Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Trails

Sheppard’s Bush After Last Night Windy Snow Storm, Looked Good

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:07:41 +0000

It is amazing how volatile our weather is. Last night we thought our roof will be blown away and next morning it was very quiet. Started to warm up as well. Snow melting away and it almost rained. And guess what – spring tomorrow.

Today I ventured out with Peter Cameron on photo walk around the Shappard’s Bush Conservation Area. It is interesting how little I always explored, always the same path or trail. This time I got 360 view of the Windfall Ecology Centre (former Sheppard’s House) and few other paths I never attempted to explore. All thanks to Peter.

When we arrived the wood was burning again near the Windfall Ecology Centre and when there is no wind – these fumes are much stronger. They do bother me, but then anything related to smoke bothers me. However, the fumes are not that bad as I initially thought. So behind the shed Peter showed me the gasification boiler. I am not going to explain in my words, just copy what was written on the plaque. That way the message will not be lost in translation.

Wood Gasification Boiler

“The Sheppard House is heated by a wood gasification boiler. The waste wood burned in the gasification boiler heats water in underground insulated tubes that run inside the house to a heat exchanger that connects to hydronic radiator system. The heating method is carbon neutral because the carbon that is emitted is equivalent to that which the waste trees sequester and would emit through decomposition. This wood gasification boiler has an average efficiency of 85.74%.“

Sounds great, but here is something to think about – this process is accelerated process, therefore, generates more fumes in the shorter period of time, and burns more trees in the shorter period of time.

Wood Gasification Boiler, Windfall Ecology Centre

You can view other photos of the regular stuff that can be found at the Sheppard’s Bush, whatever mother nature provided that day for photo shoot and the sheds all around.

Cartridge Recycling, Sheppard’s Bush, Town of Aurora

I saw blue recycling bin, but never ever I have seen the yellow bin. We discovered that it was for recycling ink cartridges. Well, I never anticipated to find that in the Sheppard’s Bush as well.

Today was also grand opening of the Target store in Aurora. I wasn’t going to miss it and miss the photo opportunity, however, only outside, and not inside the store.

Winter Wonderland At The Aurora Community Arboretum, A Guest Photo

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 22:12:19 +0000

What a wonderful opportunity to conclude the 2012 year with a guest photo – a beautiful landscape of the Aurora Community Arboretum. A photo taken by Tom Yates. I don’t think I ever posted guest photo on this blog but sometimes I have to break the rules and may be stop being little ‘selfish‘.

Aurora Community Arboretum, Winter Photo 2012, Photography by Tom Yates, Portcullis

Few days ago (December 27th, 2012) I was cleaning Matthew’s bedroom and as always was thinking about something. Suddenly a thought came (Matthew would say an idea flew into my head). I left everything undone and sat in front of my computer at the office – just like that. The thought was to go and check out Evelyn Buck’s blog.

So I did and while I am reading her latest post that day titled The Good The Bad and The Ugly I came across section that read ‘Anna, if you are reading this post, maybe you could make contact with June and ask if you can share this and other beautiful photographs regularly presented in the Arboretum News.‘

After getting nice jolt of goose bumps on back of my spine I wrote Evelyn and Tom.

To make this long story short, Cllr Evelyn Buck tried to share beautiful greeting card she received from the Aurora Arboretum on her blog and wasn’t able to do so. So she called for help – ‘I have tried and tried to reproduce a Christmas Greeting received from Aurora Arboretum. The photo is spectacularly beautiful.‘

And she is right the photo is spectacularly beautiful and I am honoured to be able to showcase it on my blog. I never been to the Arboretum in the winter time and now I got an itch. I often forget how open fields and trails in the winter away from the major roads can still be covered with a prefect snow blanket creating winter wonderland scenes.

This time this scene was photographed by Tom Yates a member of the Aurora Community Arboretum. I also encourage you to visit Arboretum web site for more photographs (2012) of this scenic place. And while you are there, don’t leave. I was very intrigue by the information on that site – especially all the gardening and tree planting activities. I always wondered where all the trees came from whenever I took a long break from visiting; and I am not talking a small trees either.

Happy New Year 2013 Again!

Garden Marker Ideas For Next Year, Another Project from Windfall Ecology Centre

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:53:30 +0000

I almost forgot to share just another meaningful project by the Windfall Ecology Centre. Last month on October 1st we ventured out to the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area. While hovering around the Windfall Ecology Centre, former historic Sheppard’s House, and the picnic area we found few garden patches.

