Presqu'ile Provincial Park Info Guide

PRESQU’ILE

2024 INFORMATION GUIDE

Welcome to Presqu’ile Provincial Park for the 2024 season.

I’m sure many of you have noticed the installation of the new cupola on the lighthouse in the fall of 2023. The restoration of this beautiful and historic landmark is now complete, thanks to the hard work by the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse Preservation Society.

The other noticeable difference in the park this season is the unfortunate loss of many of the Ash trees throughout the park. These trees are dying as a result of Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect from Asia. Park staff have been hard at work removing dangerous trees and ensuring the campgrounds remain safe for visitors, this work will be ongoing over the next few years. Our biodiversity team is hard at work planting and growing new trees to reforest the campgrounds and we ask visitors to respect fences and give these new trees room to grow.

The 2024 season will no doubt be another very busy camping season. This renewal in the interest of camping has led to many new people enjoying the outdoors. There are some challenges however due to the increase in visitation and many new visitors. As a visitor to a provincial park you have certain responsibilities, one of these is to respect the natural environment of this park we all love. This means staying on the trails and ensuring your garbage ends up in the appropriate containers. Please ensure you separate your trash from your recycling and place

WHAT’S INSIDE

it in the appropriate bin. We hope all our visitors will do their best to respect the park.

Presqu’ile is home to one of the largest waterbird colonies on the Great Lakes. When a large number of animals live close together the potential for diseases increases. Each summer we see gulls and cormorants become sick with diseases such as Botulism. These diseases occur naturally in bird populations and are a part of the ecosystem. We know seeing these sick birds can be distressing but sickness and death is a part of nature too. If you encounter one of these birds on your campsite or somewhere they could endanger members of the public, please contact park staff. Please do not touch sick or dead animals.

Over the past 35 years the Friends of Presqu’ile Park have contributed in many ways to improving the visitor’s experience at the park. From the funding of the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre to the rebuilding of the Marsh Boardwalk Trail and so much more. We thank all the past and present volunteers for their time and effort.

We encourage you to take time to explore the town of Brighton and the local area, as the many shops and services will provide a great addition to your visit to Presqu’ile.

Sincerely, Rob Cunningham - Park Superintendent Presqu’ile and Ferris Provincial Parks

Presqu’ile Lighthouse Gets a New Look

Visitors who are familiar with our lighthouse will be in for a pleasant surprise when they visit this summer. Thanks to great work and initiatives led by The Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse Preservation Society, a lantern house and cupola was added onto the roof of the Lighthouse in the fall of 2023.

The Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse was put into operation in 1840 and is currently the second oldest continually operating lighthouse on Lake Ontario. The lighthouse has undergone some repairs and restoration over the past 183 years but throughout that time the light has continued to shine.

An engineer named Nicol Hugh Baird was hired to design the lighthouse, work began in 1838 and after some delays was completed in 1840. Once completed the lighthouse was the first light an early mariner would encounter east of Toronto heading towards Kingston.

The lighthouse originally had a limestone exterior made from locally sourced stone and mortar. The building was 69 feet tall and featured an eight-sided lantern house with a double curved cupola perched on top. This double curved roof was unique among Great Lakes lighthouse at the time.

The lighthouse saw its first transformation in 1894 when the structure was covered with a wooden girdle and cedar shingles to prevent further deterioration of the structure. Inadequate building materials and poor workmanship were named as reasons for the shingles, but the fact was that the lighthouse was and continues to be exposed to harsh weather conditions on the point and the stone was beginning to crumble.

The lantern on top of the Presqu’ile lighthouse has also experienced changes over the last 180 years. For 95 years the light was maintained by a Lighthouse Keeper, they were responsible for carrying fuel up the 80 steps to keep the light shining on stormy nights, sometimes multiple times a day. Electricity reached the lighthouse in 1935, and changed the Lighthouse Keeper’s role, now their main responsibility was turning the light on/off each day until the light was automated in 1952.

The next major transformation of the lighthouse was when the lantern house and cupola were removed. We know that they were removed somewhere between 1952 and 1965. Unfortunately, there are no surviving records as to why or when it was removed, or what happened to the original structure. We do know that by 1965 the lantern house had been removed and a stationary red-light navigation beacon had been added to the roof.

Since 2012 the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse Preservation Society has been working to repair and restore the lighthouse with the replacement of the cupola, the final piece of restoration for this 183-year-old structure was completed. We hope visitors will be able to visit and enjoy the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse for another 180 years.

Visit the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre (open from Canada Day to Labour Day) to explore more of the history of the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse including a replica model showcasing the interior layout and structure of the building.

Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse and Foghorn Station

2023 at Presqu’ile

Piping Plovers Return

If you visited Presqu’ile last summer, you may have noticed that part of the beach was fenced off. This was because we had endangered Piping Plovers nesting on the beach. These endangered shorebirds are making a slow comeback in Ontario, this was only our third recorded nest in the last 100 years at Presqu’ile!

Saga a male Piping Plover who was the proud father of 3 chicks from 2022, returned in 2023 but unfortunately his mate from 2022 did not return to Presqu’ile. Chewie a female Piping Plover that has nested at Darlington in the past showed up on our beach and was ready to nest. Chewie and Saga did not waste any time in finding a secluded spot to nest. By the middle of June, three young chicks were running around the beach under the watchful eye of their parents, park staff and volunteers. All three chicks successfully fledged and left Presqu’ile’s beach at the beginning of August to begin their migration south.

Common Terns have a Record Year

The islands off the shore of Presqu’ile are home to one of the largest and most diverse waterbird colonies on the Great Lakes. Seven species of colonial waterbirds nest out on the islands competing for space and resources. The smallest of these species is the Common Tern. Despite their name, Common Terns are not that common, and they have been declining in the Great Lakes for over 40 years.

Researchers from Penn State University have been running a long-term study on our Common Tern colony since 2008. The Common Tern colony has experienced many highs and lows over the last 15 years but 2023 was the best year for the colony in the last 50 years! In total there was 242 nesting attempts over the course of the spring and early summer, the highest number of attempts since the study began. Along with an increase in the number of nests we also saw an increase in the number

What is happening to the trees?

On your visit to the park, you will certainly notice the large number of dead and dying trees around the park. The majority of these trees are species of Ash and are infected by Emerald Ash Borer. This beetle is native to Asia and experts believe it was accidently introduced to North America in the early 1990s, but it wasn’t until 2002 that it was reported in Ontario. The beetle has been spreading rapidly since then and its rapid expansion across North America was fueled partly by people moving infected logs and firewood. This is why it is always important to purchase and burn firewood locally. Emerald Ash Borer feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, reducing their ability to take up water and nutrients, it can take a few seasons before the tree will die completely. The forests at Presqu’ile are made up of up to 40-60% ash trees, and so the Emerald Ash Borer is set to have a dramatic impact on the forest, trails, and campgrounds at Presqu’ile. Park staff have been working to remove dangerous trees from the campgrounds and trails, but we ask visitors to use caution especially when walking in the park on windy days.

of 2023. There are less than 10 records of this large moth in the park, they are normally found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America.

What’s Special About Presqu’ile?

Many visitors are familiar with our beach and campgrounds. Wonderful spots to be sure but provincial parks are not just formed as places to play. They are created to showcase and preserve significant features of the natural and cultural heritage of Ontario. These features are thus preserved and available for visitors to learn about and enjoy. The following are some of Presqu’ile’s significant features.

