Niagara Escarpment a World Biosphere Reserve
February 01st 2012I love how info sometimes just appears in front of you when you use the Internet. I received a link that goes right to UNESCO’s page on stats & info about the Niagara Escarpment as a Biosphere Reserve. Here’s their description of it:
“The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve in Ontario stretches 725 km from Lake Ontario (near Niagara Falls) to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula (between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron). The Escarpment corridor crosses two major biomes: boreal needle leaf forests in the north and temperate broadleaf forest in the south. It also includes wetland complexes, cliff faces, slopes and aquatic ecosystems.”
Browse around here for some more interesting facts and figures.
Free Passes To NordicFest 2012!
January 22nd 2012We are giving away passes to NordicFest Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Festival to be held in Collingwood on Feb. 4, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a full day of fun in the snow at Scenic Caves Nordic Centre at the base of the Niagara Escarpment at Collingwood/Town of Blue Mountains. Latest-model skis and snowshoes will be available to try out. There will be fun contests and free apple cider and hot chocolate to warm up with by the fire in a chalet if you want a break.
Yesterday when we were there for the charity event Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer, the sky was blue, the trees glittered with ice and the snow was good. Lovely.
We have two free individual passes to give away, and one free family pass. To win, just leave a comment and tell us which passes you want. If you win the draw, we’ll get back to you. This offer closes Fri. Jan. 27 at noon.
These tickets are thanks to the generosity of our friends at Get Out There magazine.
Caledon Details Niagara Escarpment
November 14th 2011Mike recently picked up a brochure from the Town of Caledon, called Explore Caledon’s Trails and Bikeways. It has a useful map of Caledon, showing the locations of trails and features of interest. It includes this description of the Niagara Escarpment:
“Where visible, the Escarpment is a massive forested ridge that extends 1,100 km from western New York to Niagara Falls, across southern Ontario, up the Bruce Peninsula, under the waters of Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Island, and down the western shore of Lake Michigan. The process that created the Escarpment began more than 400 million years ago when the limestone and sandstone formed. These geological events are responsible for a myriad of specialized habitats where diverse plants and animals thrive. Recognized as one of Canada’s more significant land formations, the Escarpment was designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1990.”
Well done, Caledon, for this complete information!
The brochure also promotes Caledon’s portions of the Trans Canada Trail, Caledon Trailway, The Bruce Trail and Humber Valley Heritage Trail. All these trails make sense of the brochure’s title. There’s plenty to explore in Caledon.
Size of the Niagara Escarpment
November 08th 2011The wonderful Bruce Trail has helped make the Niagara Escarpment famous. Its free footpath follows the Niagara Escarpment from Queenston, Ont. north to Tobermory, and is about 885 km long. But the Niagara Escarpment covers much more territory than this!
The Niagara Escarpment is actually an international landform that starts in western New York State, goes from the Niagara Falls area up to the northernmost tip of the Bruce Peninsula, continues underwater, perhaps underground, and surfaces at Manitoulin Island. The curving south shore of the island is part of the Niagara Escarpment, as are smaller islands west of Manitoulin.
It’s not finished yet! The Niagara Escarpment passes through the edge of Michigan, then curves south into Wisconsin, where it stops, or starts, depending on your perspective. I’ve seen it referred to as The Great Arc, which is what it really looks like, according to this map on Wikipedia.
This aspect of the Niagara Escarpment is why our friends at the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy are working at preserving land on Manitoulin Island. And why we’ve met some of the people behind the Wisconsin-based Niagara Escarpment Resource Network. And why Meldrum Bay Inn has their ad on our website, in the upper right corner. Meldrum Bay is on the western tip of Manitoulin Island, very much in the Niagara Escarpment. The Bruce Trail covers less than half of the whole Niagara Escarpment, meaning that there is much more to explore than their trail alone, as fantastic as that is.
From time to time we’ll post more interesting info about the Niagara Escarpment here. Do you have any knowledge to share? Or a question you’d like us to look into? Let us know. Leave a comment here.
Fall into Nature at Conservation Halton
October 11th 2011Here’s what’s happening at Conservation Halton this weekend:
Conservation Halton’s Fall into Nature offers activities at six different Halton Parks. The festival celebrates the spectacular landscapes and fall colours of the Niagara Escarpment.
Fall into Nature is on the weekend of October 15 and 16, at Mountsberg, Crawford Lake, Kelso, Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls and Mount Nemo Conservation Areas.
See what our parks have to offer:
Fall into Nature is a wonderful opportunity to see all of the parks in their fall splendour. A detailed schedule of events is available online at www.fallintonature.ca. Visitors will enjoy a variety of unique outdoor experiences including:
*Chairlift rides to the top of the escarpment with spectacular views
*Self-guided and interpreter led tours through our many trails and landscapes
*Tractor-drawn wagon rides through the parks
*Educational and interactive programs (visit an Iroquoian Village, learn about the science of nature)
*Live performances (music, First Nations dancers)
*Demonstrations (Bird of Prey shows, reptile shows, mountain biking)*Various other activities (children’s activities, BBQs, family campfires, and more)
On Saturday, October 15, Conservation Halton will hold its inaugural Forest Festival at Rattlesnake Point. Come out and celebrate the International Year of Forests and learn about the importance of trees and forests in our region. Enjoy interactive displays on the use of forest products, logging demonstrations and more fun activities.