Windfall Ecology Centre, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

I didn’t know at that time, but this is another project by the Windfall Ecology Centre – the community garden. The emphasis is on ‘it doesn’t take a lot to grow fruits and vegetables in your own garden‘. A project that encourages gardening at home, may be in the pots or at the community gardens that are starting to be popular around Aurora.

It also remind me how few years ago I used to grow plum tomatoes in my front yard instead of flowers.

Radish Stone Marker, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

Carrot Stone Marker, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

It is interesting to me that something that used to be a way of life is now encouraged because it rarely exists. Garden was always part of my life and it is kind of sad that all this land around here in Aurora will be eventually developed. Seeing a farm in Aurora – it will be a thing of the past. But I am stretching here, we are talking garden only.

Well, on the happy note, we found something interesting. I had Matthew with me and we had fun reading all the stone markers for the vegetables and fruits. What a good idea for marking your plants in the garden, and reusable one too. On the another note, I didn’t know that cantaloupes were grown here in Ontario. For some reason I always thought that cantaloupe was a tropical fruit.

So I did some research …

The cantaloupe is a fruit and is related to watermelon, honeydew, cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Some write that cantaloupe is a gourd. When choosing right cantaloupe at the supermarket I was using the same method as for watermelon – knock knock and listened for the hollow sound.

Apparently, when choosing a cantaloupe you must use your nose and not your knuckles. Smell for sweet smell, but I an not sure if I am in favor of that method, especially during flu/cold season.

Cantaloupe Stone Marker, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

We also found a bear in the garden. Not real one, but there was a marker for him just in case.

Bear Stone Marker, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

It was first of October and some plants were still blooming on that day. We spotted blooming peas flower and sunflowers.

It is November now and Sheppard’s Bush now looks nothing like before. Our last visit was at night – the Hunted Forest event. Even at night one could see leaves on the ground and some still hanging and beaming bright yellows.

Time really moves forward. We have had few changes in town – the Petch Log house is being reconstructed and the condominium in front of Hollandview Retirement Community on the John West Way is really moving along, but more about that in the posts to come.

Peas, Another Project by Windfall Ecology Centre

Haunted Forest & The Amazing Performances

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 01:30:18 +0000

The haunted forest at the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area turned out to be successful. It was raining all day and just around the five o’clock it stopped. Just in time for the scary night in Aurora or Fright Night 2012.

15 Pumpkins, Fright Night 2012, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Some artistic displays of pumpkins all around – the above is my favorite one.

Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

This was our first time to attend the event and first time at the Sheppard’s Bush at night as well. We only did the little goblin trail. The trail was wet from all the rain but manageable. Not bad at all after all this rain.

Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

I was amazed by the some of the performances. My favorite one was the lady wizard in the booth. You could almost miss her because booth wasn’t lit up, just a bit inside. She sounded scary and mystical and amazing at the same time – so real like in the movie.

Other kids did as well great job acting and creating not so scary environment for smaller children or let say goblins.

Haunted Forest Performers, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

So Matthew was the Iron Man. I am surprised that there weren’t that many superheros around, but everyone knew the Iron Man.

At one point little Charlie from the movie ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory‘ called out to Matthew – ‘I heard that Iron Man likes chocolate‘. Matthew replied with the deep voice ‘yes‘ – and of course walked away trying to stay cool.

Iron Man in the Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Well not just the rain stopped but the sky partially cleared out to show the moon. It would have been nice night and moon showcase during the haunted forest if it was a clear night, but even that I think it was a cool and spooky shot at the same time.

Moon Above Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

The bonfire was fun to stand beside especially when it was a bit chilly especially because it was wet and wet and wet. A man came in stood in front of the fire a bit, then turn around and stood for a bit again. I think he was drying his bottoms. Next time I try that too.

So I took few photos of the fire. I think it formed a ghost in my picture. Can you see one? Look carefully, look for the eyes.

Bonfire at the Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

We almost cancelled our trip to the haunted forest because of the weather. But then why not it is only mud, and cannot be any worst than Matthew’s trip to the farm on the rainy day last Tuesday. Children had mud party. It is amazing to see that you show them a goat or a chicken to observe, no they will choose to jump in the mud.