Presqu’ile is a Tombolo. Give yourself a pat on the back if you know what that is. A tombolo is an island, attached to the mainland by a sand and/or gravel bar. The campgrounds and picnic areas are on the island and the long, straight entrance road to the campgrounds travels down the middle of the sandbar. It is that bar that makes up the beach area on its western side. The Presqu’ile tombolo is the largest on fresh water in Canada and probably the world. It is the nature of tombolo’s that they are made up of a variety of habitats, which leads to Presqu’ile’s next significant feature.

Presqu’ile has great Biodiversity. For such a small area Presqu’ile has a remarkable eight distinct habitats. More habitats mean more diversity in the plants and animals that live here. Our habitats are; sand beach, dunes, pannes (wetlands between dunes), conifer forest, deciduous forests, old field/meadows, conifer plantations and the marsh/bay complex. Can you guess which is the rarest habitat? It is the pannes, a globally rare habitat. It is best appreciated in spring as a frog breeding ground and in the fall when many unusual flowers bloom.

Presqu’ile is a Migration Trap. The Presqu’ile tombolo’s position as a peninsula sticking out into Lake Ontario and its many habitats, makes it a magnet for migrating birds and insects. They rest here after crossing the lake coming north and wait here for the right winds when heading south. Ducks in March, songbirds in May and shorebirds in late May and again in September, all provide world-class viewing opportunities for birdwatchers. And don’t forget the insects. Significant concentrations of Monarch butterflies and Green Darner dragonflies occur here in early September on their way south. In fall check out Owen Pt. for migrating birds and butterflies.

Presqu’ile has Fossils. Fossils are a window into an ancient world. The rocky shorelines of Presqu’ile have an abundance of fossils that are 450 million years old. This represents a piece of Ontario’s ancient history - the Ordovician sea that once covered this area. Please remember to leave rocks and fossils in the park for other people to enjoy. You can bring your fossils to the Nature Centre to learn more and receive a Fossil Hunter Certificate!

Presqu’ile’s Marsh is Magnificent. While all our habitats are special, it is the pannes and the marsh that stand out. The Presqu’ile marsh is the largest protected marsh on the north shore of Lake Ontario. It provides homes and food for resident and migrating wildlife. It is part of a shoreline marsh system that is disappearing from the shores of our

Great Lakes. The best way to experience the marsh is along the 800 metre boardwalk.

Presqu’ile Represents Lake Ontario’s Marine Heritage. Presqu’ile, as the only safe harbour between Kingston and Toronto, became an important spot in the early settlement history of Ontario. This heritage is featured in our Lighthouse Interpretive Centre, and on distinct red and blue signs throughout the park.

Presqu’ile represents Ontario’s Recreation History. Presqu’ile has been attracting vacationers since the late 1800s. The Presqu’ile hotel was the focal point for recreation here between 1905 and 1971. In 1922 Presqu’ile became Ontario’s fifth provincial park and continues to be one of Ontario’s premier park destinations.

Learn more about Presqu’ile’s nature and history on the Friends of Presqu’ile Park’s website - https://www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca. Enjoy your visit and please respect the park and its many significant features during your visit.

Chestnut-sided Warbler is one of the many songbirds that pass through Presqu’ile on migration. Photo: D. Bree

The Presqu’ile Marsh can best be appreciated from the boardwalk.

Presqu’ile is a tombolo.

Summary of Offences: Rules You Should Know

There is one basic rule in Ontario Parks. Have respect and consideration for your fellow camper and the park environment. The following table lists some of the more common laws enforced in the park as well as the minimum fines that apply. The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act and other legislation governing behaviour in provincial parks are available in the park office. These laws are enforced by Park Wardens who are Peace Officers defined under the Criminal Code of Canada and have the authority of an Ontario Provincial Police Officer within a provincial park. Violating these laws may result in fines and/or eviction.

Alcoholic Beverages

Camping Permits and Renewals

Camping Equipment/ Persons

Campfires

Environmental Protection

Fireworks

Motor Vehicles

Parking

Pets

• Have liquor in open container other than residence (campsite)

• Consume liquor in other than residence

• Have open container of liquor in vehicle

• Fail to vacate and remove property from campsite on permit expiry

• Unlawfully occupy campsite

• Camp over time limit

• Place more than 3 pieces of shelter equipment

• Place more than one trailer or RV on a campsite

• Excessive number of persons occupying campsite

• Start fire other than in designated fireplace

• Start or tend fire where notice of fire hazard is posted

• Damage / deface / remove Crown property

• Disturb / harm / remove natural objects

• Possess fireworks

• Ignite fireworks

• Unlawfully take motor vehicle into park or possess or operate it

• Operate vehicle off roadway

• Unlawfully operate all-terrain vehicle

• Park vehicle in prohibited area

• Fail to produce a vehicle permit

• Permit domestic animal to be without leash

• Permit domestic animal to be in designated swimming area or beach

$100.00 and/or eviction

$175.00

$75.00

$75.00

$150.00

$125.00

$100.00

$150.00

$125.00

$30.00

$75.00

$75.00

If you are 19 years of age or older, you are permitted to possess or consume liquor (beer, wine, spirits) only on a registered campsite.

You are required to vacate and remove all property from your campsite by 2:00pm on the date your permit expires. The maximum length of stay in a provincial park is 23 days. If you wish to extend your stay please inquire at the Camp Office before 12 noon on the day your permit expires.

Without a limit on the amount of camping gear allowed campsites would quickly deteriorate, becoming larger and larger, destroying the surrounding vegetation. The maximum number of campers allowed per campsite is six persons (or one immediate family unit)

Fires are permitted in fireplaces only for safety reasons, both to prevent injury to people and to reduce the risk of forest fires.

To maintain the park as a healthy functioning ecosystem, the removal of natural objects is prohibited. This includes the cutting of any live growth and the damage of any natural or other object. You may not remove any natural object from the park. You may not take fallen or dead wood for campfires.

Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited at all times in provincial parks. They constitute a fire hazard and disturb visitors and wildlife.

Each vehicle in the park must have a valid permit and it must be DISPLAYED. Motor vehicles may be operated on roads only. All provisions of the Highway Traffic Act apply on all park roads. Off-road vehicles are not permitted.

All vehicles must be parked in designated areas and must display a valid permit. Two vehicles may be parked on a campsite. All other vehicles must be parked in other designated lots. In either case an Additional Vehicle Permit is required and must be displayed on the dash.

Please keep your dog on a leash in the park.

Bringing a Dog to the Park?

• Pets must be kept on a leash at all times – not exceeding 2 metres

• Pets are not allowed on the sand beaches at any time

• Pets must not disturb any park visitor or make excessive noise

• You must always clean up after your pet

• Your pet should not be left unattended on your campsite

For the protection of wildlife and other park visitors, your pet must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 2 metres at all times. Under the Public Health Act pets are not allowed in swimming areas or on the beach at any time. You must clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed in the comfort station showers.

Only registered campers are allowed in a provincial park during the posted hours of closing 10:00pm to 7:00am.

Deposit all garbage, litter and recyclable materials in the appropriate containers provided. Campsites must be kept clean and tidy at all times to eliminate hazards to park visitors and discourage wildlife from becoming pest.

Provincial parks are established to provide a setting for peaceful, natural experiences. Rowdy behaviour, including excessive noise and abusive language is not permitted. You are not allowed to disturb any other person or interfere with anyone else’s enjoyment of the park at any time of the day or night.

Complaints

If you have a complaint, report it immediately to any of our park staff and appropriate action will be taken. The Park Wardens can be reached at 613-243-0040 from May through October.

Do Not Feed Wild Animals

Feeding wildlife hurts more than it helps. It can spread disease, make animals sick, and causes animals to be at a greater risk of death from predators and cars. All the animals in the park are capable of finding their own food and do not need any help from us.

