Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

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.

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

Sunday Break, Changing Seasons, Happy New Year 2012 Aurorans

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:00:43 +0000

Sunday photo showcase. All posts titled Sunday Break are photo(s) only and a quote. Posted photos may not be necessary the most current one and as always it is all about Town of Aurora. Enjoy!

Late Spring, Maple Syrup Shack at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

Winter, Maple Syrup Shack at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

‘We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.’ ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

White Breasted Nuthatch, Found At The Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:20:44 +0000

I saw this tiny White Breasted Nuthatch [Sitta carolinensis] for the first time many years ago, probably 5 years ago at the Roger’s Reservoir. The photo wasn’t the best as I was shooting across the river, but it made my birding list.

White-Breasted Nuthatch, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

While wondering at the Sheppard’s Bush couple of days ago I spotted couple of them at the entrance flying from tree to tree and then diving for few seeds. The nuthatch photo success is thanks to someone who spread seeds at the both information booths at the entrance to the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area.

There were chickadees and morning doves as well, but I already have complete photo collection of them. Chickadees were flying unusually fast and by the time I adjusted my camera I was taking pictures of seeds only. That was probably the squirrel effect.

The interesting part about the Nuthatch bird species was that they were actually climbing or bird walking on the side of the tree trunks, similar to the woodpeckers.

I am glad that I was able to get a very good close up photo this time. Small birds are so adorable.

Black Squirrels, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

Where there are seeds there will be squirrels. I know from experience having my own bird feeder on the back. The squirrels kept the birds away most of the time. Note on the photo how furry the squirrels are during the winter. They definitely need that kind of fur for cold winter days – and I could use some too.

White Winter-y Town Of Aurora, The Beautiful Sheppard’s Bush Stills

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:19:18 +0000

The snow arrived just in time for the ‘after Christmas‘ holiday. We have been blessed with unusual warmer weather this season that was extended all the way to Christmas Day.

Picnic Pavilion, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

I am kind of glad that there was no snow before and for Christmas. The winter snowstorm driving conditions can add to the holiday shopping stress. It is also nice to have nice comfortable drive when visiting loved ones for Christmas.

Picnic Pavilion, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area

When snow arrived all I wanted is run to the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area. I never been there during the winter season. When we arrived there yesterday I was really surprised how beautiful the trails were, especially when under sparkling white blanket of snow. The picnic pavilion and the maple syrup evaporator shack were exceptionally magical when surrounded by the snow.

Maple Syrup Evaporator Shack

I also noticed that the Sheppard House was not under construction anymore. It is possible that the heritage retrofit is now completed.

Sheppard House, Windfall Ecology Centre, Aurora

We probably walked for about 1/2 hour. It was nice to see that the trail is used regularly. It was only two days of snow and the trails were completely padded. They were very comfortable to walk on.

I was hoping for some animals like deer or even a rabbit, but all we found was black squirrels. I shot some photos of the birds but that will be my future post.