Welcome to the Lynde Shores Chickadee Trail information page. As part of the Lynde Shores Management Plan, created in consultation with our community stakeholders, we are implementing the recommendations to restore the woodlot and improve the trail experience for our visitors. As part of our ongoing management and monitoring at Lynde Shores, it has been noted by users and CLOCA staff that there has been significant impacts, primarily as a result of human activity. Over the years, this has been a popular destination for families, community and school groups to come and feed local birds throughout the seasons.
Unfortunately, the result of these well intentioned activities has been very negative.
many undesignated trails impact the forest canopy and regeneration of the natural understory.
compacted soil makes it very difficult for seeds and plants to grow and compete with non-native invasive plants.
once the homemade bird feeders have been impacted by weather and wildlife, we are left with a lot of litter. This is not only unsightly, but it poses a threat to wildlife who may ingest or become entangled in the remains.
the establishment of invasive plants offer no food value to our wildlife and reduce opportunities for existing native plants like the trilliums, jack in the pulpit and mayapple. We now have a problem with invasive plants like European buckthorn, dog strangling vine and garlic mustard.
This once desirable destination for birds, small mammals and insects, has lost some of its original charm. Less natural food sources, reduced cover and limited shelter and constant disturbance from hikers and the things they leave behind, has resulted in a decline in the numbers and species of birds who visit this important habitat feature at Lynde Shores. The very thing, you were coming to see is not coming to see you!!! Wildlife Species Checklist for Lynde Shores C.A. (PDF - 185kb)
A New Begining
So CLOCA staff and their partners are now in the process of transitioning this feature back to a more healthy environment for wildlife, after all they were here first and we are merely guests. Efforts from corporate sponsors like Deloitte and their staff and financial support from the EJLB Foundation, are helping us to make this transition. We have been able to close off a number of the undesignated trails. The main trail is now better defined with the use of cedar rail fencing, plantings and the placement of woody debris.
Removing Invasive Species
We are removing the invasive plants with the use of some herbicides and actual physical removal. We will follow the guidelines for removal as developed by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council and will post signs as part of our Invasive Plant Management Strategy, when and if herbicides are necessary to reduce re-sprouting. To discourage these invasive plants from re-establishing, we will replant native plants to provide a healthy understory that can out-compete non-native plants, provide food, shelter and nesting opportunities for a variety of birds. We will be creating 4 Bird Feeder Stations to allow visitors a place to observe and feed the birds.
No More Bird Feeders Please
Also, and this may be a difficult thing for many of you to accept, we will be asking CLOCA staff to remove any unsanctioned birdfeeders, bird houses and human food left by trail users. Despite your good intentions, and we know you want to do the right thing, this will not be easy for many of you. We still encourage our hikers to bring along a handful or two of bird seed. What we want to encourage is the bird’s dependency on natural food sources for their main diet, with an opportunity to receive treats on occasion when you happen to visit. Right now, it has become the reverse, and that puts our birds at risk. For the record in an average year, we have more than 150,000 visitors to the Lynde Shores Conservation Area. If everyone brought bird seed, bird houses and feeders and left stale bagels and string behind, that is a lot of stuff that quite frankly, our wild birds can mostly do without. See the new Chickadee Trail Welcome sign.(pdf - 121kb)
You see, we think that by restoring this habitat, we can still provide you with an excellent experience, reduce the birds dependency on our food offerings and provide them with a more natural habitat. Some of the plants we will be planting, like service berry, elderberry and highbush cranberry will actually give them a high quality natural food source.
Self Guided "Birds in the Bush Program"
For those teachers, parents and community group leaders that would like to hike the trail with their group we can offer fee for service programs or send you one of our Birds in the Bush Program self guided hiking information package.
To request a package please contact Ms. Cathy Grant at the CLOCA office at 905-579-0411, ext. 108.
So help us to restore some balance to the lives of our local birds. For more details about the proposed project for the trail, how to get involved or to share with us your ideas and concerns drop us an email or call us at 905-579-0411 ext 126 and we will send you the details.
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Pictures from the Deloitte Environmental Impact Day
On Friday, September 24th 2010, over 50 employees of Deloitte were hard at work at Lynde Shores Conservation Area giving our Chickadee Trail a bit of a makeover. They removed invasive plants, improved the trails and installed new trail markers and bird feeders as part of the corporation’s Impact Day activities.
Impact Day was created by Deloitte to reinforce the organization’s commitment to community involvement. Each year around the world, volunteers from many Deloitte member firms join forces to make a positive impact on their communities. Professionals in more than 20 countries, from Australia to Zimbabwe, participate in activities in the spirit of Impact Day.
The Chickadee Trail improvements were funded by the EJLB Foundation.
Lynde Shores C.A.
A New Begining 
Self Guided "Birds in the Bush Program"