Camper Information

Our Picnic Shelter - see page 9

Campsites

Presqu’ile has eight campground areas offering a total of 383 reservable campsites. Electricity is available on 160 sites in High Bluff, Pines, Elmvale and Trail’s End campgrounds. There is sufficient variety in the location and exposure of these sites to satisfy most tastes. However, choice is often limited by the popularity of the park.

Late Arrivals

Call (613) 475-4324 if you have a reservation and you are going to be delayed. Failure to cancel a reservation will result in a “no-show” after 8:00 a.m. on the day after the expected arrival date. Fees for the first night will be levied and your site will then be considered available for new occupancy.

Firewood

Firewood and kindling are available for purchase at the Park Store, Camp Office and Main Gate. Please remember that you cannot burn dead wood from the forest floor or cut trees for firewood.

Washroom Facilities

Comfort stations, with hot and cold running water, flush toilets and electrical outlets, are located in the Maples, Pines, Hidden Valley, and High Bluff Campgrounds. Vault toilets are conveniently situated throughout the park. Please DO NOT wash dishes or cook in the comfort stations.

Accessible Facilities

Accessible facilities for persons with a physical disability can be found in all of our campground comfort stations. Campsites # 81 and # 83 are designated as Barrier-Free Sites. The Marsh Boardwalk, Nature Centre and Lighthouse Interpretive Centre are also wheelchair accessible. An All-Terrain Wheelchair is available for loan at the Main Gate.

Accessible access mats from Beach 1 parking lot to the beach are in place from May to October.

Roofed Accommodations

There is one heritage cottage and eight roofed tents available for rent throughout the park.

There are eight decked tents available to rent.

Drinking Water

You can get fresh drinking water (tested weekly) from any of the water taps or comfort stations in the park. Please do not wash dishes or pets at the drinking water taps.

Trailer Filling and Dumping Station

Trailer sewage may be dumped at the sanitation station located opposite the entrance to Owen Point Trail along the main park road. You can also refill your trailer with fresh water at this location. Have consideration for the park environment and your fellow campers by ensuring grey water is disposed of at the trailer dumping station. Please do not fill your trailer at the campground water taps.

Dish Washing

Three large outdoor dishwashing sinks are available at the back of the Maples, High Bluff and Hidden Valley Comfort Stations. Please use these to wash your dishes and not the sinks inside the comfort stations or at the water taps. If you do dishes at your campsite please do not throw your waste water in the bushes. This grey water attracts wildlife and damages plants. This water should be disposed of at a vault toilet or in the dishwashing sinks.

Laundry Facilities

Two washers ($2) and two dryers ($2.50) are available at Maples Comfort Station.

Health Facilities

The closest hospital is the Trenton Memorial Hospital, located at 242 King Street in Trenton. They can be reached at 613-392-2540. If this is an emergency please call 911.

Garbage and Recycling

It takes many hands to operate a park in the summer, and Presqu’ile has up to 60 seasonal staff but there is always more to do! While busy, our staff are never too busy to stop and help our visitors BUT we can use your help as well!

You can help park staff by properly sorting your garbage and recycling using the containers located at the entrance of each campground.

Please follow the posted signs to sort your recyclable materials into the proper containers.

• METAL, GLASS and PLASTIC – must be clean and unbagged

• CARDBOARD / PAPER – must be clean and unbagged

• PROPANE CYLINDERS – do not discharge leftover propane, must be recycled separately from other recyclables

• RETURNABLES – beer, wine and spirit containers are collected separately from other recyclables

• FIREWOOD BAGS – are not reusable, please do not leave them on your campsite post

• BATTERIES – used batteries should not be placed in the dumpster

All other items that are destined for the landfill should be placed in the large yellow garbage dumpsters.

When it comes to the environment, we all have a responsibility!

Firewood Restrictions

Bringing firewood when you travel to or from your favourite provincial park may seem harmless but can spread invasive species such as insects, plants and diseases.

Many of these species are hidden in the wood and are difficult to detect.

Millions of trees have already been infected. Help us reduce the spread by;

• Leaving firewood at home

• Purchasing kiln-dried firewood where available

• Buying local

If you move firewood out of an area regulated for a quarantined pest without prior approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) you could face penalties of up to $50,000 and/or prosecution.

For more information on firewood movement restrictions and the latest updates about emerald ash borer and other regulated pests, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca or contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.

Camper Etiquette

Consider your neighbours and the environment during your stay

Please Respect Campsite Boundaries

Campsites are designed to accommodate a limited amount of people and camping equipment. Please respect the campsite boundaries that are set by keeping your tents, trailers and vehicles within these limits and refraining from trampling surrounding vegetation. Also don’t cross other people’s campsites, it is their home away from home, and doing so is disrespectful.

Top 5 List of Things Others Do That Upset Campers

After reviewing thousands of comment cards, we recognize that campers have comments about their fellow park visitors as well as park services. We have compiled this list to help reduce the number of complaints we receive and increase everyone’s enjoyment while visiting Presqu’ile.

Speeding on park roads

Our park roads are used heavily by children, pedestrians and cyclists. Many of the park roads are narrow and do not provide room to pull off to avoid hitting someone or something. It is important to keep your speed down while using our park roads. While the posted speed on the main road is 40 km/hour, the speed limit on the campground roads is 20 km/hour. Please take extreme care while operating a motor vehicle inside the park.

Causing an unreasonable amount of noise

One of our most common complaints or concerns is the excessive amount of noise other campers cause, not only at night but at all times of the day. Barking dogs, generators, loud voices and radios top the list. It is an offense under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act to create excessive noise at any time of the day. Please be considerate to your fellow campers and keep the noise level down.

Using outside water taps for personal hygiene or doing dishes

The park tests the drinking water regularly to ensure there is a safe supply of water. Unfortunately, if people use the taps to do dishes, wash their hands or hair, or brush their teeth the individual tap may become contaminated. It is important for everyone’s safety to use the taps for water only. A considerate camper will go to the tap, get a quantity of water in a pail or bucket and take it back to the campsite for use. For the same reason do not wash dishes or cook in the comfort stations.

Keeping our water safe

Please don’t fill up your trailer reservoirs directly from campground water taps. Besides monopolizing the tap for ½ hour or more to the detriment of other campers, it can also contaminate our water supply. Connecting hoses to the taps often overrides or damages the backflow prevention valves leading to contaminated water and costly repairs.

Leaving garbage behind

Littering on beaches, roads and trails spoils the natural beauty of Presqu’ile and other visitors’ enjoyment of the park. In addition, leaving your campsite a mess when you leave ruins the next camper’s visit. When you are ready to leave, look over your shoulder. Would you enjoy arriving at this campsite in the condition it is in? Please ensure future visitors have the same enjoyable experience you had. Vandalism and carving on rocks, trees or picnic tables spoils the beauty of the park and is also illegal.

Park Wardens help control these activities by giving warnings, laying charges and/or evicting visitors from the park. However, it would be much more enjoyable for everyone if all visitors would use some common sense and remember one of the park’s most important rules - have consideration for the park and your fellow visitors.

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Do ticks and Lyme disease make you wary of going outdoors? By being aware of ticks and understanding the role they play in spreading Lyme disease you are taking the first step to protect yourself and your loved ones.

There are many different species of ticks and not all of them carry Lyme disease. The most common tick you may encounter is the American Dog Tick, which does not carry Lyme disease. The only tick that carries Lyme disease in Ontario is the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick, Ixodes Scapularis. Both ticks can be found in wooded areas or tall grass habitats.In Ontario, Blacklegged ticks are most commonly found in rural areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. Blacklegged ticks are known to feed on migratory birds and as a result, they can be transported throughout the province. Therefore, while the potential is lower the further north you go, it is possible for people to encounter Blacklegged ticks, or to be infected with Lyme disease from the bite of an infected Blacklegged tick, almost anywhere in the province.

