TABLE OF CONTENTS Reviewing the Effects of Forest Fragmentation: Stop Nibbling! Communicating about Cruickston A Warm Enthusiastic Thank You to Cruickston Volunteers! Carriage Tracks ... Highlights of the Winter 2003 Bald Eagle Watch Cruickston Soiree The Ecological Function of Mosses Nature Notes Notes from Smart Growth Conference Cruickston Organic Agriculture Project (COAP) Promote Cruickston! Cruickston Creatures What's Happening at CCR Other Events at CCR

Reviewing the Effects of Forest Fragmentation: Stop Nibbling!

"If there is any animal or plant that we want to have with us now and forever, we must provide it with habitat, somewhere it can live. This is so obvious that it is continually being forgotten." (W.E. Ricker in Fish and Wildlife)

Landsat imagery reveals the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to be an agricultural, industrial and urban landscape that exhibits intensive human land use - only 15% of the Region remains under forest cover. In the early 1990s, Waterloo Region consisted of 11.3% upland forest, 1.0% lowland forest, virtually 0.0% marshland (0.4 km2) and 2.7% grassland and pastureland. Similar values exist in regions throughout the settled landscape of southern Ontario. Equally, perhaps more, disturbing is that what remains is extremely fragmented into small woodlots or narrow strips of trees. So much so that Dr. Lyle Friesen, a Waterloo resident and songbird biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, describes the change in forest cover in southern Ontario in this manner: "what in presettlement times was a sea of forest cover interspersed by pockets of disturbance has now become a sea of disturbance interspersed by pockets of 'green'."

Fragmentation eliminates habitats; habitat loss reduces species diversity. As species drop out, communities deteriorate and ecosystem functions are compromised. A landscape deprived of its functioning ecosystems is a deprived landscape whose very soil, air and water quality may be called into question. Yet, fragmentation - the nibbling away of forests, wetlands and grasslands - continues because existing fragments are evaluated on the basis of special attributes (e.g. existence of rarities) thus making possible the dismissal of some fragments as "unimportant" and hence they become environmentally expendable.

In Discordant Harmonies - Ecology for the 21st Century, the American ecologist, Daniel Botkin, explains that in North America we can no longer treat "nature" as a hobby nor can we continue to deal with environmental problems after they occur. Nature in the 21st century, particularly in our urban landscapes, will be a nature that we make. Within a Region of 450 000 people and adjacent to a city (Cambridge) of 111 000, Cruickston Charitable Research Reserve is a Botkin solution: a 370-hectare (913 acres) reserve of both natural and agricultural landscape. The natural landscape includes remnant, old-growth forest, maturing upland and lowland forests typical of the Great Lakes Region, alvar and old-field habitats and spectacular cliff faces with associated limestone plateau. These natural landscapes are literally heirlooms or heritage landscapes that allow us to revisit our environmental history. Daniel Botkin would also approve of Cruickston's restoration plans for the existing croplands. Corridors of expanded hedgerows and meadows and the eventual filling-in of some present-day fields by forests will expand the area of forest canopy. Most important, CCRR will provide opportunities to ecologists to research the processes that give rise to viable communities of organisms and functioning ecosystems - ecological processes that we must understand if we are to reverse the nibbling.

Communicating about Cruickston

This spring 2003 issue of The Cruickston Carriage marks the beginning of Year 2 of "delivering news from Cruickston Charitable Research Reserve". During its inaugural year, The Cruickston Carriage has benefited immeasurably from the thoughtful advice concerning presentation and format provided by Ditner Printing Ltd. (519 624-2867). Thank you.

As well as a seasonal newsletter, Cruickston communicates with you and the world via the Internet:www.cruickston. com. The positive praise and comments we have received is a testament to the care and creativity of webmasters, Mason and Yvonne Galganov (www.galganov.ca). Thanks very much to both of you.

Cruickston Charitable Research Reserve also wishes to express appreciation and thank you to Greg Pautler Graphic Design (519 650-5763; E-mail: gpgd@sentex.net) for his layout of the Cruickston Circle full-page advertisement.

A Warm Enthusiastic Thank You to Cruickston Volunteers!

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3, 2003), CCRR wishes to thank all those who donated their time, energy and expertise to many of our activities throughout the year! Your dedication is greatly appreciated!

Carriage Tracks ...

