
It’s Cold Outside! Baby
Winter entertaining in Canada often revolves around creating cozy and comfy spaces where family and friends can unwind and enjoy the colder months indoors together. Hosting board games, movie nights or family-style meals are always crowd pleasers, and having a well-designed, functional space for these activities enhances the enjoyable experience for both guests and host alike. With our long winters, many of us are drawn to warm fireplaces, large windows offering views of snowy landscapes (and much needed Vitamin D!), or cozy, dimly lit settings that invite conversation and relaxation. Design plays a pivotal role in making these spaces in our homes inviting and highly functional with comfortable furniture, layered textiles, and plenty of warm-toned lighting to offset the dark, gloomy days. Creating cozy nooks with pillows, wools and flannel (+ a good book) gets us an inspiring start to the ultimate winter retreat - right at home.
▲ Warm Up (featuring Furry Friends)
Warm wood tones juxtaposed with darker elements featuring hits of light and bright make for the perfect combination in a kitchen - ready to invite guests, whether they are two-legged or four. Wood elements offer texture, interest and a touch of the outdoors brought in. Leaning into darker hues in beams and millwork offers a sense of elegance and moodiness while light and bright counters bring a feeling of airiness. Carrying your countertop up the wall in lieu of a traditional tiled backsplash creates a beautiful yet extra-low maintenance backdrop and waterfall edges on islands continue in popularity thanks to its
striking look and practicality. With more time being spent inside during these months, you’ll also want to ensure you have ample comfortable seating for visitors to gather while hearty meals are being prepared. Brass elements, whether they are in the form of plumbing and lighting fixtures, hardware or decor are here to stay (especially when peppering in vintage pieces), and this classic finish creates interest, elegance and warmth in any space. If you are looking to try adding some pieces into your home, consider starting out with some simple hardware swaps. This can make a large impact with very little commitment.
▲ Black to Black
For a moodier vibe, we love to pair darker hued millwork with black appliances to create a streamlined and sophisticated look that is both bold and timeless. The dark tones of cabinetry and appliances work together to create a cohesive and dramatic look that stands out in any space, and is an adventurous design direction to have fun developing. This colour of millwork exudes elegance and luxury, but to ensure darker hued cabinetry and appliances warm and inviting, mix in curated warm brass elements paired with wood and other natural materials like leather and rattan.
Concealed Storage
Concealed storage in a hard working kitchen is especially important during the winter months, as it helps maintain an organized and clutterfree space during the busiest hosting season of the year. Custom pantries can be designed to utilize every inch of space, from floor to ceiling, to keep essential items such as spices, baking supplies, and small appliances out of sight while ensuring easy access when needed. With more family members spending time indoors, concealed storage also will help prevent countertops from becoming overcrowded, allowing for a more functional cooking area. A well-designed kitchen never fails to create a warm, efficient, and inviting atmosphere for preparing (and enjoying!) meals and more, so if you are embarking on a renovation or a new build journey, this area is a top priority to place valuable time and investment into.
▲ Entertaining Spaces
A highly functional bar area is especially lovely in a family entertaining space during the winter months, as it not only serves as a central hub for socializing but also ensures practicality and convenience. Adequate storage is key, allowing for easy access to glassware, spirits, and snacks, while keeping everything organized and accessible for easy entertaining. The inclusion of a sink with a complementary faucet and panel-ready dishwasher (to ensure the aesthetic is not disrupted) is ideal for quick
cleanup, making it easier to maintain a tidy space and allowing hosts to spend more time with guests rather than focusing on clean up. Natural light, when prioritized and incorporated into the design, creates a warm and inviting ambiance that enhances the cozy atmosphere during the shorter, darker days. Together, these features create an entertaining space that is both FUN-ctional and enjoyable, elevating the overall experience of family gatherings and winter celebrations so consider these additions for your design wish list.
Birchview Design is an award-winning interior design team serving clientele in the Kawartha Lakes, GTA, and beyond. As a full-service studio, the firm offers an all-inclusive, simplified experience with elevated design expertise and project management. www.birchviewdesign.com / @birchviewdesign
Contractor Partner: Glenwood Construction www.glenwoodconstruction.ca
Photography: Ashley Adams @flash.adams
Firewood Tips
The Best Burning Wood for Your Wood Stove or Fireplace
There is something about how the heat of a wood burning fire settles into your bones on a blustery winters day, but did you know that the wood you are burning can have an impact on how hot, fast or smokey your fire burns? What wood you burn in your indoor stove or fireplace can affect how much heat output you have, how fast you burn through your wood supply and how clean your chimney stays!
“All firewood is not created equal.”
If you are using your wood fire as your main heat source it is important to choose your wood with a few facts in mind.
One thing to consider is heat value - heat value (BTU’s) is the measurement of how hot certain woods burn and how much output a certain variety of wood has in comparison to another. The first tip is to choose clean, dry hardwood as your optimal heat provider.
Hardwoods such as Maple, Oak, Ash, Birch and many fruit trees offer dense wood that will give you a hot fire with longer burning time; they also have the least amount of pitch and sap and are cleaner to handle and burn. Pitch is a resinous sap carried in many types of softwood like Pine, Spruce, Fir, Cedar and Hemlock; pitch can make handling wood messy and can add buildup to your pipes and chimney over time.
Maple: Dry Maple wood is heavy, dense and offers long, steady burns - great for long overnight burning.
Oak: A dense hardwood that burns slowly and produces a lot of heat.
Ash: Burns steadily and is easy to split.
Birch: A good choice for quick heat - although must be very seasoned to reduce moisture content.
Apple: A hardwood that burns hot and long, with low flame levels and moderate smoke.
Other things to think of when choosing firewood: If you need to cut and split it, choosing to split while wood is ‘green’ or wet is actually easier than splitting it after drying. Wood that has freshly fallen from a live tree
contains up to 50% moisture, and for burning purposes it is suggested that you season (dry) your firewood by splitting and stacking it out of the weather and rain for at least 6 months. Wood that steams or bubbles and hisses out of the cut ends while burning means it is not dry enough. Moisture should be 25% or less for an optimal clean burn.
•
Why should you not burn green or wet wood?
Burning wet wood can be a waste of fuel - imagine doing all the work of collecting, splitting and stacking to only receive 30% of the heat you were planning on. When wood is wet it requires extra energy to boil off the water. It can also be dangerous, burning wet wood or woods full of pitch and sap as it creates creosote - a flammable and sticky tar-like substance that builds up in your pipes and chimney; this build up can lead to chimney fires. If you have an open fireplace creosote can also build up on indoor surfaces and brickwork, creating lowered indoor air quality.