Ticks feed slowly, and an infected tick must feed on a person for at least 24 hours in order to infect them with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Because of this delay, prompt detection and removal of ticks is one of the key methods of preventing Lyme disease. If you become infected from a tick bite, symptoms usually begin within 1 - 2 weeks, but can take as long as one month to begin. The “classic” symptom is a bullseye rash that can develop anywhere on the body; however, this rash may not occur in all cases. Early symptoms of Lyme disease can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, stiff neck, jaw pain, and sore muscles. If untreated, problems with the heart, nervous system, and joints can occur months or years later. Lyme disease is easily treated in the early stages so seek medical attention if you feel unwell.

When you are out in tick habitat you can better protect yourself by taking a few precautions:

1. Wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks.

2. Wear light coloured clothing so you can detect ticks before they attach.

3. Use insect repellent containing “DEET” (please follow manufacturer’s directions). Apply it to your exposed skin and outer clothing.

4. Conduct a tick check when you come in from outdoors. Look on your clothes, body and pets. Pay close attention to your groin, scalp and armpits.

5. If you find a tick on your body, properly remove it and place it in a container. Visit www.etick.ca for tick identification. Additionally, you may contact your family doctor for questions on Lyme disease and follow-up.

By following these simple suggestions, you can have a safe and enjoyable time exploring Presqu’ile.

For more information, please consult the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease

Blacklegged Tick Ixodes scapularis on a blade of grass.

Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis), are found on a wide range of hosts including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Blacklegged Ticks are known to transmit Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), to humans and animals during feeding, when they insert their mouth parts into the skin of a host, and slowly take in the nutrient-rich host blood. Photo by: Jim Gathany, CDC

Found a Tick?

DO

• Use fine point tweezers

• Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible

• Gently pull the tick straight out

• Disinfect the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water

• Save tick (alive if possible) in a jar, with a piece of damp paper towel for identification (www.etick.ca)

• Watch for symptoms and seek medical attention if you feel unwell or if you cannot safely remove the tick.

DON’T

• Grasp around bloated belly and squeeze the tick

• Use a match, heat or chemicals to try and remove it

• Twist the tick when pulling it out.

Leaflets Three, Let it Be!

Learning to recognize Poison Ivy can save you from a lot of discomfort. Each leaf has three leaflets, the centre one with a longer stalk. It tends to have shiny droopy looking leaves and can be a small plant or a vine. It doesn’t always have berries but when it does they are cream-coloured, waxy looking, and in very dense clusters close to the stem. All parts of the plant contain oil that if it comes in contact with skin can result in a very itchy rash. This oil can be transmitted to you from shoes and pet’s fur (animals don’t get a rash). If you think you have come in contact with Poison Ivy, wash thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible.

Poison Ivy is a natural part of our ecosystem, providing food for animals and stabilizing soils in open areas. In general we leave it be in the park but if you see some on your campsite contact a park employee.

PARK VISITORS!

Help keep our parks clean by disposing of garbage correctly.

Dispose of garbage at designated garbage and recycling areas. If you find a full container, don’t leave it where wildlife can access it. Find a different container with room or contact park staff for advice. We appreciate your efforts to help protect these beautiful spaces.

Our Shoreline

The Presqu’ile shoreline is a dynamic and attractive place, for both humans and animals. The following outlines some of the natural events and their effects you may see, and some of the rules to follow, while visiting. Please follow these rules to ensure people can safely enjoy our shores with a minimum of disturbance to wildlife.

Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding is not allowed anywhere along the sand beach during the crucial spring migration period from May 1 to June 10 inclusive. Outside this period kiteboard launching is allowed from the north end of the beach, beyond Beach 1. Please follow the directional signs to the launch area. Ensure that you stay well clear of the swimming area and off-shore islands. An alternative boarding location is in Lake Ontario off the picnic area. Beach-goers please give kiteboarders room to launch.

Islands Off Limits

Gull and High Bluff Islands are the breeding grounds for one of the most diverse waterbird colonies on the Great Lakes. During the breeding season, over 40,000 pairs of adult gulls, terns, herons and cormorants nest in the trees and on every square metre of available ground. A poorly-timed visit to the islands can lead to widespread panic among the birds and the death of hundreds of chicks. For this reason, access to Gull Island, High Bluff Island and the waters 200 metres from their shorelines is prohibited from March 10 to September 10 inclusive.

Sick Gulls

Presqu’ile’s gull colonies produce about 200,000 chicks each year, yet a great many of these young birds will die before they reach adulthood. Some gull chicks are born with defects that prevent them from growing normally, while others are simply weak and unable to fend for themselves. Cruel as it may seem, this annual “die-off” is necessary for the health of Presqu’ile’s gull colonies. If too many chicks were to survive, food supplies would dwindle, disease would become prevalent and the overall health of the colonies would decline.

and other shorebirds

This Beach is for the Birds Too

You will notice our beach maintenance staff do not rake the area from Beach 3 south to Owen Point. This is part of our strategy to conserve this area for the large number of shorebirds that gather here during spring and fall migration (which starts in July!). Please do not enter this area of the beach or the shoreline as human presence disrupts shorebird feeding and resting and can impair their ability to migrate and breed successfully.

Botulism

At certain times of the year, you may notice large numbers of dead fish along the shoreline of Lake Ontario. This is a natural, and can be a common occurrence. Healthy fish naturally carry bacteria in their bodies, including Clostridium botulinum, the organism that causes botulism. Dead fish that have washed up on shore create ideal conditions for the bacteria to produce the botulism toxin. When birds eat decaying fish that carry the toxin, they become paralyzed. You cannot contract botulism by swimming in or drinking lake water. However, you can become sick if you eat the raw flesh of a contaminated animal. For health reasons, we advise park visitors not to handle dead animals. Park staff routinely collect dead birds and fish that wash up on the shoreline. Please contact park staff if you would like more information.

Presqu’ile’s PARK STORE

We are the source for your camping needs:

• Firewood • Ice • Groceries

• Camping Supplies • Beach Accessories

• Ontario Parks Merchandise

• Used book exchange

Open weekends Victoria Day to Canada Day and daily Canada Day to Labour Day.

Serving:

• Old-fashioned milkshakes

• Scooped ice cream - up to 16 varieties!

Located on Presqu’ile Parkway, 2.2km from the Main Gate or follow the bicycle paths from the Camp Office or High Bluff Campground.

Our Picnic Shelter!

Our Picnic Shelter is available to rent on a daily basis for groups up to 70 people. Rental fee is $75.00/day, which includes a large solid fuel BBQ (bring your own fuel). Reservations can be made online or at the general Ontario Parks reservation line. Once the camping season starts it can also be reserved at the gatehouses. If the shelter is not reserved (check the sign outside), feel free to use it.

FREE WiFi

The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre

The Friends of Presqu’ile provide a free service for campers and park visitors. The FREE WiFi hotspot is available in the area of the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre. This service is available from May to October.

The Friends, with support from DeCastris Electronics (Belleville), have installed a router in the LIC which transmits about 30 metres to the front of the building. Visitors and staff are able to log on while sitting outside on the picnic benches.

Dunlin

can be common on Presqu’ile’s beach during migration. Photo: D. Bree

Take a Walk on Presqu’ile’s Trails

Presqu’ile was made for walking; its flat terrain and views of Lake Ontario attract walkers all year round. A favorite route for many is the paved one-way driving loop around the peninsula.