During Fall into Nature visitors will also be able to enjoy the regular activities and programs available at Conservation Halton parks. Be sure to check out the amazing Birds of Prey demonstrations at Mountsberg or travel back in time to the Iroquoian Village at Crawford Lake.
Conservation Halton parks have some of the best places in our area to enjoy the amazing fall colours, the vistas from Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point are particularly incredible.
Park visitors who purchase a one-day park entry during the festival will receive a Fall into Nature passport valid for one full day’s admission to all six parks. Show your passport on subsequent days and receive a discount on your entry.
Take a ride on the Fall Bus Tour and lunch is on us! You can sit back and enjoy the ride as we take you on a guided tour of Fall into Nature on October 15 and 16. The tour will take you to three distinctive parks, Kelso, Crawford Lake and Mountsberg where you will learn about the areas natural and cultural history, while enjoying a variety of special events.
Your full-day bus tour includes:
*Chairlift ride at Kelso to enjoy autumn views along the escarpment, with a guided walk to learn about the landscape from spectacular vantage points
*BBQ lunch
*Stop at Crawford Lake for a feature presentation with Iroquoian Dancers and an opportunity to tour the village
*Birds of Prey Demonstration and Wildlife Walkway at Mountsberg
The Fall Bus Tour is $30.00 per person (including taxes) and will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., departing from Kelso. Book online through the Fall into Nature website (www.fallintonature.ca) or call 905-854-2276.
The fall colours in Halton Region are accentuated with our region’s many country roads, rolling terrain, and of course the Niagara Escarpment. As you travel through Escarpment Country during Fall into Nature, there are many other great attractions in our area, such as shops, local artisans, and numerous farms with fresh produce.
You can find everything you need to know at www.fallintonature.ca or www.conservationhalton.ca. Residents and visitors alike are invited to join us in celebrating autumn at this fun filled festival, great for people of all ages!
Fall into Nature is made possible in part through the generous support of the Government of Ontario Celebrate Ontario Program. Conservation Halton launched its first Fall into Nature festival in 2009 and over 28,000 people attended, last year over 45,000 people attended.
Customer Appreciation Day by Escarpment Views
September 22nd 2011Escarpment Views will host a Customer Appreciation Day for advertisers and subscribers on Sat. Oct. 1 at Orchard House near the Niagara Escarpment in the country north of Georgetown. Weather permitting, we will lead a short hike or walk through part of the nearby Niagara Escarpment, followed by a buffet supper.
If you are an advertiser or subscriber, we invite you to contact us for directions and time details. We look forward to welcoming you to Orchard House!
Georgetown Choral Society on the Niagara Escarpment
July 09th 2011
Georgetown Choral Society gathering on the Niagara Escarpment
“If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise.”
This line from the song “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic,” – correct me if I’m wrong – went through my head as Mike and I took a short stretch of The Bruce Trail at Limehouse recently to meet members of the Georgetown Choral Society (GCS). I should mention that Escarpment Views has been a patron of GCS for a few years, and that I, Gloria, am a former member. I sang alto, or at least tried to keep up.
Choir members waiting for the photographer
As promised, there they were waiting for us, about half the 100-member choir, all in red choir T-shirts, waiting patiently among the rocks of the Niagara Escarpment for Mike to photograph them.
Climbing through Escarpment rocks toward the choir
Even long-time (35 years this year) choral director A. Dale Wood played along. He’s in the front of the rather formal photos. Dale also directs the Achill Choral Society, another Escarpment-area group, in addition to five Georgetown choruses for children and youth.
Choir director A. Dale Wood with the beard, Laurent Thibault at his shoulder
Casual hikers might have wondered at the sound of “Oh Canada” echoing through the forest when the choir began singing. There’s no avoiding songs when choir members assemble. Anyone who came upon the choir members would have been astonished by the army of red shirts.
Another view of the Escarpment, with only half of the total GCS members!
The occasion was the 40th anniversary of the GCS which is being celebrated all this year. The photograph was choir member Laurent Thibault’s idea. He thought that our readers would enjoy seeing the choir posed among the rock and moss of the Niagara Escarpment. A different photo than the ones posted here, will be in our Autumn issue, available around Sept. 1.
The next GCS concert will be “40 Years – Let’s Celebrate!” on Oct. 21 & 22 at the Georgetown Christian Reformed Church featuring guest soloists Mark Dubois and Alana Bridgewater.
Oh, the choir members, Mike and I went on to a member’s house with a fantastic view from the Niagara Escarpment, to have a BBQ, not a teddy bear’s picnic.
Like what you see here? Like what you hear when they sing?
Things to do near Blue Mountain this Summer
June 10th 2011
Leisa Way giving a taste of Dolly Parton
Enjoy Leisa Way sing her heart out as Dolly Parton in Rhinestone Cowgirl at Theatre Collingwood July 25 to 30.