Good Bye Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Well done. Our trip lasted only forty minutes and enough to get cold and head out home. On the side note, it was scary night at the Sheppard’s Bush not just for little goblins but I am sure for all the wildlife as well.

Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Case Woodlot Trail of Hearts, Painted Hearts, Engraved Hearts

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:21:37 +0000

Case Woodlot Trail is definitely a trail of hearts or a trail of love as someone recently painted few red white hearts on the tree trunks and tree stumps. I found three and photographed three.

Painted Heart, Case Woodlot Trail, Aurora

There are actually four or maybe more. I found forth one last weekend when we finally decided to hire a photographer (A Pic or Two Photography) and have our family pictures done at the Case Woodlot Trail.

It was hard because I didn’t have my camera with me. Well it had to be done since Matthew has been asking why is he missing from our wedding picture.

Painted Heart, Case Woodlot Trail, Aurora

I think that was a creative idea to paint these hearts – dress up the trail as those trail markers we constantly follow becoming a little boring. It was also nice that they are all similar style. I wonder what spark the artist to do such thing – very intriguing.

Painted Heart, Case Woodlot Trail, Aurora

Beside all the painted hearts there are many engraved hearts on the trees. They are not new and have been growing with the tree. There is always someone who loves someone. Sometimes I wonder if any of these couples ever came back to those places. I wonder if those love birds are now married. I tell you there is so much to wonder and ponder when walking the Case Woodlot Trail.

Engraved Heart, Case Woodlot Trail, Aurora

Somethings will not last forever. We noticed big orange R on one of the trees. Probably marked for removal. The tree itself was full of love markings, hearts and initials all over. The tree may be cut down in the near future and hopefully will be left there. If not then all those markings are history, but hey some will survive and are here preserved in photographs.

Engraved Heart, Case Woodlot Trail, Aurora

It is interesting to note how different Case Woodlot Trail is from Sheppard’s Bush Trail. Tall trees, rolling hills, lots of dead trees and in the fall you are definitely going to find lot of different species of mushrooms. Hardly ever I hear birds. Squirrell there and there.

So far we only explored partial trails in the Case Woodlot, only the one that goes along the Handerson Drive. I believe there is a path that exits at the Norm Weller Park.

There are few sitting benches along the way.

Perhaps something still missing. Definitely more signs to let the dog owners know to keep dogs on the leash. When we walked the trail couple of weeks ago a dog charged full force in our direction and barked at us. If it wasn’t for my husband scaring him away he probably would jump at me and Matthew.

Unfortunately, they can smell my fear and the best thing the dog owner could do for those who carry a fear on their back to keep dogs on the leash.

Engraved Love, Case Woodlot Trail, Aurora

First Day Of Fall At Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Geometric Views

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:33:47 +0000

I tell you there is a lot of geometry at the Nokiidaa Trail link boardwalk. Yes the official name is the Nokiidaa Trail boardwalk and not McKenzie Marsh. McKenzie Marsh is the pond on the other boardwalk along the St. John’s sideroad, North side. On the South side you will find Atkinson Park Wetland.

It was first day of fall and I went out around 5 pm to take some evening shots. To my surprise I wasn’t the only one. There were few other photographers along with people going for a walk or a bike ride. Speaking of bikes people continue to ignore the sign telling them to dismount the bike.

For today just enjoy the ride. It is really getting cold and it wasn’t warm either on the first day of fall.

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking East

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking West

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Looking South

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Approaching Biker

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Almost Looking North

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, A Runner

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, A Dead Tree

Love In The Air & Only In The Bug’s Life Here In Aurora

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 03:34:44 +0000

Nature is wonderful. You never know what will appear in front of you. This time I didn’t have to look. This isn’t my best clear shot but it is my best action shot and romantic one too, for the bug of course.

I took this photo walking the Copland Park trail system, a bypass from Aurora Heights Drive to Orchard Heights Boulevard. I don’t have much ideas what to write today, but I thought it is interesting photo to showcase. For those who think that it is bug’s reflection – just look at the wings.

Suddenly Awaken To Smell The Flowers Or May Be Not, Copland Park

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 02:46:32 +0000

Sure enough summer will be over. I wouldn’t be thinking about the summer end yet but the other day I was passing by the clothing area at the Superstore and they had a shelf full of winter gloves on display. Are they saying that we will have an early winter? Who needs Wiarton Willie then?