For those wanting a more natural experience Presqu’ile has 12 kilometres of traditional trails to explore.

Marsh Boardwalk (1.2km)

Experience the wonders of the marsh along an 800-metre barrierfree boardwalk. Two observation towers offer a panoramic view of one of the largest marshes on Lake Ontario. Interpretive panels along this trail will introduce you to the world of the marsh.

Owen Point Trail (1.6km)

This trail offers excellent opportunities to see migrating birds in the spring and fall. At Owen Point you can catch a distant glimpse of the largest, most diverse waterbird colony on the Great Lakes. Pets are not permitted in the viewing stations along this trail.

Pioneer Trail (3.8km)

Follow the yellow arrows.

Newcastle Trail (4.3km)

Follow the orange arrows.

These trails lead you through the forests, plantations and old fields found in the heart of the Presqu’ile peninsula.

Both trails use roadways for part of their length so be cautious of vehicles and monitor children running ahead on the trail.

Jobes’ Woods Trail (1.4km)

This trail winds through an area that was once part of a farm settled by Thomas and Ezekial Jobes in 1835. This part of their farm remained relatively undisturbed and today contains one of the oldest woodlots at Presqu’ile.

Lighthouse Foot Path (0.3km)

Visit Presqu’ile’s lighthouse and read about Presqu’ile’s history at interpretive panels along the way. This path also provides excellent birding opportunities during spring and fall migration.

Bicycles at Presqu’ile

Cyclist and pedestrian lanes are provided along the main road between the Main Gate and the Camp Office and around the loop road. Remember these are shared lanes, please give pedestrians the right-of-way. Between the Park Store and Camp Office there is a paved pathway. Please use this and avoid the main road around the curve.

Bicycles are ONLY permitted on roads and paved pathways.

Make sure anything with a scent:

• food

• condiments

• toiletries

• empty cans & bottles

• barbeques

• coolers

• eating utensils

• garbage

is stored securely in your vehicle with all of the windows up, when you are not on your site during the day, after dark or when you go to bed for the evening. Any scent of food and you will likely have a

Raccoons Are Not Picky Eaters

visit from raccoons. Cooler lids, plastic containers and bar fridges are all easy puzzles for raccoons to figure out how to open.

Never leave garbage unattended and dispose of all waste products in the central waste collection for your campground prior to going to bed.

Pet food should be put away after your pet has eaten and never leave it unattended.

Failure to keep a clean campsite could result in being charged under the Provincial Parks and Conservations Reserves Act

Do your part to keep wildlife wild. Keep your campsite clean and animal proof.

A non-mechanized All-Terrain Wheelchair is available for loan at the Main Gate. This chair helps everyone to enjoy our trails and beach.

Visit the Jobes’ Woods Trail to see some of the oldest trees in Presqu’ile.

Ontario Parks Recreational Water

Posting Fact Sheet

Recreational water quality is routinely monitored at Ontario Parks designated beaches. Samples are tested at Public Health Ontario Laboratories for Escherichia coli (E.coli), an organism found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals.

Water Quality Factors

Recreational water quality is influenced by a number of factors, and can change between sampling periods. Influences include:

• Heavy rainfall

• Large numbers of waterfowl

• High winds or wave activity

• Large number of swimmers

Visitors should avoid swimming if any of these conditions are present.

Recreational Water Posting

Ontario Parks staff post signage at beaches (example below) when E.coli levels in the water exceed provincial standards. Signage is placed to warn bathers that the recreational water may be unsafe for swimming. Swimming in recreational water that is posted for elevated bacterial levels may cause:

• Skin infections/rash

• Ear, eye, nose and throat infections

• Gastrointestinal illness (if water is consumed)

Postings are based on E.coli counts in recreational water samples taken within the past 24 hours, and are removed when test results show bacterial levels are acceptable.

Beach Closures

Ontario Parks staff may physically close beaches using caution tape and information signage in the instance that a health hazard exists that could present a health and safety risk to visitors (bluegreen algae for example).

How you can help

Ontario Parks guests can help maintain our beach water quality by following these simple guidelines:

• Do not feed birds or other wildlife

• Leave nothing behind- dispose of all garbage/food waste

• Use designated pet beaches when swimming with your dog – pets are not permitted in Ontario Parks public beaches

o Do not let children swim in soiled diapers

o Do not use shampoos or soaps in lake water

Water Safety – It’s Your Responsibility

1. There are no lifeguards on our beaches. Water safety is your responsibility at all times.

2. Take the steps to be safe around water. Learning how to swim and water survival techniques help keep us all safe.

3. Always supervise children and non-swimmers by watching them when they are in or around the water.

4. Ensure children and non-swimmers wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in or around the water.

5. Swim only in designated swimming areas. When the water is rough, or conditions are not clear – STAY OUT! Never swim alone. You should always swim with a buddy.

6. Using a floatie? Offshore winds often blow inflatables out into dangerous waters. Ensure inflatable rafts or toys are used in shallow water areas only and pay attention to changing wind conditions.

7. Be responsible. Avoid substance use when involved in water-related

8.

Firewood is available from the Camp Office and Main Gate. Regrettably the bags are NOT recyclable –please place them in the garbage.

9. If you suspect a drowning or any other type of water emergency, call

Recreational use of drones in provincial parks is not permitted.

Visit OntarioParks.com to learn about applying for authorization for commercial or research purposes.

THE FRIENDS OF PRESQU’ILE PARK

Welcome everyone to The Friends of Presqu’ile Park portion of this publication. In case you are new to who we are, let me outline briefly what it is we do. The Friends of Presqu’ile Park is a charitable organization devoted to preserving and protecting the natural heritage of Presqu’ile Provincial Park. The Friends, as we are often known, work to enhance the educational opportunities for park visitors, provide volunteer assistance for park activities, and provide funding for selected educational and environmental projects. We are an organization that believes that the natural heritage of this unique area must be preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy. We trust that our vision is shared by those who visit the park. Over the past thirty-six years, it is estimated that The Friends have contributed over $5 million dollars and volunteered 250,000 hours of time to the park. None of this is possible without the help of volunteers. Our most important asset is not what is shown in financial records. It is the numerous volunteers that dedicate thousands of hours every year to enhance the park experience for the visitors. Our Board of Directors provides leadership in guiding us throughout the year. They work behind the scenes in planning and developing projects that result in contributions and accomplishments for the park. If you wish to become part of this volunteer group, we welcome your interest in joining us, by becoming a member.

Some of our contributions are financial. We support the Common Tern Protection Program, the park’s Tree Nursery Operations, the removal of invasive species from the park, the Kids N Nature Virtual Field Trips, and the park’s Discovery Program. These accomplishments as well as others, rely on various financial means. Fundraising/Raffles, Charitable Donations, Memorial Tree Planting, the Gift Shop, Barbecues, and Membership itself, are what propels us in our endeavours.

Visit our website: www.friendsofpresquile. on.ca to plan your park visit and find suggested activities for youngsters and adults alike. Enjoy your visit to Presqu’ile where there is so much to see and do.

Terry

Buchkowsky, Chair The Friends of Presqu’ile Park

the Friends

• Actively volunteer as a trail monitor, fundraiser, builder, interpreter, committee member or board member

• Help our fundraising efforts by visiting our BBQs, buying a raffle ticket or making a donation

MARSH BOARDWALK ADVENTURES

The Marsh Boardwalk is one of the most popular trails in Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Visitors can enjoy this easy 1.2 km long trail featuring 800m of boardwalk and two viewing towers. The Presqu’ile marsh is one of the largest marshes on the north shore of Lake Ontario and the boardwalk offers many opportunities to view nature up close. The final ¼ km of the trail takes visitors through an old forest. Be sure to get a picture perched on one of the “horse trees”, odd Eastern White Cedars that were damaged well over a hundred years ago.