Kindling is a great tool to have on hand for quick fire starting, picking dry softwood like Cedar - when dry and cut small - offers a quick burning and easily igniting bridge between your flame source, and Cedar burns long enough for dense hardwood to ignite. While Cedar will not provide a long or hot enough burn to sustain heat output, it is a very aromatic and low smoke option for fire starting, Do Note: Cedar is known to pop and spark, this can be an issue with open burning fireplaces.
A great source for Cedar kindling is to contact a local sawmill and stock up on their ‘cutoffs’. Often you can load up on dry kindling for a minimal price, and you save yourself from chopping it all!
As someone who grew up in a wood burning household, and who now owns my own wood burning home - I can honestly say I wouldn’t trade the hard work of preparing for winter burning, or the cozy heat of a roaring fire for a simpler heat source.
Please remember - always buy local. It is important to only source firewood from your local geographical area, introducing and transporting firewood from somewhere outside of your area increases odds of spreading invasive pests and diseases to our local ecosystems.
WATERWAYS UNDER A-SALT!
Millions of tons of road salt, usually sodium chloride, are applied to our roads, sidewalks and parking lots every year to help keep these areas safe and to reduce accidents. There’s also the salt that many Canadians apply to driveways and walkways for the same reasons. While it serves a valuable purpose, the chloride doesn’t just stay on these surfaces. Eventually, high volumes of salt find their way into nearby water bodies through runoff and leaching. It is not uncommon for some of Canada’s waters to have chloride concentrations above the acute exposure thresholds, even in summer!
High chloride concentrations can impact many organisms including species of zooplankton, mussels, insects, amphibians, fish and plants. It can even contaminate our drinking water.
With the use of road salt being one of the biggest culprits in making our waterways saltier, there are some alternatives such as beet juice, cheese brines and sand. However, it can’t be assumed that these are always better for the environment. A study performed by Queen’s University looked
at an alternative de-icer that in addition to sodium chloride also contained beet juice. This product was found to be more toxic to zooplankton than the road salt it was supposed to replace. Sand contributes to sediment buildup which also impacts aquatic ecosystems.
Research is currently underway to find a balance between road safety and protecting the environment. In the meantime, there are actions we can take on our own properties to keep us safe from ice and slippery falls with fewer negative impacts on our lakes, and being mindful of your health:
• Clear the snow with a shovel, plow or snowblower as this will help prevent ice from forming
• If you are using salt, more is not better. Use only what is needed. According to SaltSmart.org, a 12-ounce coffee mug of salt is enough for 500 square feet of driveway. Distribute the salt evenly.
• Some salt formulations are not as effective below -10°C.
• If there is salt left over on your driveway, clean it up to keep it out of your lake and use less next time.
• Check your local stores for eco-friendly ice melting products, being sure to do some research on their environmental impacts.
For more information on the Love Your Lake program, visit LoveYourLake.ca. Love Your Lake is a shoreline assessment program developed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Watersheds Canada.
Written by Terri-Lee Reid, Freshwater Researcher with the Canadian Wildlife Federation
Why Consider a MUDROOM?
A mudroom is an invaluable addition to many homes, especially in regions with unpredictable weather. Acting as a transitional space between the outdoors and your living areas, it helps keep your home clean and organized.
Whether for storing coats, shoes, bags, or outdoor equipment, a functional mudroom should be practical, well-organized, and tailored to your household’s needs. Here’s my guide to creating an efficient mudroom in your home.
Identify Your Household's Needs
Before designing your mudroom, assess your family's specific needs. Consider your daily activities and the items you need to store. Do you live in an area with snow and mud? Do you have children with backpacks, sports gear, or outdoor toys? Do you need space for pet items or seasonal equipment like bikes or camping gear? Understanding your unique needs will help you create a mudroom that serves its purpose effectively.
Select the Right Location
A mudroom should be located near the main entry points of your home, such as the back door, near the garage, or even the front door. The space should be large enough to accommodate everyone who enters but compact enough to remain functional. If you're repurposing a space like a hallway, laundry room, or closet, ensure it can handle the necessary storage while offering easy access to the outdoors.
tile, vinyl, rubber, or engineered wood. These options handle wet shoes and boots while being easy to clean. In areas with snow, consider a non-slip surface to prevent accidents.
• Walls: Use washable paint or tile for easy cleanup. Wainscoting or beadboard paneling on the lower half of the walls can protect against dirt and moisture.
• Countertops and Storage: Choose materials like quartz, laminate, or metal for countertops and shelving. These are durable, moistureresistant, and easy to maintain.
Maximize Storage with Smart Organization
Effective storage is key to a functional mudroom. Consider these essential features:
• Hooks and Pegs: Wall-mounted hooks or pegs are great for hanging coats, backpacks, and leashes. Install them at varying heights to accommodate all family members.
• Cubbies or Lockers: Cubbies work well for shoes, boots, and bags, while lockers are ideal for organizing children’s school bags and sports equipment.
• Benches or Seating Areas: A built-in bench provides a place to sit while putting on or removing shoes. Some benches offer extra storage underneath, perfect for shoes or seasonal gear.
• Shelving: Open shelves are ideal for smaller items like hats and gloves. Place them at reachable heights for easy access.
• Storage Bins or Baskets: Bins or baskets help keep smaller items like scarves and cleaning supplies organized. Labeling these can make finding things easier.
Choose Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials
Mudrooms can get dirty quickly, so select materials that are easy to maintain:
• Flooring: Opt for waterproof or water-resistant flooring such as
Add Lighting and Ventilation
Mudrooms often lack natural light, so proper lighting is essential. Install overhead lights or sconces to brighten the space. Task lighting near hooks or shelves can be helpful for visibility. If the room is prone to humidity, especially when wet coats are hung, consider adding a ventilation fan or ensuring good airflow to keep the area dry and fresh.
Create a Seasonal Rotation System
A mudroom’s function changes throughout the year, so it’s important to have a system for rotating seasonal items. Set up hooks or storage areas for different clothing, like coats in winter, rain gear in spring, and sun hats in summer. This keeps the space from becoming overcrowded and ensures that only current-season items are stored.
Personalize the Space
While functionality is the main focus, your mudroom can still be aesthetically pleasing. Add personal touches like colourful hooks, a fun rug, or decorative baskets to make the space more inviting. If the mudroom is part of an open-plan area, choose décor that complements the overall style of the home.
A well-designed mudroom to me is more than just a storage area— it’s a functional, organized, and welcoming part of your home. By selecting the right location, incorporating smart storage solutions, using durable materials, and adding a touch of personality, you can create a mudroom that keeps your home clean and organized.