• In March 2003, the Friends of Cruickston announced the formation of the Cruickston Circle, individuals, organizations and corporations committed to the protection of Cruickston (see page 5).
• On 29 March, the Lighthouse Club of Equitable Life of Canada toured Cruickston as guests of CEO and Friend of Cruickston, Ron Beaubien and his wife, Thelma. At the post-tour luncheon, Ron and Thelma presented Friends of Cruickston memberships to the group. Cruickston welcome 18 new Friends. Thank you Equitable Life of Canada, a member of the Cruickston Circle.
• In February 2003, Faith Hieblinger (Director/ Curator), Astero Kalogeropoulos (Program Coordinator) and Jennifer Wood, visited Cruickston to investigate opportunities to establish a partnership between Homer Watson House & Gallery and CCRR. Beginning in Summer 2002, the Homer Watson Gallery (www.homerwatson.on.ca) will offer one-day art programs using the interpretative resources of Cruickston. Welcome Homer Watson House & Gallery.
• How cold was this winter? Just ask the Bald Eagle Watch volunteers of Friends of Cruickston and K-W Field Naturalists who assisted the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) monitor eagle activities along the Grand River between Kitchener and Paris this winter. A summary report of activity will be forthcoming in mid-2003. For summary highlights, see following article. Watches were conducted along the Grand River between Doon in the north and south to Spottiswood, downriver from Glen Morris. Participants included: Marilyn Armstrong, Ron Bauman, Ken Cornelisse, Ken, Janet & Kevin Dance, Marco & Donna DeBruin, Roger Fellows, Randy Fowler, Jerry Guenther, Michael Holden, Ruth Kroft, Don Liggett, Michael McKeown, Glenn Mockford, Tanya & Matt Suggitt, Neil Taylor, Art Timmerman, Bob & Heather Trim and Bill & Heather Wilson. Many other people submitted regular though incidental sightings to the watch group and OMNR throughout the season.
• Due to demand, two bald eagle workshops were offered by CCRR to the public in January for which 80 people registered. Guest speaker was Pud Hunter, OMNR biologist and bald eagle specialist for the Great Lakes region. Participants learned about wintering habits and habitat of eagles along the Grand, the role of the bald eagle in riparian ecosystems as a pollution indicator. Colour slides provided by Barry Cherriere, bird photographer, were used to instruct participants on plumage differences among bald eagles between one-year-old and five.

Highlights of the Winter 2003 Bald Eagle Watch

• At least 8 bald eagles wintered between Doon and Glen Morris area - 3 in adult plumage, 1 transition, 1 juvenile and 3 two-three year-olds.
• Feeding behaviour, perches and hunting were observed in Reaches 1, 2, 3 and 5 as well as above and between Glen Morris bridge.
• Eagles sighted in the early half of November and April may be migrants that are passing through or stopping over, on their way north from the United States.
• Wintering eagles were present at least 102 days. Sightings after mid-March are difficult to assess since migrating eagles are passing through southern Ontario on their northern passage.
• Several watchers observed eagles feeding on fish and taking live and dead carp/sucker species.
• Ruth Kroft observed an eagle bathing in the Grand River.
• 3 nocturnal roost sites were located/confirmed - two in Glen Morris area and one in Cruickston Charitable Research Reserve. Maximum number observed in the Cruickston roost at one time = 7. As many as 5 were reported at a roost south of Glen Morris.
• A transition-plumage female and adult-plumage male were observed together on several occasions.
• Several watchers observed and submitted details of tail-chasing and talon-down behaviour. Martin Geleynse observed talon grasping on one occasion. These behaviours were observed in late February and March.
• Two watchers, Bill Wilson and Michael McKeown, independently observed eagles with stick in talons/beak. Wilson's journal notes on this behaviour included this comment: "For the 10+ minutes that I observed an immature alternately place a stick in talons, then beak, ... it behaved in a manner that suggested it was thinking: "I know I'm genetically programmed to gather this object but I just can't quite figure out what to do with it!"

Cruickston Soiree

On Friday, 21 February 2003, 40 Friends of Cruickston gathered together to celebrate CCRR's first year at the Cruickston Soiree. The social evening provided Friends with the opportunity to meet members of the Board as well as other Friends, and enjoy some delicious refreshments, appetizers and desserts. Bill Wilson, CCRR Environmental Steward, provided a visual presentation which featured developments and activities that have occurred during the past year. Mark Fretwurst, CCRR CEO summarized his activities as well as the future goals.

The Ecological Function of Mosses

The green carpet of mosses with which we are all familiar, can be found throughout the world from high, cold mountains to sterile, tropical lake shores. Because the prime function of all things is to play a role in the great ecological picture, it is fair to ask "what do mosses do?". Small, even minute, what contributions can they make to the welfare of any natural community?