The Marsh Boardwalk has long been a special project of The Friends of Presqu’ile Park. The original boardwalk was removed around 15 years ago because it had become a hazard. The Friends of Presqu’ile raised over $300,000 and contributed

about 9,000 hours of volunteer labour to construct the new Marsh Boardwalk trail.

Heavy flooding in 2017 and 2019 caused extensive damage to the boardwalk and it had to be closed again. The Friends of Presqu’ile launched a very successful “Raise the Boardwalk” fundraising campaign. Volunteers and park staff spent several hundred hours shoring up and raising the boardwalk. Thank you to our volunteers and generous donors for making this possible.

As you walk along the trail you will encounter 16 interpretive panels that will introduce you to the marsh and showcase some of the plants and animals that call this area home. The Marsh Boardwalk provides hours of fun and learning for park visitors, young and old alike.

D.Bree

N. Sutton J. Cockburn J. Cockburn

M. Barker

THE FRIENDS OF PRESQU’ILE PARK

The Common Tern – a Good News Story

The Common Tern is a small waterbird that returns to Presqu’ile Provincial Park each spring to nest. Some 50 years ago, the breeding colony was over 10,000. By the 1970’s that population had dwindled to fewer than 200 birds. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is one of the last natural breeding areas in the lower Great Lakes Region - so, it was critical that measures be put in place to protect and grow this colony.

For the past sixteen years, researchers from Penn State University and the Biodiversity team at Presqu’ile have been hard at work looking for ways to support this small colony. With funding from The Friends of Presqu’ile Park, a series of predator exclusion grids were developed and placed on the islands where the birds nest. These grids are fenced enclosures that protect the breeding terns and allow the adults and the young chicks to move about, but prevent large predators, such as the night heron, from reaching the chicks. The team has developed both stationary and moveable grids. The public is not permitted on Gull Island and High Bluff Island during the breeding season so that the nests are not inadvertently disturbed or abandoned.

Funding from The Friends has also provided monitoring equipment and support for banding of the birds. After a couple of difficult breeding seasons, 2023 was a huge success as over 350 common terns fledged and left for their winter homes in South America. This was the most successful

Finding Tomorrow’s Leaders Today – the Friends of Presqu’ile Park Bursary Program!

Visitors to Presqu’ile Provincial Park have grown accustomed to seeing the smiling faces of park staff throughout their visit. Staff members can be found busily checking in campers or selling day passes at the gate, cleaning and maintaining the washrooms and campgrounds, running the interpretive programs, and providing friendly service at the camp store and visitor centre. Their work is crucial to the success of the park. What many visitors don’t realize is that most of these employees are summer students.

The Friends are pleased to offer a $1,000 bursary to recognize one of these hardworking young people to encourage them to continue their education at university, college, or trades training. Nominations from the public are encouraged, so the next time you witness a star performer in action, please let us know. The nomination deadline is August 19th.

Nomination forms are available at the Gatehouse or from our website: www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca.

Nomination Form for Student Employee Bursaries

Park Student Employee’s Name:

Nominator’s Name:

Nominator’s Telephone Number:

Why are you recommending this student?

Accessible Beach Walkway

Thanks to funds raised by the Friends of Presqu’ile, from the Municipality of Brighton, John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation and Ontario Parks, bright blue beach mats are now in place during the summer. The mats run from Beach 1 parking lot out into the beach and allow access to the beach for those with mobility issues.

THE FRIENDS OF PRESQU’ILE PARK

Tips and Tools to Enjoy the Park

A day spent in nature is so important to our health and well-being. Presqu’ile Provincial Park has a plethora of ways to make your visit fun for young and old alike. The Park is beautiful in all seasons with so many trails providing opportunities to view nature up close.

The Friends of Presqu’ile’s newly updated website at www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca has plenty of resources to enhance your visit. The website section called Enjoy the Park, has activities for everyone. If you want to enjoy the Park’s trails, you can download Trail Guides to keep you on the right track. While you are enjoying a stroll on the trails, perhaps you would like to keep track of the wildlife you see. You can download Wildlife Checklists. Perhaps you would like to have a Scavenger Hunt or play Nature Bingo – there are activity sheets available for printing. One excellent guide is entitled “How to Spend a Day at Presqu’ile with Kids” – it will appeal to the kid in all of us. There are printable books and activity sheets on birds, the beach, the marsh, butterflies and many more.

The Friends of Presqu’ile are particularly proud of our new Virtual Kids ‘N Nature Field Trips. This video series explores the marsh, using age-appropriate videos and activity worksheets. Although designed for educators, they can easily be used by families. Use the video to prepare for exploring the newly repaired Marsh Boardwalk’s new interpretive panels – a fun and educational outing for the whole family.This excellent tool was made possible by the generous support of longtime Friends member Audrey E. Wilson, the Brian Todd Foundation and Canada Summer Jobs Grants.

Have Fun in the Park –Become a Volunteer

The Friends of Presqu’ile Park support educational and environmental initiatives in the park as well as tackling improvements to the park’s infrastructure. We rely on volunteers to help with our activities, programs, and projects within the park. Opportunities can include everything from trail building and repair, sales, writing, greeting guests, organizing special events, serving on a committee or planting trees – something for every interest! Volunteering is a great way to get involved and provides many opportunities to meet new and interesting people. Some activities require only a few hours once or twice a season; others ask for more of your time. Your involvement is up to you.

If you would like to get involved, simply sign up online at our website: www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca. Someone will be in touch.

The Friends’ Lighthouse Gift Shop

The Lighthouse Gift Shop is located inside the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre at the foot of the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse. We welcome you to come and browse our extensive array of goods, including our newly renovated Art Gallery We have some fabulous new apparel designs featuring the Friends of Presqu’ile logo, collectible pins, stuffed animals and toys for all ages. We will also be selling fire starters made by our local Sunny Days group here in Brighton – making it easy to enjoy sitting around your campfire with friends and family.

The Gift Shop also features works by local artisans including jewelry, ornaments, pebble art, watercolour prints and note cards. There is fudge, jam, and jellies for your sweet tooth and chilled bottled water to quench your thirst.

Each year, over 20,000 visitors stop by the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre and the Gift Shop to purchase goods, make donations, obtain information about the park and the local community, and, of course, learn about the work of The Friends of Presqu’ile Park.

100% of the proceeds of the Lighthouse Gift Shop sales remain in Presqu’ile Park to further The Friends’ Educational and Environmental initiatives.

The Lighthouse Gift Shop will be open weekends starting the May long weekend. Check our website (www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca) for details on the seasonal hours during the summer months.

Enjoy the Park, join The Friends of Presqu’ile

The Friends of Presqu’ile is a non-profit, charitable organization run by volunteers and is focused on providing an understanding and an appreciation of the unique natural and cultural history of Presqu’ile Park. You may have walked through the Jobes’ Woods Trail or used the accessible beach mat. These are two of the many projects funded and constructed by volunteers of the Friends. There are many other great opportunities to participate on our programs and projects.

By becoming a Friend, you will make a difference in protecting Presqu’ile Park and ensuring that the quality of these experiences will continue for others to enjoy. You can complete the membership form online or pick up a physical form at the Lighthouse Gift Shop inside the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre.

www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca/membership

THE FRIENDS OF PRESQU’ILE PARK

Our Accomplishments

How does the work of the Friends of Presqu’ile Park impact me as a park user?