Designer Natalia Hara is the co-founder and Principal Designer for One Group Build. The team provides full-service design and new build construction and renovation, Servicing Toronto, GTA, Florida, and NY onegroupbuild.com @onegroupdesignbuild
Cottage Rental TIPS
Here are a few points for consideration that will help you to confidently find the perfect rental, be a good guest, and ask all the right questions.
There are many cottage rental agencies that operate in our area, and also lots of private rentals as well; both of these can be good choices as long as you are prepared with the right information.
Choose The Right Cottage:
• Lake properties can come in a variety of location types, if it is water access - is there a boat for renters, or do you need to provide your own? If there is no boat supplied, is there a water taxi service on the lake to transport you?
Another great question is, what happens in an emergency in a water access cottage - ask about local amenities and how to contact help if needed.
• Rent a cottage with the right amount of bedrooms and beds for your guests and do not lie about the number of people attending, or guests who will come and go. Often cottages are on septic systems and these are set up with limitations for the number of people they can support. Sanitation is an important part of being a good renter, but also for environmental protection.
Renting a seasonal property can be a little daunting when you do not know the day-to-day ins and outs of cottaging, lakefront properties can come with a list of renter rules, expectations and details other rentals wouldn’t necessarily need. Continued
• Are you looking for a rustic getaway - think off-grid, or generator, or something with modern amenities like indoor plumbing, electricity and internet. These things might affect price and location.
• Be sure to ask things like:
Are Pets allowed?
Is this a kid friendly location?
Are water toys included with the rental, or are you expected to bring your own?
Are guests allowed to visit for the day or overnight?
• Keep in mind the physical needs of your group, small children or elderly people are not going to want a cottage on hilltop that has many stairs or rugged terrain despite the amazing views.
• Be sure to ask or research about boating limitations on the lake you are considering; some lakes are motor-less - meaning your tubing or skiing plans will not happen. But quiet paddles in a canoe are fair game.
• If swimming is the top of the list, ask about the waterfront. Is there a beach or place for small children to wade in, or is it straight off the dock swimming. Weeds? While some can handle the tickle of weeds while swimming, for many this is a dealbreaker.
• If fishing is a top priority ask about what fish species are in the lake (also consider what is in season in that zone).
• Ask where indoor water comes from, while lots of cottages have well water, many still pull directly from the lake. Ask about potable water for cooking, cleaning and bathing. Drinking water in cottages that draw from the lake is often brought in, and you should ask if that is supplied or if it is your responsibility to bring along.
• Many rentals offer basic entertainment needs like access to a TV, and some board games - but if streaming movies or gaming is on your list of entertainment needs you should sort that out ahead of time with your host.
When Do You Want To Rent?
• Is it for a weekend, or a week - multiple weeks? Knowing when you want to rent, and having a little flexibility in dates is going to be your best friend in finding the perfect cottage. Also keep in mind that rates can change based on the time of year you are renting • shoulder seasons in the spring and fall can sometimes be less expensive than a mid-summer stay.
What Are Your Responsibilities?
• You will need to know about garbage and recycling rules. Some cottages have roadside pickup - many do not. Are you responsible for taking garbage and recycling out with you when you leave? Or, is it to be left for the cleaner/owner.
• Ask about what is allowed in the garbage,
some rentals ask that you compost food scraps etc., and many rural locations are clear bags only.
• Ask about what is supplied for you - here are some common items you might need to bring:
Drinking Water
Firewood
Toilet Paper & Tissues
Bug Spray
Bedding/Pillows
Towels (both for bathing and swimming)
First Aid Kit
Fishing Gear
Life Jackets
Boat (motorboat, or canoe/paddleboat)
Follow The Rules!
• Many Cottage owners have their own set of rules for what they allow, some are legal, some are personal preference - either way, respect the rules.
• Follow Fire Bans for the area, fishing restrictions and acceptable boat use for the lake.
Many renters leave a list or materials about local services and amenities like grocery stores, pharmacy, marina or day trip destinations. There is no one better to direct you in the area than your host, ask them to send you a list of attractions in the area if day trips are on your list of must-do’s.
Only rent from hosts who have up-to-date photos of their spaces, make sure they match the advertisement - unfortunately this is a common scam.
Read the whole rental agreement, make sure you are comfortable and clear on all the items you are agreeing to - if you need clarification, ask for it.
Ask about cancellation policies, deposits and what the time limitations are for them to be refundable. Often cancellation clauses are written in the rental agreement.
Now is the time of year to start looking ahead to summer rentals, and things do book up quickly. If you plan on a cottage getaway in 2025 now is the time to start researching and booking for the best availability - so don’t delay, narrow down your dates, locations and wants and start the process, as your vacation draws closer you will thank yourself for being so prepared.
COLD COMFORT: LIFE IN THE SUBNIVEAN ZONE
By Angelica Ingram
Most wildlife migrate, hibernate, or insulate to adapt to winter conditions in cottage country. However, some small mammals adapt to their surroundings and remain active all winter. With a body too small to hibernate, small mammals find comfort and safety in the subnivean zone!
Subnivean is derived from Latin for sub (below) and nives (snow) and encompasses the area between the ground and the top of the snowpack. This specialized habitat provides animals like mice, shrews, voles and red squirrels some protection from cold temperatures, biting winds and dangerous predators.
The subnivean zone is created in two ways. When snow falls, it can land on surfaces like stiff or dense plant matter, rocks and logs and gets hung up, creating snow free cavities used as living quarters for small mammals. Furthermore, the warmer ground heats up the snow particles above, crystalizing them, providing a thin, frozen layer like a stucco ceiling in this unique subnivean lodging.
Fluffy snow is 90% air and ideal for maintaining a steady ground temperature. Like a down jacket, the air pockets reduce cold air infiltration and trap heat from below. Snow eventually changes shape from crystalline to more rounded and combined with the pressure of gravity, these factors slowly increase the snow density. However, even when compacted, snow has more air in it than ice and therefore retains some of its insulation value. As the snow depth increases, this thick duvet of snow will keep the subnivean zone at a relatively cozy zero degrees Celsius for most the winter.
For larger warm - blooded animals, hibernation is a great strategy which enables them to conserve energy when food is scarce. However, for other wildlife, the need to hibernate is eliminated as they cache seeds, grasses and nuts that they accessed through an elaborate set of tunnels under the snow. For the carnivorous shrew, these underground tunnel networks give access to overwintering insects, larva and slugs in decomposing logs and under the leaf litter.
After spring melt, you can trace the path of these tunnels and find chambers with food caches, soft bedding material and even a latrine- a very organized approach to the subnivean lifestyle! Tunnels sometimes lead to the base of deciduous trees, a food source for voles. Winter bark chews by voles can girdle small trees killing them by cutting off life sustaining water and
nutrient flow from the roots.