From the aesthetic point of view, which affects only humans as far as we know, the green subtleties of moss plants do soften the stark edges of death and decay wherever these occur. But there are other more important functions of these apparently insignificant organisms. Having the capacity to grow on the most sterile of substrates, such as bare rock, mosses, because they are living organisms, do have acid secretions that help to break down such surfaces into the precursors of soil. Because of their complex networks of stems and leaves, mosses can also trap any dust and soil that is blown by the wind. Mosses themselves die and decay, and thus contribute in a direct way to the build-up of substrate. Mosses are soil builders.

The majority of mosses are green plants containing chlorophylls that function in the same physiological ways that they do in higher plants. The alternate pulsing of oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the day and night must contribute, at least locally, to the balance of these gasses in the atmosphere in a small but significant way. Although their delicate structure allows them to dry out quickly, mosses do absorb and retain moisture readily. This absorptive capacity of sphagnum mosses led to their being used as padding for babies and for bandages. Some mosses are being investigated for their medicinal properties.

An examination of any mat of moss will quickly reveal the entrapment of the seeds of other plants. Although most of these seeds will likely dry up and die, some will, with the encouragement of the moisture and soil that the moss holds, sprout and grow. If this occurs frequently enough it will lead to a change of the community from one of mosses to one of higher plants and eventually to a sequence of communities that, over a long period of time, will result in a climax community within the limits of the location. Mosses are community builders.

Mosses provide food for some organisms; thrips of some kinds eat moss spores. More importantly, mosses provide shelter for many different kinds of organisms; algae, protists, insects, spiders and many others may be found in and under moss mats. Many of these associations are fortuitous; others are more permanent. Some rotifers and tardigrades - strange little animals often called water bears - appear to live only when associated with some mosses; a few tardigrade species are found living only in some sphagnum mosses.

Dr. W. Y. Watson, Professor Emeritus, Wilfred Laurier University, has spent considerable time during 2001/2002 searching CCRR for mosses and liverworts. This September, he formally brought this study to a close, having identified over 80 species and subspecies of mosses and 8 species of liverworts on the property. This spring, his full report can be read at www.cruickston.com/links.html.

Nature Notes

• The Spotted Towhee, first observed 15 December 2002, at Cruickston remains into spring. A photograph taken by Barry Cherriere of this Ontario vagrant may be seen by visiting www.cruickston.com in our Photo Gallery - Wildlife.
• Twenty-three participants joined Bill Wilson on a guided walk to the Hogsback on 22 March to welcome spring.
• Six Friends of Cruickston ignored the wind chill and enjoyed the sunshine of an early February winter's day to seek out and enjoy some of Cruickston's large deciduous trees. Participants visited the largest Bur Oak in Waterloo Region; joined hands around a 449-cm circumference Red Oak; photographed one another beside two candidates for the largest in the Region of Bitternut Hickory and White Oak and located and identified several 150+ year old maples, ashes and Shagbark Hickories.
• On March 28, Bill and Heather Wilson and Geoff Ditner observed 4 Trumpeter Swans in the baylet above the confluence of the Speed and Grand Rivers. This sighting represents the 200th bird species recorded in CCRR.
• Field Naturalist clubs - Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph - visited Cruickston this winter. Two Bald Eagles and Spotted Towhee were hi-lights for the GFN.
• The first American Woodcock of the migration season was observed on 23 March.
• An estimated 700+ waterfowl gathered for the night on the evening of 18 March in the baylet above the confluence. This site is a traditional stopover for migrating waterfowl and particularly for Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser which also remain in winter along local reaches of the Grand and Speed Rivers.
• A Morning Cloak butterfly was observed 27 March flying about CCRR.
• On 6 April, an immature Golden Eagle was observed on migration above the Grand River through CCRR.

Notes from Smart Growth Conference

The recent Smart Growth Conference at the University of Waterloo, was very informative and clearly outlined the huge environmental and economic costs of building highways through Cruickston Charitable Research Reserve (CCRR).

After listening to the top experts in North America it is obvious that highway-driven growth on the outskirts of cities - urban sprawl - is a fool's game we cannot win and cannot afford to play, either financially or environmentally. What we will end up with is higher taxes for the privilege of living less pleasant lives.

Unfortunately, this is the future that the current Waterloo Regional Government is proposing.

Affordable growth does not come through highways, it comes through redeveloping existing urbanized areas, the experts said. Their reasons include: taxpayers have already paid for expensive services such as roads, water and sewer, and police, fire and ambulance for these areas; homeowners and business landlords have already paid for their buildings, and keeping our cities lively and attractive protects the value of their investments; commute distances are shorter so tempers fray less, working parents are home earlier and the air stays cleaner and the community healthier; property taxes from expensive-to-service sprawl development don't pay the full cost of the new services required. That means a subsidy from you-know-who.