If you are a visitor to Presqu’ile, your experience has been improved through the work of the Friends. Our organization has contributed over $5 million worth of funds and volunteer hours to the park since 1988. While the list of our completed projects is extensive, here are some accomplishments that impact your visit. We could not have completed these projects without the support of other organizations and our dedicated volunteers!

Do you use the beach or picnic facilities?

We:

• Placed a beach accessibility mat at Beach 1 in cooperation with the Municipality of Brighton, Ontario Parks, and the Parrott Foundation

• Constructed accessibility boardwalks at washroom facilities.

• Built picnic tables to replace those lost to flooding.

Are you a trail user?

We:

• Funded the replacement of the Marsh Boardwalk through fundraising and donations ($320,000). Our volunteer team did all the construction (10,000 hours)

• Built the boardwalks on Jobes’ Woods Trail ($90,000), improving accessibility for users of all abilities. Work was carried out by our volunteer builders (5,000 hours)

• Installed boardwalks over wet areas along the Newcastle, Pioneer, and Owen Point trails

Do you enjoy wildlife viewing?

We:

• Contributed to the funding for the research behind and building of wildlife tunnels and turtle fencing ($100,000) along with Brighton Rotary Club, Ontario Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources and Laurentian University

• Removed Scot’s Pine from the panne habitat ($25,000). We continue to remove invasive plant species as well as collect native tree seeds, grow seedlings, and plant them in the park.

• Built the viewing decks at Calf Pasture, Lighthouse Point, and the Camp Office

Do you participate in education activities?

We:

• Funded half the cost of the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre ($500,000)

• Paid the salary of interpretive staff at the visitor centres and for outreach programs.

• Constructed a new stage at the amphitheatre

How You Can Support the Work of the Friends –DONATE

As you can see from the articles in this publication, the Friends of Presqu’ile Park continue to support many programs in the park. We need your support to continue our work to enhance the educational, interpretive, and ecological programs in the park – we need to raise at least $70,000 each year just to maintain our current programs. Of course, new projects and requirements happen regularly, and we want to be ready to assist where needed.

We are a registered charity so your donation to the Friends is tax deductible. We have teamed up with Canada Helps to make it very simple for you to donate – just head to our website: www. friendsofpresquile.on.ca. and click on the big “Donate” button. You can donate by credit card and a receipt is automatically sent to you. Of course, you can also donate by cheque. Simply mail your donation to P.O. Box 1442, Brighton, ON, K0K 1H0.

Some donors prefer to set up a regular monthly donation or to donate stocks and bonds – our treasurer would be delighted to set this up. Simply use the Contact Us link on our website or give us a call at 613475-1688. Planned giving helps you to control your cash flow and helps us to manage our needed revenues. You may choose to donate to our General Fund or to support our Environmental Fund or our Memorial Tree Planting Program.

The Environmental Fund was established to ensure we can contribute to important environmental initiatives in Presqu’ile Park. Each year, volunteers and park staff remove invasive species and replace them with native trees grown in the park nursery. Funds are also used to support research and protection programs for wildlife in the park. Some recent success stories include the installation of fencing and underpasses to reduce mortality in turtles, snakes and frogs and the work to help the Common Tern colony at Presqu’ile. You can direct your donation to the Environmental Fund if you donate online, in person or by mail.

Your financial support will help to ensure the beauty of Presqu’ile Park is preserved for generations to come.

Memorial Tree Planting Program

Many people have asked about making a memorial donation in remembrance of a loved one or to mark a milestone event (birthday, anniversary etc). To meet such requests, The Friends of Presqu’ile Park are pleased to announce a Memorial Tree Planting Program.

We are pleased to support Presqu’ile Provincial Park and its staff and provide visitors with an enhanced experience. Please demonstrate your appreciation for the contributions from donors, volunteers, and park staff by

• Using facilities properly

• Cleaning up after yourself

• Treating other park users with kindness

• Not harming or removing wildlife, plants, and natural objects from the park

During the third weekend in April and the third weekend in October, Memorial Trees will be planted in the presence of the donor(s) by making an appointment. The trees will come from the park nursery, grown from seeds collected in the park. The minimum donation is $100.00. There will be the choice of a deciduous or coniferous tree. An income tax receipt will be issued for the full amount of the donation. A picture of the donor(s) with the tree will be provided.

These trees will be planted to regenerate the park forest. The location for the planting will be chosen by the park and the planting will be done by the park. To make a donation, please go to our website: www. friendsofpresquile.on.ca/memorial-tree-planting

THE FRIENDS OF PRESQU’ILE PARK

2023 Life Membership Award

Congratulations to Bev Cook, who received our Life Membership Award at our 2023 Annual General Meeting.

Bev has shown an unfailing commitment to improving our organization and is thus very deserving of this award. She has been a key player in keeping our policies and procedures up to date, facilitating our planning processes, and establishing our student bursary program.

Bev currently volunteers with The Friends as the Chair of our Communications Committee. This year she has authored quarterly articles in the Brighton Beacon magazine to promote the work of our organization and the park. Before this role, she served as Corporate Secretary and Chair of the Board of Directors. Congratulations, Bev, and thank you for all that you have done to promote the work of the Friends and support the Park and its staff.

Don’t be Shy, Keep in Touch

There are a number of ways you can keep in touch with Presqu’ile Park. Become a member of The Friends, volunteer, or sign up on the home page of our website, www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca, to receive our news bulletins.

Telephone: 613-475-1688

Use Contact Us link on our website: www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca

Caring for and Preserving Presqu’ile Provincial Park Together

Friends in Action

Nursery Work. Presqu’ile operates its own tree nursery. Seeds are collected in the park, nurtured in a green house and then transferred to growing beds in the nursery. Friends help with all aspects of the operation.

fall.

The Friends of Presqu’ile Park is a non-profit charitable association of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the educational, interpretive, and scientific research programs at Presqu’ile Provincial Park. A registered Charitable Organization 124351511 RR0001

Bursary Winners – 2023

The Friends of Presqu’ile Park offer two bursaries to deserving seasonal staff members who intend to continue their post-secondary or skilled trades education. The aim of the bursaries is two-fold – to recognize outstanding young people who work in the park and to encourage continuing education. Once again, this year, there were several deserving candidates, making the Awards Committee’s job even more challenging. However, two students stood out.

The $3000 Beverlie Cook Career Bursary was awarded to Eryn Barton. Eryn has worked at Presqu’ile Park for the past three summers, in 2022 she was the Park Store Supervisor and in 2023 the acting Assistant Park Clerk, where she oversaw the gate operations. Her determination, work ethic and mentorship earned her high praise from her supervisors. Eryn is studying Business Administration at Western University’s Ivey Business School. She is particularly interested in business sustainability and has taken additional courses geared towards leading sustainable organizations. She intends to graduate in 2024. Eryn hopes to have a career on the business side of Ontario Parks, in a Senior Park Clerk role and eventually use her business management skills at the regional level of the Ontario Parks system.

The $1000 Student Employee Bursary was awarded to Ida Mackey. Ida joined the park staff in 2021, she worked as a gate attendant for two seasons before taking on a more supervisory role in the maintenance department over the summer of 2023. Ida received several glowing recommendations from park visitors who commented on her cheerful, positive attitude and how she goes out of her way to make visitors feel welcome. She was always willing to offer assistance and answer questions in detail. Ida attends Sir Sanford Fleming College, in the Fish and Wildlife Technician program. She hopes to make a career in Ontario Parks.

Bursary Winners Eryn and Ida.

Tree Planting. Trees from the nursery are used for reforestation and buffer zones between campsites. Planting by Friends and Staff occurs in spring and

Photos: M. Barker

Buckthorn Removal. Volunteers and Staff work to eliminate buckthorn and other invasive species in the park.