With a keen eye, you may notice entry and exit holes in the snow, evidence of a busy life below. Scampering from one hole to the next, small track patterns are evidence of nighttime sorties on the surface. These holes are necessary for coming and going but also act like an exhaust pipe, releasing the built-up carbon dioxide from plant decomposition and animal respiration, keeping it at a safe level for these down under denizens.
However, this specialized winter habitat isn’t fool proof. Even with the noise muffling qualities of snow, winter predators have evolved the capacity to hear the scurrying sounds of movement below the surface. Wolves, coyotes and especially foxes can pinpoint the location of small mammals under the snow. Plunging head-first, they use their long snouts to capture their prey.
Owls also have acute hearing and have been observed locating small mammals under snow from their perches 30 meters away! Their disk-shaped face funnels sound to their acute hearing sensors which
are located asymmetrically on both sides of their facial disk beside their eyes. When the owl hears an interesting sound, it will move its head until the sound enters both ears at the same time. This allows them to pinpoint the exact location of their prey with deadly accuracy.
With serrated feathers that muffle sound, they silently fly down and knife deep into the snowpack with their talons extended. It is a quick death to the unsuspecting small critter below. On your off-trail snowshoe rambles this winter, look for owl snow angles, wing prints in the snow, evidence of these nighttime predators on the hunt.
Away from the snow packed trails we prefer, there is a busy world of activity taking place in a unique sub-snow ecosystem. The drama of the winter wildlife food web often plays out, unnoticed by us, under the cover of darkness and a blanket of snow.
Submitted by Rick Whitteker. You can find Rick at home in the forest, as a seasoned trail guide, nature writer and passionate wildlife enthusiast in the Haliburton Highlands.
Photo Credit of the owl to Carol Moffat
Chronicles of A City Boy’s Life In The Country
MACHO DOWN UNDER Cottage Memories
Wintertime is when my cottage basement really shines. It’s a masculine space that becomes my main cold season entry to avoid tracking gunk all over the wife’s clean floors. Also, my dressing/drying room for an abundance of winter gear, and where I recover from way-too-much snow shovelling that didn’t seem to bother my younger self as much.
So, when friends building their new cottage asked us for advice about the pros and cons of basements. I was only too happy to oblige. After all, wasn't there some biblical chap with his shorts in a knot about whether to build a structure on sand or rock or some old dump site? A basement would have provided him a solid foundation regardless. Also, the wife says that someone should learn from my mistakes.
My theory is that cottages built over root cellars or crawl spaces or dirt excavations or pillars leave a huge void in their owner’s lives. To say nothing of piles of junk cluttering up some other area of their abode. Having a basement is a sign of substance and of forethought. And of having an easy place to dig.
Who wants to peak underneath their cottage and see light out the other side? Or the reflected eyes of multiple critters? The cellar is also where many a man spends much of married life. Maybe that’s why the wife whole heartedly endorses basements. Beats my always being in the proverbial doghouse.
But many cottages are often basement-less. Some places have a subterranean door to some kind of root cellar. Wishful thinking, I guess. Some cottagers try to fake a basement by closing in open sides with latticework. This creates a dank, dark, cobwebby space underneath where critters breed and the only way to crawl is fast. Women won't go there, and men make an annual pilgrimage with the same enthusiasm as checking the septic tank. Just my luck, the wife never forgets to put it on my to-do list.
If a basement is an afterthought, it’s possible to raise and excavate under the existing cottage. Which can lead to a basement worth more than the original structure. One neighbour decided that dynamite
By Craig Nicholson
would be faster. By blasting out rock underneath, he would create a new basement. Our local master-blaster carefully laid charges, covered with enough old mattresses to contain the blast. Or provide a soft landing for blown sky-high cottage remnants. A warning shout of “Fire in the hole!”, that sounded more like “Everybody run like hell, it's gonna blow!”, was followed by a disappointing, muffled crump. Then a balloon of smoke as the building lurched and settled back into perfect position, apparently none the worse for wear. And from somewhere inside, the owner's wife could be heard inquiring if anyone wanted a coffee.
When I went cottage hunting, I hadn't given basements much thought. But every place without one somehow seemed incomplete. So, I ended up with a cellar that I love. It's insulated but unfinished to utilitarian purpose. Double exterior doors provide access for a constant stream of machines, lumber, firewood, supplies, visitors and pets. There's a concrete floor. Exposed ceiling plumbing and an easy-access breaker panel. A bench where my work is never done, a wood stove that cranks out the heat of Hades, a sauna to cool off from the stove, and lots of open space. It's a macho place – undecorated, spartan, crammed with tools, parts and other paraphernalia that might come in handy someday. The wife suggests most of it would be better stored at the dump.
Most basements are taken for granted. But it makes our cottage a home. Anchors it in place. Separates it from direct contact with the ground. Keeps the walls aligned and critters out. It's my receptacle for stuff, a repository for my never-ending work in progress, my refuge from responsibility. It's where I go when snarly. It's my status symbol, my alter ego, my . . . The wife cuts me off in mid-soliloquy. Leaning over to my friend's wife, she advises: “Just build the basement, it will keep him out of your hair.” And that’s her basement theory. Works for me, macho-man that I am.
Craig Nicholson is a long-time Kawarthas cottager who also provides tips and tour info for snowmobilers at intrepidsnowmobiler.com and for PWC riders at intrepidcottager.com
ICE FISHING Memories
As the seasons change from cool fall days to the bitter chill of winter, lakes freeze over and hardcore anglers trade their boats for sleds and ice huts. For as long as I can remember I have been hitting the hard-water.
Some of my earliest fishing memories were enjoyed outside in the frigid Kawartha winters, ice fishing with my grandfather Wellington Williams. He taught me
everything I know about ice fishing and so much more.
I remember racing from the school bus to grab a quick bite to eat before getting my snow suit on and heading out for an evening fish on Buckhorn Lake. We would set out on his Yamaha Enticer snowmobile; I would hold on to him tight as that familiar sound of that 340cc engine whined and screamed as he accelerated and guided us over dangerous channel crossings and pressure cracks to get us to our fishing grounds. The smell of two stroke exhaust filled the air when we arrived as we took off our helmets to reveal our frostedup balaclavas. I was always amazed by the way he would triangulate the area by lining up landmarks he used the year before, and if there was an oak leaf near by on the ice, he believed it was left there to guide us by those who came before us. When he was satisfied, we were in the right area, he would unstrap his chisel and begin pounding us holes.
Through the thick ice he worked that chisel chopping out a perfect circular hole, his rugged hard-working hands looked unfazed while cleaning the ice chips from icy water. Then he proceeded to pull his minnow jar out of his snowsuit pocket (a recycled plastic kraft peanut butter jar) and would grab a fresh minnow and bait up my hook.