Why should the Region's taxpayers have to first pay for constructing & maintaining new highways, then pay for building the services for the outlying, low-density development that they will create.

Dr. Freilich warned against it. "The cost of maintaining road systems is bankrupting some communities," said Dr. Freilich, a law professor credited with inventing the concept of Smart Growth.

Do we really need highways to relieve the traffic congestion we already have?

The Smart Growth experts drove around the Region. Dr. Freilich said, "You don't need more roads, you need better grade crossing with several railway lines, better signalization, and other improvements to the existing system." This theory sounds much more affordable the building four lane roads from scratch.

The conference attendees heard that the elements of Smart Growth include: redeveloping core areas to accommodate growth; employing public transit that minimizes air pollution; increasing public safety, and preserving environmental assets. "Preserving Environmental Assets" - that is where the Region's highway proposal doubles the trouble and multiplies the cost for the taxpayers and residents of the entire Region.

CCRR- a 913 acre, urban park literally overlooking downtown Cambridge - adds value to our community at no public cost. Cruickston is an amenity that attracts - and keeps - the skilled people who staff dynamic “New Economy” businesses in our area. It also helps keep the local environment in balance. It is a valuable asset we would be foolish to trade for an asphalt ribbon, according to Rutgers University Professor Robert Burchell, one of North America's leading urban planners.

Dr. Reed Noss, a conservation biologist, stated that "There is nothing Smart about locating a highway through a regionally significant natural area.." He also noted that many North American cities are now spending millions to restore valuable environmental assets by removing foolishly planned roads that cut through them.

"It is much better to avoid these areas in the first place," Noss said.

Let's be Smart enough to benefit from their 20/20 hindsight and leave Cruickston intact.

Roads through Cruickston will also encourage development in the southwestern corner of Cambridge, Dr. Burchell said. This is development the Region doesn't need and may not be able to afford.

"You have to grow, but the reality is you can grow in the right places and you can have your cake and eat it too."

As Ontario planning consultant David Gurin said, "Transportation determines how land will be used. If the road planned now evolves, you will have further sprawl. People don't want this region to become Mississauga" I am one of them. It seems ironic that Waterloo Region has a "Smart Growth" plan for development, yet is advocating running highways through a unique urban park that shelters endangered species and old growth forest.

One the best points of the day came from Dr. Freilich, while describing the Region's Smart Growth Plan, he said "There are many good things in it, but I was horrified to read that they want to create 'a seamless mesh of development across the region'. We gave up on that in States 40 years ago. That's what happened from Boston to Washington and down as far as Richmond in Virginia. You don't want that here. From what I see, you have more opportunities here than problems. It is up to you to work it out.” Let's do it Smartly.

Pamela Bartlett, Cambridge
Letter to the Editor, 21 March 2003, Cambridge Times.

Cruickston Organic Agriculture Project (COAP)

Spring is here and Cruickston Organics is underway. The objectives of this first year are to produce certified organic produce from May through October from ½ an acre. This produce will be distributed through a CSA (Community Shared/Supported Agriculture) weekly food box program. For more information and/or to participate in this program, contact CCRR at krutherford@cruickston.com or call 650-9336. Example of weekly box for a family of four: Spring: lettuces, greens, radish, spring onions, peas, broccoli, culinary herbs. Summer: tomatoes, onions, basil, peppers, squash, potatoes, lettuce, herbs, cut flowers, squash, melons, cucumbers. The ½-acre garden, greenhouse and outbuildings have been donated by Jan Chaplin and Mark Fretwurst for a 3-year period, where at such time COAP will operate solely on CCRR lands. COAP would like to extend a thank you to Jan and Mark for their continued support.

COAP is commencing with the restoration of five acres from conventional cash crop farming to organic vegetable fields. This acreage will be seeded with a mixture of cover crops, applications of minerals and composts to rejuvenate the soil in preparation for 2004 vegetable production and organic certification. There may be additional produce available for the local marketplace and Food Banks. With support from Friends of Cruickston and community members, we can build an exciting garden project that not only provides healthy life giving foods but also strengthens community spirit! SUPPORT LOCALLY GROWN ORGANIC FOOD.

Volunteers: COAP is welcoming high school students and local community volunteers to plant seeds and transplants, hoe, mulch, and harvest. The Cambridge Volunteer Bureau has been recruiting volunteers eager to work on the land and be involved with organic farming. Many volunteer opportunities will be available throughout the season...from fence building, seeding, labeling, hoeing, mulching, weeding, harvesting and garden festivals. Saturdays will be open to CSA/Friends/Volunteers. Access from Whistle Bare Road with parking/carpool.