Dan Needles talking about the idea behind Fair Play
Take in the premiere of Dan Needles’ Fair Play at Theatre Collingwood August 18 to 27.
The Gondola at The Village at Blue Mountain
Enjoy a gentle gondola ride past the treetops to the top of the Niagara Escarpment at Blue Mountain.
The slow ascent up the Niagara Escarpment by the Ridge Runner
Dare to take a thrill ride up and then DOWN! the Niagara Escarpment on Blue Mountain’s new attraction, Ridge Runner, Ontario’s first Alpine coaster.
Stairs to Standing Rock and caves
Refresh yourself in the cool crevices at Scenic Caves. For much more about one of the exciting elements at Scenic Caves, see our Summer issue feature on Standing Rock.
One of the pools and waterfalls at Scandinave Spa
Heat up, cool down and relax completely at Scandinave Spa.
Photos by Mike Davis except the last one, courtesy of Scandinave Spa.
Have you tried any of these destinations and experiences? What did you think? If you haven’t yet, would you like to?
Prowling for Owls at Mountsberg
January 11th 2011
Chomper the Great Horned Owl photographed by Mike Davis
Mountsberg Conservation Area’s popular winter Owl Prowl program is returning this winter. Participants will be provided with lots of information on our native Ontario owls during a winter night hike to search for wild local owls.
There are four Owl Prowl nights scheduled: January 14 and 28 are advanced Prowls for Adults, while January 15 and 29 are all-ages Family Nights. Both evenings feature visits with the Mountsberg Raptor Centre’s resident birds of prey to give guests a memorable ‘nose to beak’ experience. The Family Nights also include a puppet show and a special story time, while the advanced Prowl gives nature-minded adults a chance to learn the fine details of owl behaviour, anatomy, and natural history.
Admission for the Owl Prowl programs is by advance registration only, online. Call Mountsberg at 905 854 2276 for more information. The Adult Owl Prowl fees are $15 for Adults and $10 for Seniors ages 65 and older.
The all-ages Family Night Owl Prowl fees are Adults $15 and Children ages 5 to 14 years, $10, while those four years and under are free. The fees do not include HST.
The Mountsberg Raptor Centre is currently home to 14 different species of native birds of prey. Many of the resident birds of prey have permanent injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. In many cases, these injuries were caused by human activity. With the help of these feathered ambassadors, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre teaches the community about the native birds of prey that share our environment and how to reduce the negative impact we can have on them.
Three Years of Publishing Escarpment Views!
November 28th 2010
The winter issue of Escarpment Views is out. In it, we have features on the 19th-century Christmas traditions you can experience at Westfield Heritage Village, the challenges threatening the black bear population of the Bruce Peninsula, and the magical dollhouse collection that used to be in Fort Erie. And there’s more in the way of departments and columns and photographs and the many different aspects of Niagara Escarpment communities that we present and celebrate. We’ll update our “Where to Get Copies” page soon, but meanwhile, if you don’t yet subscribe but want to get a copy, ask at the usual places, or if you’re really keen, email me with your location and I’ll tell you where you might get a free copy.
To get a free copy, see the updated list of Where to Get Copies.
With the winter issue out, we have completed our third year of publishing! This is a significant achievement because many businesses fail before then. When my co-publisher Mike Davis and I started this venture, we were warned by experts to expect prospective advertisers to tell us “If you’re still in business after three years, talk to us then.” I gulped. We looked at each other grimly. Three years seemed so far away. At the time, we were just hoping to be able to publish the next issue.
Now, it truly is easier to publish each issue. Our readers and viewers tell us it’s a wonderful magazine. We never get tired of hearing this! On difficult days, these comments lift our spirits and encourage us to put in all the hours it takes to produce something of our high quality. We no longer have to introduce the magazine to every person. Many people we meet are already familiar with it, or are impressed when we show it and say “We’re pretty new. We’ve only been been publishing for three years.”
It’s much easier for us to get the advertisers we need to keep going. We haven’t had tons of advertisers with big ads, though. This is because our ads aren’t cheap. Our advertisers pay good money to be associated with our magazine. Even a smaller ad works for them. They report getting calls from people about the magazine, or getting customers who say they saw them in the magazine. Their ads stand out a bit more than they would in thick magazines that are littered with ads. Our issues are thinner, but I believe we have more great content in fewer pages. There are magazines out there with 16 pages of ads before you get to the table of contents. This may be great for the publishers, but is it great for the readers? Or even for the advertisers, when readers skim past them looking for the content to begin?
I rather like our slim issues with smaller ads that stand out. It goes along with my environmental concerns, my desire to use resources carefully, to generate less waste. As long as our special advertisers agree, and want to reach the special people that respond to the vision and views we present in Escarpment Views, we’ll be able to keep on bringing you the best, the most interesting, the worth reading about, all along the unique landform that is the Niagara Escarpment.
Do you agree? Or do you prefer thick magazines with tons of ads?