Our rigs were simple, a cedar branch cleaned up for a rod, some heavy black
chord braided line, a lead sinker, snap swivel and a hook. Before starting his hole, he would make sure I was as comfortable as I could be, moving his snowmobile so I could fish from the seat with the chilly wind at my back. We would fish for a couple of hours jigging that minnow up and down waiting for that familiar tug of a pickerel. Sometimes I wondered how long we would have to wait to get a bite; as my toes would start to freeze, my mind would start to wander and wonder how his feet were not frozen wearing only a pair of Wellington rubber boots and thick wool socks.
Just then wham!! A bite!! I would set the hook and pull the line hand over hand to get the fish head out of the hole and pull it through safely on the ice. We would laugh, celebrating the catch and almost instantly the excitement of the moment made me forget I was even cold.
During the times between bites, he would tell me stories of the fishing adventures he and his friends used to have. Sometimes they would join us, or be fishing close to us where they could talk, I loved hearing them speak to each other in Ojibwe. As the sun would set and the sky would turn dark, we would gather up our nights catch in a burlap sack, fire up the sled and head for home. As we drove, I remember all I could think about was feeling the warmth of his wood stove, warming up my toes, and how I couldn’t wait till tomorrow to do it all over again.
I can still remember the time we last enjoyed this together a few years before he passed away, we were able to go out and enjoy an evening fish on a hole near where we used to fish. This time I led the way out across the dangerous channels, helped him get his hole ready and put a minnow on for him. We talked about the days events, I told him some stories of fishing with my friends and how we were making out that year, and just enjoyed fishing and each others company.
I didn’t know that might be the last time I would ever get to fish with him, but I know I cherished the time, listened and learned from him as I always did. My Grandfather is a huge part of who I am today, and why I became a Fishing Guide. I think about him a lot, and feel him closest when I am out there ice fishing on those cold days. If I see an Oak leaf you can bet he’s there with me, still guiding me.
I am so thankful for his teachings, those memories we created, because I know I will have them forever. I miss him and I love him, and I can’t wait for the time when we can do it all again together.
Cherish the memories
Mike Williams, Pro Angler & Owner of Williams Outfitters in Curve Lake First Nation
Mike Williams is a professional angler with over 20 years of guiding and tournament experience, he offers professional guiding services and will help you land ‘The Big One’. www.williamsoutfitters.com
FLYING PROUD: THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER
What is red and white and blows in the wind?
That’s not the opening of a joke: the answer is Canada’s national flag, the Maple Leaf. While most Canadians will pass at least one Maple Leaf each day, how many know how it came to be? On 15 February 2025, the Maple Leaf turns sixty years old – as good a time as any to tell its origin story.
During Canada’s pre-Confederation period, flags of Europe were used to denote territorial claims: France’s Fleur-de-Lys pre-1759, and Britain’s Royal Union Flag post-1759. About 1870, Canada began using a version of the Red Ensign – the British Merchant Marine flag with the original four provinces’ coats-of-arms on one shield – as its national flag.
Britain’s flag was still commonly used on land, and in 1904 it replaced the Ensign as the flag on Parliament Hill’s Peace Tower. Canadian troops in the First World War fought under the British flag, but under the Canadian Red Ensign in the Second. In 1945, the Ensign once again flew on all Canadian federal government buildings.
Canada’s “Great Flag Debate” began in 1960, when Lester Pearson raised in the House of
Commons the issue of a national flag. Extensive discussion brought about no results. In 1964, now Prime Minister Pearson presented a design to Parliament: a sprig of 3 red maple leaves on white, with two flanking vertical blue bars. The “Pearson Pennant” was not accepted, so an allparty committee was established; in 6 weeks, it reviewed nearly 6,000 submitted designs and unanimously decided on the red and white, single leaf design of today. After another 6 weeks of parliamentary debate, involving 308 speeches, the committee’s recommendation was accepted (163-78) on 15 December 1964; two days later the Senate approved it. Queen Elizabeth signed the royal proclamation on 28 January 1965, and Canada had its new flag. On 15 February 1965 (now Flag Day annually), the Canadian Red Ensign was taken down from Parliament Hill and the Maple Leaf was raised officially for the first time.
That last Parliament Hill Red Ensign is now part of the Peterborough Museum & Archives’ holdings.
By: Don Willcock,
The Peterborough Museum & Archives, 300 Hunter St E, Peterborough 705-743-5180 www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca
TAKE A FRIEND SNOWMOBILING
It’s winter in the Kawarthas, Haliburton & Bancroft region and you’re thinking about taking a friend snowmobiling as a sled operator. Maybe it’s a newbie or someone that hasn’t snowmobiled in years. Or perhaps you’re the friend who’s about to accompany experienced sledders on your first ride. Either way, how the experience rolls out will determine whether you want to go again. So, it’s important for everyone involved to make your first ride enjoyable, safe and comfortable. Here’s my advice on how to make that happen.
TIP #1 Get Legal
Make sure the new person has a valid driver’s licence or snowmobile operator’s permit. Also, that the sled your friend’s riding is properly insured, licenced, and has a valid trail permit. Carry all necessary documents with you.
TIP #2 Slow, Simple and Short
By Craig Nicholson
Remember that the new person isn’t an experienced rider. What veteran snowmobilers take for granted may be totally foreign to their friend – so, stick to the three S’s: slow, simple and short. Because chances are that a normal ride for experienced sledders may seem like a marathon to the uninitiated. Aim for a ride time of about two hours with several short trailside breaks. And remember, the ride will be slower than usual, so plan accordingly. At the end of that ride time, be back at your starting point or no more than 30 minutes away. You don’t want to be dragging a weary, cold and increasingly annoyed friend the long way back. The other alternative is to go about an hour and a half, then stop for a leisurely hot lunch, followed by a shorter return ride. Remember, overdoing distance or duration could spoil the ride.
TIP #3 Fuel The Furnace
Before riding, make sure the new person is well fed so their body has the fuel to stay warm (take a few snacks along, just in case). Keep your friend hydrated with water, energy drinks or hot chocolate. No caffeine or booze!
TIP
#4 Dress Properly
Getting cold can spoil the ride, so dress your friend warmly in outer wear that fits and is purpose-made for snowmobiling, with appropriate insulating layers underneath (no sweatshirts or jeans). Provide good snow boots with thermal socks, the warmest possible gloves, a properly fitted snowmobile helmet, and keep chemical warmers handy. Then make sure the new person dresses inside and doesn’t stand around outside getting cold before the ride even starts.