So yes I was suddenly awaken by the pile of gloves, glad not enlightened by them and Wiarton Willie seems useless when awaken right now. But really summer is ending – days are getting shorter and much cooler. Perhaps we should slow down a bit and still enjoy the rest of the summer and what’s left. Perhaps there is still a time to stop and smell the flowers.

Beetle on the flower, Copland Park, Aurora Heights Drive

If you look around there are plenty of blooming flowers in the open fields around Aurora. The reality is that you don’t want to smell the flowers. For the second time I was suddenly awaken when I looked at some of my macro shots of a beetle on the flower.

Back in June we went for a hike at the Copland Park trail system off Aurora Heights Drive. It was a very nice walk through the forest. Not sure if I want to call it a forest, may be a trail path between subdivisions and surrounded by trees is a proper explanation. We could actually hear people talking at their backyards.

Now back to the beetle on the photo. The beetle hovering on the flower is no more than 5 mm in length, body and the nose or whatever you want to call that think attached to his head. The insect beside him is approximately one fifth of the beetle. That means that this small insect is only 1 mm in length. So this is why you don’t want to smell any kind of flower. Just the things you will be inhaling in addition to pollen.

Oh sometimes those sudden awakenings are not in my favor. All my life I been smelling flowers and I now may have to hold myself back.

Coyote Sighting, Hamilton Park Near Playground On Pinnacle Trail

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:15:15 +0000

It was kind of ironic that just yesterday for some reason I was thinking about the coyotes. It warmed up and we decided to go for a long walk. We walked from home all the way to the Arboretum entrance on Industrial Parkway.

Industrial Parkway, Community Arboretum

We walked the trail and walked out on the Somerton Ct and then headed for the playground at the Thompson Park. We usually walk all the way to the Optimist Park, but then thinking about the coyote made me cut our trail walk short.

Did coyote hear me?

Perhaps.

Today around eleven we were walking on the Pinnacle Trail. It was us, a caregiver with three children and other couple walking. Matthew with other little boy was running ahead of us.

At some point when we were calling them to get back to us – this dog came out from the Hamilton Park (soccer field) right onto Pinnacle Trail and headed West towards St. Andrew’s Golf Course. He was at least five houses away from us. When I walked up to the playground he was already gone.

Coyote Came Out From Here

At first I thought, oh no not another dog off the leash. But then it did not look like a dog. It did not walk like a dog. It was on the mission. It was definitely a coyote, and a good size coyote too – tall and slender. He crossed the road and walked on the sidewalk, definitely passed by the playground unnoticed.

Playground at the Hamilton Park, Pinnacle Trail

Later walking on the Rush Road we found garbage mess. We thought may be he was looking for the food – they always do. I think these sightings will be more common especially with all all the loose rabbits and chipmunks hanging out in our subdivision on our front and back yards.

Now message to all the parents – don’t loose sight of your child on the playground. The play structure can block your view. Stay with your child all the time especially in the areas where there is a lot of open park land and trees.

This was my second sighting of the coyote in the Hamilton Park. First time I was actually at the soccer field when I saw one snooping around on the other side. I don’t know how much we can do about the wildlife around us, but do keep your eyes open around you and watch your small children.

Sorry no picture – I wasn’t fast enough. It is usually the shock of the unexpected slows me down getting my camera. Not to mention safety is always first and we had two children ahead of us.

I Am The Lorax, I Stand To Recognize This Tree, The McKenzie Marsh Truffula Tree

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:24:38 +0000

I strongly recommend reading The Lorax book by Dr. Seuss (guaranteed that it will take you about ten minutes to read) or even better seeing a movie recently released that I saw. It was that one day when I read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss that I decided to read ALL of Seuss’s books.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

It was few months ago that I coincidentally found a copy of The Lorax book in our local Aurora Public Library. I was amazed and very supportive of Dr. Seuss’s environmental literary piece which he published in 1971. Now, I am also a proud owner of the book. Okay, okay, Matthew is..

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

I also read last week’s Weekly Notice Board and under the Public Notice I read the Have Your Say! Tree Protection Bylaw. They asked and here is my Say! And may be little out of context, but I want to speak for the trees, dead or alive.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

Trees clean the air. Trees give us free cooling, that is shade. Trees enhance our neighborhood look. Trees provide food, yes apples grow on trees. Trees provide habitat for wildlife and attract nature’s best flying creatures, the birds. Okay, I am getting carried away; however, that must be enough reasons to stand by the trees.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

So I read the TOWN OF AURORA GENERAL COMMITTEE Approval of Tree Protection By-law dated January 17, 2012 (watch out the link is for PDF file).