On June 7th, 80 Air cadets will get hands on experience in the organic vegetable fields. They will participate in the planting, hoeing, mulching and fence building as part of their community volunteerism. We look forward to a busy day with the Cadets.

In May, Mrs. Dempsey's Grade 5 Highland School class will visit the gardens and have a pizza picnic.

See What's Happening for other COAP events.

Promote Cruickston!

Navy bucket hats -$12.00 (one size)

Tan nylon jackets, removable sleeves -$78.00 (M,L,XL)

Beige or grey collared, short-sleeve knit shirts -$40.00 (M,L,XL)

Contact the Cruickston office at 650-9336 to order.

Cruickston Creatures

X marks the spot! In the case of amphibians, X marks Spring Peeper, one of 8 species of amphibians breeding in CCRR. This diagnostic marking makes this frog easy to identify; however, because of its size and habit of sitting motionless above ground on woody stems of shrubs and saplings, the Spring Peeper is rarely seen. Measuring 2 to 3.5 cm this narrow-waisted tree frog has a variable colour pattern - tan, brown or gray. Its arboreal habit is made possible by its toe tips that are adhesive discs on both fore and hind legs. Climbing is further aided by cartilage between the last two bones of each toe, which permits the tips of the toes to swivel backwards, forwards and side-to-side while maintaining a "firm grip" between the sticky toe pad and the climbing surface. Spring Peeper, like most other species of tree frogs are reluctant jumpers (a sticky proposition?) typically walking or climbing.

As difficult as they are to see, Spring Peepers are among the first signs of spring. Their readily identifiable "spring chorus" sounds like the jingle of sleigh bells. Individually the sound is a high-pitched ascending whistle, sometimes with a short trill. The chorus of sleigh bells initiates the breeding season for this species as the males start calling from their perches on shrubs and trees that are standing in or overhanging water, often partially frozen pools or ponds in the woods. The males begin to call before the females arrive from their hibernation under logs and loose bark. Breeding itself begins with the start of warm rains. Spring peepers range from Manitoba to the Maritimes; north to Northern Ontario and central Quebec and south to east Texas and central Florida. Listen for the sleigh bells!

What’s Happening at CCRR

Guided Walks:
Meet at the parking lot of the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion, at the intersection of Fountain Street and Blair Road/ Morningside Drive. Rain or shine.

• May Flowers, Saturday, 10 May 2003, 10:00 am-3 pm. Join Larry Lamb to view the diversity of spring flowers of Cruickston. Bring a lunch.
• Late Spring Migrants, Sunday, 25 May 2003, 7:30-11:30 am. Join Bill Wilson for a ½ day of birding at Cruickston.
• An Early Summer Ramble, Sunday, 22 June 2003, 1:30-4:30 pm. On the second 'official’ day of summer, join Bill and Heather Wilson for a walk along the trails, lanes and hedgerows of Cruickston. With shrubs and trees in full leaf, we'll search for birds, butterflies and early summer flowers.

Other Events at CCRR

• Bird Banding Opportunities for members of Friends of Cruickston: Spring is upon us and the Cruickston Bird Banding Group (CBBG) is in the midst of preparations for this coming banding season. As part of our environmental education initiative, we invite interested members of the community to participate in banding activities. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the birds of Cruickston Charitable Research Reserve and also about the science behind bird banding. The following times and dates are available for public participation: 9 am - 12 noon each day, April 26th, May 3rd and May 17th. There are strict limits on the number of individuals who may attend any one banding session, so please contact Cruickston at 650-9336 and leave your e-mail and/or phone number as soon as possible to reserve your spot. Please note: Registrants should meet at the parking lot of the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion, at the intersection of Fountain Street and Blair Road/Morningside Drive at 8:45 am. Bird banding is weather dependent. Please leave a telephone number at which Dallas Johnson may contact you if necessary to re-schedule.
• June 21st Summer Solstice Garden Tour. Cruickston Organic Agriculture Project is planning an open house with garden tours and sampling of available produce. For more information contact: gscroggins@cruickston.com
• COMING SOON: Art Workshops with Homer Watson House & Gallery - Sketching Landscapes, Sunday, 6 July; Watercolour Miniatures, Sunday, 10 August, both from noon until 4pm. Friends of Cruickston receive a 10% discount. For more information, see Homer Watson House and Gallery program brochure or visit: www.homerwatson.on.ca.

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Newsletter Editor: Bill Wilson