TIP
#5 Provide a Good Sled
Next, make sure your friend is on the smoothest riding, easiest handling, cleanest technology, and comfort-loaded snow machine available (with working hand and thumb warmers). No old clunkers or sleds with too-low a windshield. Take time to adjust suspension and handlebars as necessary for your friend’s weight and size. Letting them operate the sled with a passenger on board for their first ride isn’t a good idea.
TIP #6 Orientation & Expectations
Find out in advance what the new person’s experience level is with other winter activities and motorsports. Even if the new person has ridden ATV’s or motorcycles before, plan for an easy snowmobiling debut. And don’t start without a ride overview. Beforehand, walk your friend around the sled to demonstrate controls and operation. Let the new person ride slowly around an open area to get the hang of it.
Knowledge equals confidence. Discuss what to expect, trail etiquette and what to do if your friend is having a problem or discomfort. Arrange frequent breaks so that your novice never has to ride very long if something needs attention or fixing. Be sure to plan a route
that is beginner-level easy, scenic and groomed. Avoid travelling on ice or road running, either of which can be intimidating – and stick to daylight riding!
Use a map to give your friend a complete briefing on your route, your intended stops (including potty breaks) and the proposed duration of the trip. Keep the person updated at each stop along the way. An experienced sledder riding ahead should always use a rearview mirror to keep a constant eye on newbie status. Ensure that your novice rides second, preferably with another experienced rider behind to also keep watch and assist.
TIP #7 Don’t Push It
You’ve had years of practice. So, don’t show off, push the envelope, or challenge your friend beyond their capabilities or comfort zone. Also, don’t be afraid to rein the new person in if your friend seems to be taking unnecessary risks or trying too hard. After all, your goal is to take a friend snowmobiling for a fun experience that leaves them wanting more!
Contact Your Local Snowmobile Club:
Buckhorn & District - buckhorn@district2ofsc.ca
Haliburton County Snowmobile Association - info@hcsa.ca
Havelock & District - hdsc-info@district2ofsc.ca
Kawartha Lakes Snowmobile Club (Fenelon Falls) - klsc@sympatico.ca
Old Hastings Snow Riders (Bancroft) - ohsrvolunteers@gmail.com
Learn More About Snowmobiling: Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs – ofsc.on.ca
Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Snowmobiler, is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist and a long-time Kawarthas cottager who also provides tips and tour info for snowmobilers at intrepidsnowmobiler.com and for PWC riders at intrepidcottager.com.
Healthy ENDIVE SALAD
A gorgeous assortment of leafy reds and greens paired with celery, green onions, apple, Parm and chives, tossed with walnuts and a simple dressing.
INGREDIENTS
4 - 5 small Belgian endive
1 small head radicchio
3 ribs celery, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 green onions, trimmed, divided lengthwise, diced
1 apple, diced
1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1 ounce white cheddar, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
FOR THE DRESSING:
1/4 cup walnut oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
juice from 1/2 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
FOR THE ORANGE SAUCE:
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons orange juice
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup golden yellow sugar
½ cup orange juice
1/3 cup orange liqueur
TO SERVE:
premium whipped cream (see Serve section above for recipe) whole cranberries for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare dressing: Place all of the ingredients for the dressing into a small bowl. Whisk vigorously to combine.
Prepare salad: Trim ends of Belgian endive, cut head in half lengthwise then cut into 1/2-inch chunks. Place in large salad bowl. Core the radicchio then rip or chop into bite-sized pieces. Add to bowl along with celery, onions, apple, walnut, cheddar and chives. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine. Taste then season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.
Watch the video on the Weekend at the Cottage YouTube Channel.
CHOCOLATE SPICE COOKIES WITH HEARTFELT DECORATIONS
Light but flavourful chocolate spice cookies cut into heart shapes, decorated with white chocolate and Valentine’s sprinkles or with messages made of royal icing…
FOR THE COOKIES:
2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
6 ounces dark chocolate
2 eggs, room temperature
2-½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ heaping teaspoon each cloves, allspice, nutmeg
¼ heaping teaspoon kosher salt
¼ heaping teaspoon black pepper pinch of cayenne, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
TO DECORATE:
1-½ cups white chocolate chips or discs, melted
1/4 cup fondant hearts
1/4 cup red sparkle sugar
Messages can also be written on larger cookies using royal icing.
Prepare cookie dough: Place chocolate into a heatproof bowl and melt in double boiler. Set aside. Place flour, baking powder, spices, salt and pepper into a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside. Place butter and sugars into a large bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat these ingredients together until light and fluffy. Crack eggs into a small bowl, lightly beat them, then add them to the wet mix, followed by the melted chocolate. Add the dry mixture little by little, mixing until the dough comes together.
Transfer dough to work surface, bringing it together by hand. Wrap and chill dough for 30 minutes. Dough can also be frozen for future use.
For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Roll out to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Cut cookies into heart shapes using cookie cutters. Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking tray and bake in oven for 8 - 10 minutes, depending on size. Remove cookies from oven and immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To decorate: Place white chocolate into a heatproof bowl and melt in a double boiler. Transfer melted chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a #2 icing tip, or snip off the very end to create a small opening. Once cookies are cool, do a zig zag of chocolate across the top of each cookie followed by a sprinkle of sparkling sugar or miniature fondant hearts. Cool cookies ensuring chocolate is set.
Keeping Your HOME ORGANIZED
Keeping your home organized can be a very taxing job. A lot of people have more stuff than they know what to do with, much less where to put that stuff. Here are a few simple tips for getting your home organized and keeping it that way.
First, make sure that everything you have is actually worth having. We often keep things that aren't necessary to have in the house, and that's what causes the clutter. Now, all of those meaningful, sentimental items are not what I'm talking about here. Those are important things to keep, but anything that you have "just in case" that you haven't used in three years or more, has to go.
Next, make sure you only worry about one room at a time - it will be easier to work your way through the house. If you try to do the whole house at once, you will be moving things from room to room which will take much longer - and there may be even more clutter in some places than there was before. Once you have found a place for everything, make sure that those things stay in their place, or get put back in their place after using them.
Finally, have a document station. Keep an accordion file folder with pockets labeled for members of the household, bills, and mail. Another key part of this document station is to purge it weekly so that it does
not get disorganized and overstuffed. This can really help avoid having way too many papers lying around the house and it will help you from accidentally throwing out important papers mixed in with the clutter.
Keeping your home organized can be very difficult, especially because our lives are very busy. But once you have a system for keeping your house in check, it is much easier to get organized and stay that way.
NATURE Sculpting
We humans sometimes think we are the only ones who practice art.
But a quick walk in the woods reveals that there is colour, form, texture and patterns everywhere we look. Nature is full of art, even in winter. Andy Goldsworthy knows this.