Facility Repair. Friends build and maintain boardwalks and viewing platforms in the park.

D. Bree

Presqu’ile for Kids

Nature and History Activity Books

Looking for something for your kids to do outside our regularly scheduled programs? Presqu’ile has two kids’ activity books, which children and their families can use to explore Presqu’ile.

The Presqu’ile for Kids Nature Activity Book features 40 pages of activities that will help you explore Presqu’ile’s diverse habitats. Gulliver the Ring-billed Gull will take you on an adventure to explore the habitats of Presqu’ile from the beach to the marsh and everywhere in between!

Or maybe history is more your style? Join Simon the Sailor and become a Presqu’ile History Explorer with the Brighton and Presqu’ile for Kids History Activity Book. Inside are 24 pages of things to do and read that will help you explore Brighton and Presqu’ile’s past.

Books are available by donation to the Friends of Presqu’ile Park and can be picked up at the Nature Centre or Lighthouse Interpretive

Did you know there are over 10,000 known species living in provincial parks? How do we know this? From iNaturalist sightings uploaded by visitors just like you!

☑ Want to help us protect the living things that make parks beautiful?

☑ Do you have a budding scientist or nature enthusiast in your group?

☑ Have you ever wanted to learn about plants and animals living in the park you’re visiting?

It’s as simple as

Visit iNaturalist.ca or download the app.

Snapping a picture of a living thing Uploading it to the app ✓ Letting iNaturalist’s algorithms and experts help identify what you saw

This free app helps park staff, scientists, and your community protect nature.

Try it today and help protect the places you love to visit.

 2,500 species recorded

 over 20,000 observations and counting!

The story of the Monarch butterfly, its lifecycle and migration is well known by many school children and adults. When you are at Presqu’ile you have a chance to experience that story first hand. Monarchs usually arrive at Presqu’ile in small numbers in late May. If you are lucky enough to see one of these, note its condition. These will be tattered, longdistance migrants. These early Monarchs will be looking for milkweed shoots to lay eggs on. Follow one and see if it is successful. By June and July we are starting to see fresh Monarchs. These butterflies will stay in the area and breed. Watch them and see what they like to feed on – flower nectar, fruit juices (from wild fruit), water from mud puddles, even the juices from dead animals!

By the 1st of July, Common Milkweed is usually flowering so it is easy to spot. Watch for Monarchs fluttering around Milkweeds but only landing for split seconds. That is probably a female laying eggs. Go look under the leaf she was at and see if you can find a cream-coloured dot. This is the egg! A good place to look are the milkweeds at the Nature Centre. Ask staff if they know where any eggs are.

Eggs hatch into caterpillars. There are usually some zebra-striped caterpillars in the Nature Centre display, but it is more fun to try and find them in the wild. Look for milkweeds with holes in the leaves and examine them. Don’t forget to look under the leaves. Big caterpillars are fairly obvious but small ones are difficult to find. In summer don’t mix-up the Monarch with the look-alike Viceroy. The Viceroy is slightly smaller and has a black line on its hind wing parallel to the hind edge about 1cm in. A good place to compare the two is in the back-beach areas. Viceroy caterpillars eat willow and can be common here. Monarchs like to go to the flowers that grow in this area.

By late August, most of the Monarchs flying around are those that will go to Mexico. They start drifting south from all over the province and start building up in numbers along the lakeshore. They are waiting for a good north wind to take them across the lake. There are usually hundreds, if not thousands, of monarchs in the park, peaking in the first 10 days of September. On rare occasions there might be tens of thousands of these butterflies present, sometimes all in one big roost! This is the generation of Monarchs that we tag. Check out the Nature Centre in late August to Labour Day, they often have a Monarch to tag and let go. Labour Day weekend is also our traditional Monarch tagging days with expert Don Davis. He has been tagging butterflies at Presqu’ile for 35 years. Monarchs can be seen in the park into November if the weather stays nice, but it is unlikely these late emerging butterflies will make it to Mexico.

Whatever time you visit Presqu’ile, from June to September you will be able to share in part of the Monarch story.

Monarch tagging. Photo: M. Van Meer

The Monarch look-alike Viceroy can also be seen at Presqu’ile.

DISCOVERY

STOP! Answer these questions to have your camping experience changed forever!

Yes or no, do you like:

Exploring

Feeling at peace in nature

Animals

History

Art

Campfires

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to give a Discovery program a try!

Our park Discovery staff create interactive and engaging programs that are great for all ages. From art or exploring programs, to campfires and nature wellness, each program shares the stories of the exceptional plants, animals, and history the park protects.

Ask park staff for more information about the activities happening during your visit.

This tabloid is printed on recycled paper

Learn a new skill at one of our Park Ambassador drop-in workshops! Learn about park wildlife, build a campfire like a pro, gain knowledge about knots, and learn other skills that will level up your camping game.

Go to OntarioParks.com/events, look for schedules posted in the park, or check with park staff to find out when and where to find a workshop.

Join our Discovery Staff at a program this summer!

Learn to make the perfect campfire with our Park Ambassador.

MORE TO DISCOVER

Presqu’ile is just one of over 330 provincial parks and conservation reserves within the Ontario Parks system. Whether an immense wilderness or a small urban nature reserve, every park plays a critical role in the protection of our biodiversity and cultural heritage. Now that you have explored Presqu’ile, why not take some time to explore another provincial park nearby.

Ferris Provincial Park

30 minutes north of Presqu’ile on the edge of Campbellford you will find Ferris Provincial Park. This small park along the Trent River features forested campsites and over ten kilometres of hiking trails. Visit the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge a unique 300-foot-long bridge suspended 30 feet above the Trent River. Located close to Campbellford

This park is a 40-minute drive to the east of Presqu’ile. It is a day-use park only and features a 2-kilometre bay-mouth barrier sandbar and dune system. Beware – on windy and wavy days the Lake Ontario beach is known for its rip currents and swimming can be dangerous. The bay side is almost always calm but has a steep drop-off, so caution is always required. North Beach is open June 8th to October 6th this year. Reserve your daily vehicle permit online to guarantee entry to this park - https:// reservations.ontarioparks.com/

Darlington Provincial Park

Less than an hour west of Presqu’ile this park on the shore of Lake Ontario is open all year for day-use or enjoy a family camping experience close to home from May to October. It features six kilometres of trails to explore, and three large picnic shelters are available to rent. The beach at Darlington is also popular with wildlife – endangered Piping

The famous Sandbanks is about an 80 minute drive to the east in Prince Edward County. During July and August this is a very busy park so consider visiting in the spring or fall instead. Sandbanks is home to the largest freshwater bay-mouth barrier and dune formation in the world. Along with three sandy beaches there are six different trails to explore or rent a canoe to paddle the outlet river. Reserve your daily vehicle permit online to guarantee entry to this park - https://reservations. ontarioparks.com/

This publication is made possible with the participation of local businesses and organizations.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

North Beach Provincial Park

Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge. Photo: Northumberland Tourism

LOCAL SERVICES

LOCAL SERVICES

Reservations To make a campsite reservation at Presqu’ile or any other Ontario Provincial Park, please call

(1-888-668-7275), 7 am to 9 pm EST or visit www.ontarioparks.com 24 hours a day. Reservations can be made up to 5 months in advance. A non-refundable $13.00 (Call Centre) or $11.00 (Internet) fee applies. The same phone number and internet site can be used to cancel or change a reservation. A minimum $10.50 (Call Centre) or $8.50 (Internet) fee applies.

Please note that campers who make reservations and subsequently cancel or shorten their length of stay before their arrival date will be refunded only a percentage of the camping fees, depending on how long the reservation has been held.

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