I itched and itched to comment on few paragraphs.

‘The online survey was completed by 100 respondents. This could be considered a relatively low participation rate and not indicative of community-wide public opinion, given Aurora’s gross population of over 52,000; however, staff was advised by our Communication Department, who assisted in the survey, that this survey was among the highest in participation of any previously conducted survey.‘

I did not participated in the survey. A one hundred people responded to surveys – a good enough number, I think. Other, over 51,100, did not participated because: many don’t have trees, many of them are children, and some just don’t bother.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, April 2011

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Great Blue Heron, August 2006

‘The current by-law provides for an exemption to golf courses. In reviewing the public survey results and other municipal trees by-laws, the By-law Review Committee sees a need to regulate the cutting of trees on golf course properties; however, the Committee also believes that golf course owners need a level of flexibility to be able to manage their business needs.‘

Oh that clause to exempt the golf courses bothers me. ‘… a level of flexibility to be able to manage their business needs‘ – why not be then in the forestry business.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Great Blue Heron, July 2007

‘Under the current by-law there are no applicable minimum/maximum fines for a first offence. The revised by-law now provides for a minimum fine of $500.00 on a first offence and a maximum fine for any offence of $100,000.00.‘

Yes, the town by-law enforcement officer (I don’t even know if we have one?) has difficulty to charge a dog owner for having a dog off the leash or for not picking up after the dog; do you really think that they will charge someone for cutting a tree. Or may be they will?

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Green Heron, July 2007

“Mister!” he said with a sawdusty sneeze, “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. – The Lorax, Dr. Seuss.

So what really I wanted to talk about is the McKenzie Marsh landmark tree. No doubt it is dead but it has been indirectly alive and a great perching place for many marsh birds as you can see on all the photographs here taken over many years. I took many pictures over the years and yet found that every year I got a new surprise perching on this tree.

Once heavily preoccupied by Cormorants, the Gray Blue Herons stepped back. Since 2006 the cormorant population slowly declined in the pond and the tree space is often equally shared with herons, osprey and all other smaller bird species.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Osprey, May 2011

And yet I think we know very little about the tree. What kind of tree? How old is the tree? When did it die? Well today I stand to recognize the McKenzie Marsh landmark tree of which I/we know a very little about.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Trumpeter Swan & Mallards, August 2007

I will not be surprised that there is someone who knows a lot more about the tree, that is today still standing, strong and on duty protected by the marsh water.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Northern Flicker, June 2007

Yes, and the real point? The point is that we just need more trees in addition to what we have. We need to protect the trees, by-law or no by-law. As mentioned above they are good in many ways. They are good when cut, but better when alive.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Red Wing Black Bird Females, August 2007

Trees are not only cut at the golf courses, they are cut when new subdivisions are being build. Mature and healthy trees can live for a long time, yet we shred them to nothing. Best example, South East corner of Bayview and St. John’s sideroad. I was so used to this treed corner that since their removal I keep missing the intersection.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Cormorants, August 2007

Having said all that, did you know that you can get great deal of experience and a tree deal for participating in Backyard Tree Planing Program?

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Cormorants, May 2011

‘The Backyard Tree Planting Program is a partnership involving Aurora, York Region and LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests).

Through a full-service Backyard Tree Planting Program, a LEAF arborist meets with the participant in their backyard to select the best species and location. They teach the homeowner proper tree care and the benefits of trees. LEAF staff will return to plant the trees in spring or fall. The cost of this program ranges from $150-200 per tree (and this amount includes the consultation, tree, and planting service).

The Do-It-Yourself Program, participants complete an online workshop (education portion) and receive email advice on species selection from a LEAF arborist, picks up their tree in the spring or fall from a community event, and then plants the tree themselves. The cost for this program ranges from $25-$35 for small trees (for pick up) to $100-$150 for large trees (for delivery)‘.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, Cormorants, October 2006

And regardless of the price you can participate in the Commemorative Tree Program in the Arboretum.

McKenzie Marsh Tree, July 2007

Even better, try not to cut the tree.