Goldsworthy’s creations celebrate the beauty of impermanence. In winter, he crafts delicate sculptures using only found natural objects. Picture this: he breathes icicles together to form a shimmering frozen star, or he presses snow onto tree trunks in intricate spirals. Using no tools but his hands, he transforms the landscape into a gallery of ephemeral art. Once complete, Goldsworthy photographs his work and leaves it to nature, where wind, snow, and time gently reclaim it.
You too can make a beautiful nature sculpture. Here is how:
1. Choose Your Canvas: Find a natural area minimally impacted by humans. This could be a forest, park, or even your backyard.
2. Seek Inspiration: Before you start, explore Andy Goldsworthy’s art online. See how he uses simplicity and natural patterns to create beautiful art.
3. Harvest Responsibly: If you decide to use natural materials like dried wildflowers or evergreen boughs, take only small amounts from one spot and move along. Or challenge yourself to work exclusively with materials already on the ground, such as fallen leaves, twigs, or snow.
4. Practice Reciprocity: Bring a garbage bag to collect litter as you explore. Consider sprinkling wildflower seeds in soft soil or finding another way to give back to the environment. Always aim to leave the space better than you found it.
5. Create in Groups: In pairs or small groups, create your own nature sculpture. Think about the elements of art: pattern, colour, form, texture, and shape. Your creation could be flat on the ground,
freestanding, or even suspended from a branch.
6. Name Your Masterpiece: Give your sculpture a title that reflects its essence or the inspiration behind it.
7. Capture the Moment: Take a photo of your work before nature takes it back. This moment of impermanence is part of the beauty.
8. Host an Exhibit: Invite others to tour the sculptures. Sip grape juice (or wine, for adults) as you savor the natural forms in a shared celebration of creativity.
9. Let Nature Reclaim: Leave your sculptures in place, allowing the elements to gradually transform your art back into the Earth where it came from.
Sculpting Across Seasons
Nature sculpting isn’t limited to winter. Each season brings unique materials and opportunities. Spring offers blossoms and budding leaves, summer is rich with grasses and wildflowers, autumn provides fiery leaves and seed pods, and winter brings snow, ice, and stark silhouettes.
What can you create using what’s at hand? How can your art honor the natural world while inspiring others? Share your creations widely to encourage more people to engage with the beauty of nature.
Andy Goldsworthy’s art reminds us that even the simplest materials—a handful of snow, a cluster of icicles, or a trail of leaves—can become extraordinary. With your own nature sculpture, you’re not just creating art; you’re forming a deeper connection with the world around you.
Submitted by Jacob Rodenburg, Author & Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award-winning outdoor education centre and summer camp.
Valentines BUTTERFLIES
Kids Korner with Kenz
What's better than sharing some sweets with your Valentine?
This year, help kids create the cutest homemade Valentines to wow their friends with a fun handmade butterfly filled with Valentine candies.
Start by choosing an assortment of your favourite candies, you could pick pink, white, and red ones for the occasion. Then, fill a snack sized ziplock bag about ¾ of the way full with your candies and twist it in the middle creating 2 little compartments of candy.
Now, you are going to need a wooden clothespin and a pink or red marker or paint. Colour the whole clothespin - front and back.
Now, where you twisted your bag down the middle, clip your clothespin to the bag to keep it twisted.
Once your clothespin is in place, glue two googly eyes on the top of the pin, attach a pink pipe cleaner to the inside top of the wooden clothespin and bend the pipe cleaner into curly antennae.
Once you have finished making your butterfly, you can be extra special and add a little note. Your note can simply say “Happy Valentine's Day” or you can stay with our theme of butterflies and say something like
“You Give Me Butterflies, Valentine!”.
Finally, your last step is to give your beautiful butterfly creation to your Valentines! This is a cute and inexpensive little gift to send to school or daycare (or work - we see you too, adults) that any receiver is sure to enjoy.
THE SHOOTS OF SPRING
I’m standing in an aisle at a local feed mill waiting for my sack of layer mash to arrive from the back. Normally this wouldn’t be where I would wait, but the stand of this years’ vegetable seeds is gleaming like a beacon of hope in the middle of a weird and seemingly endless winter, and if there is anything that I am a sucker for, it’s buying seeds.
Fast forward a month later and fresh trays of seed starting soil are soaked and intricately planted with things like tomatoes, peppers, and onions of all different varieties. It won’t take the green onions and shallots long to emerge – maybe fourteen days. The rest will come along as nature intended.
Starting seeds is an investment. You’re not only choosing to invest in yourself, but also the future of your gardens, too. I think that is why I love this so much. At some point I will come downstairs to water the trays and all of the sudden a tiny forest of emerging green will be there where there had been none just twenty four hours prior.
The discovery of such is akin to the feeling of Christmas day when you’re a child - or at least that’s how it is for me.
Starting seeds, as far as I’m concerned, is a lesson in success and failure, because during any given year while doing this, you are bound to experience both. Not all of these little seedlings will make it, whether from pests, disease, drought, or just weak seedlings (hey, they can’t all be perfect!), inevitably there will be loss.
The great thing about loss is that it heightens the elation when our efforts are met with success later – it’s tough to truly enjoy a sunny day if you’ve never experienced a rainy one, right? But when all is said and done, starting seeds is the gateway to a life of self reliance, and that’s something all of us can get behind, especially lately.
I truly love everything there is to love about seed starting. The heat pads, lights, flimsy trays, the mess, the whole dang process. It’s as though something inside me on a very primal cellular level was born and bred to do this. To take the time to hold myself accountable for where the plants that some of my food will grow on this year, come from. Maybe we need to start to shift that idea – accountability –into more areas of our lives. Maybe starting seeds is a good place to begin from!
All of this is to say that with each seedling that makes it into the ground right around the long weekend in May, I hold a certain level of gratitude for each and every single one of them, and you ought to, too. It’s no easy feat to make it in this world, for either plant or people.
And if nothing else, putting a few dozen seeds into starting mix is a nod toward having faith that spring will, at some point, arrive. No matter how endless winter may seem, warmer days and happy gardens are just a tray full of seedlings away.
Mike Fitzerald is an avid outdoorsman and knowledgeable homesteader who writes for multiple publications about living off the land. You can follow him on his adventures via Instagram as @onmivore.culture
Welcoming Meadow!
Riverview Park and Zoo is excited to announce that we have a new North American River Otter! Meadow, a female otter, came to us from Calgary Zoo and is settling in well with our three male otters, Splish, Boldt, and Lawerence.
We are happy to report that Meadow has been adjusting well to living with the three male otters here at Riverview Park and Zoo. As a CAZA (Canadian Accredited Zoos and Aquariums) certified facility we have the opportunity to work with other accredited organizations, like Calgary Zoo, to maintain healthy populations. This is an important part of our Animal Welfare Strategy, and we are so grateful to the folks at Calgary Zoo for donating Meadow to our organization.
About Native North American River Otters
River Otters are a conservation success story! Here in Canada they have recovered from major declines in their population in the 1800’s, caused by over hunting for fur and poor water-quality. Since then, there have been huge efforts to protect our native River Otters. River Otter populations in Canada are now considered stable. They live in our local Otonabee River, so keep an eye out next time you are out exploring areas along the river.
Did You Know: River otters have the bite strength of a bear, to help them bite through the shells of crustaceans, such as mussels!
Adopt an Otter and learn more about them at: www.riverviewparkandzoo.ca/
Dawn Pond, Program Supervisor, Riverview Park and Zoo
The Silent Sentinel of Winter: THE GREAT HORNED OWL
When night falls and the world quiets, the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) emerges as the apex predator of the nocturnal world. Known as the "Tiger of the Sky," this majestic bird commands the night with silent flight and piercing yellow eyes. Found throughout North America, from forests to urban parks, it is a highly adaptable raptor that embodies resilience and strength.
Great Horned Owls are opportunistic hunters, preying on everything from small rodents to skunks and even other birds. Their powerful talons exert up to 300 pounds of pressure per square inch, enabling them to dispatch surprisingly large prey. Specialized wing feathers make their flight nearly silent, ensuring their prey has no warning. The Great Horned Owl’s adaptations are extraordinary. Their immobile eyes, which account for a third of their skull’s weight, offer excellent night vision. They compensate for fixed eyes with the ability to rotate their heads 270 degrees. Asymmetrical ear placement allows pinpoint hearing, even under snow or dense vegetation.
One of their most fascinating traits is their early breeding season. While other birds wait for spring, these owls begin courtship in late fall, hooting to establish pair bonds. By February or March (depending on the year), they’re nesting, reusing nests built by hawks, crows, or squirrels as they do not make nests of their own. However, natural events like the devastating windstorm that swept through Ontario in 2018 have damaged many nesting sites. Without suitable habitats, owls face significant challenges and can miss a whole breeding season. In some circumstances, creating artificial nests using a professional arborist with materials like laundry hampers filled with natural debris provide a secure space for these incredible birds, see photo included. Once the female lays her eggs, she incubates them for about 30-37 days while the male provides food. By March, owlets hatch, and by late spring, they are ready to leave the nest just as prey becomes abundant.
This owl's haunting “hoo-hoo-hoo” calls echo through the winter landscape, reminding us of nature's resilience. By protecting habitats, avoiding rodenticides, and supporting artificial nest projects, we can help ensure their survival. The Great Horned Owl, a silent sentinel of winter, is a symbol of adaptation and strength in the wild.
Learn more at: birdfriendlypeterborough.ca
TURNING WINTER WOES INTO WOOF'ING GOOD TIMES!
Winter in Ontario consists of short days, icy and snowy walkways, and sometimes deep freeze temperatures. Many dogs love the snow, but these weather conditions can make it difficult and dangerous to get outside and play with our dogs.
The common sense dangers for our dogs in winter include: being unattended in freezing temperatures can cause disorientation and frost bite, open water or thin ice on lakes is dangerous for everyone, salt and ice melting chemicals for sidewalks can be toxic and irritate paws, and small amounts of antifreeze ingestion can cause kidney failure and death. On those frightful winter days we need some indoor games to play with our dogs!
Structured play with your dog is important for strengthening the human animal bond. Play also helps build confidence, promotes physical and mental well-being, and reduces stress and anxiety for both dogs and people.
Here are a few indoor games to play with your dog.
1. Hide and seek. Hide in the house (maybe with a treat) and let your dog find you. You may need a friend to sit with your dog, so you have a chance to hide. This game is also a great way to teach recall.
2. Roll the dice. Number tricks (e.g. sit, down, speak) 1 through 6, then roll the dice and cue your dog to do which ever command comes up.
3. Food puzzles help keep the mind sharp and slow down their eating.
4. Blow bubbles for your dog to catch.
5. Hide toys in the house and have your dog find them.
6. Set up an indoor agility course.
7. Brush their teeth. Ask your veterinarian how to do this.
8. Teach them to jump through a hoop.
9. Learn a new trick such as ring a bell, put their toys away, or roll over.
10. Play the three-cup game and give your dog a treat when they pick the right cup.
Use your imagination. Please share your games and tricks with your friends.
Have a great winter and stay playful!
Dr. Christine, Norwood Veterinary Services
THE ROYAL WINTER FAIR 2024
‘The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is Canada’s premier showcase for excellence in livestock, crops and food.’
Again this year we had the great honour of being able to cover some of the events of The Royal Winter Fair as media friends, and boy did things line up - it was also grade 9 Take Your Kid to Work Day. It was a pleasure to be able to share with my equestrian daughter all that The Royal has to offer, while also showing her what I get to do for work.
It was a full day, we started early and caught the GO train to take us to Exhibition Place - the Coca-Cola Coliseum and Enercare Centre were bustling with visitors to downtown Toronto, all eager to see the sights, sounds (and smells!) that only an agricultural fair can offer. I wanted to make this the best, well-rounded day, to see and experience as many parts of The Royal as possible (Hint: there is A
LOT to see - if possible, make it a multiple day experience)
Seeing an event the size of The Royal Winter Fair through the eyes of a 14 year old was enlightening. As adults we often forget how magical and fun an event like this is, and it was really exciting to experience her reaction to all of the shopping, livestock, events, education booths and dog show - just to name a few - because the list is long.
We took every chance to pet every animal in the petting zoo, ride the mechanical bull and the equestrian simulator - we even checked out the butter sculpting. I saw the biggest pumpkin of my life, and we cheered on the SuperDogs while enjoying an ice
cream. We walked, and walked, shopped and shopped - whats one more sparkly halter for the collection, right?
It was a great experience to sit and watch the horse shows - for us it was about the Hunter/Jumper events. The Junior/Amateur 1.30m and Final Junior/Amateur 1.30m National Championships were amazing, and very inspiring for a young equestrian dreaming of high jumps and clear rounds.
Since its inception in 1922, The Royal has grown to be the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian event in the world with over 300,000 visitors every year. Known as one of the most notable equestrian events in the world, athletes come from many different countries to compete in The Royal Horse Show.
This agricultural celebration happens every November (1-10, 2024) and celebrates the very best food, livestock and horsemanship this country has to offer.
“A win at The Royal means something, regardless of whether you’re pickling, jamming, raising beef or driving six-horse hitches.”
For more information about 2025 dates and news visit: www.royalfair.org
