TINY MARSH ACTIVITIES
TURTLE NEST CAGING
We always need volunteers to help us to protect turtle nests during the month of June which is when turtles are laying eggs.
There are two species at the marsh: the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and the Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta). The Snapping Turtle hunt was finally ended in Ontario in 2017. The Painted Turtle was declared of Special Concern under the Federal Species at Risk act in 2021. Provincially, both species are of special concern. Habitat loss and human action are the main threats for all turtle species. Turtles are at high risk during the mating season in May and nesting in June, when they may get hit while crossing the roadways to find suitable sites.
Snapping turtles mature sexually at about 16 years. The loss of one adult female can cut the population in half over 20 years.
Caging turtle nests will protect the nests from predators – with raccoons, skunk and mink being the main culprits. We have found raccoons waiting close by a turtle as she lays – ready to excavate the eggs as soon as she leaves.
This is where we come into action. We go out either in the morning or evening and mark the position of any nesting turtle with a tent peg or a flag. We need to know the exact area to be able to place a cage. We have to be careful not to frighten the animal.
When the turtle is done and has covered the nest it is usually impossible to determine the exact location of the nest. After marking the position we continue, looking for more turtles and cleaning the predated nests, counting them and the eggs. The egg shells are discarded in the water.
Generally, we walk the Trotter dyke, and the Carolina dyke up to the old outlook. On our way back we do the cleanup and caging. If the turtle is done and has returned to the water, we place a cage and put a flag. But if she has not finished, we have to wait for her which can be lengthy. A snapper can take as long as three hours to excavate, lay and cover up.
- If a caged nest has been predated, we will remove that cage and store it for reuse.
- You need gloves and a hammer. Count about 3 hours per outing. Past experience indicates the turtles have finished laying by June 17.
- If you are interested to help, please let us know. We will provide training. For more information, email
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Saving Turtles at Tiny Marsh 2024
By Ingrid Egner 2024
There are two species at the marsh: the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and the Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta). The Snapping Turtle hunt was finally ended in Ontario in 2017. The Painted Turtle was declared of Special Concern under the Federal Species at Risk act in 2021. Provincially, both species are of special concern.
Habitat loss and human action are the main threats for all turtle species. Turtles are at high risk during the mating season in May and nesting in June, when they may get his while crossing the roadways to find suitable sites.
Snapping turtles mature sexually at about 16 years. The loss of one adult female can cut the population in half over 20 years.
Protecting turtle nests from predation
In June turtles start laying their eggs. This year the nesting season started earlier than all previous years. In 2023 we saw 2 predated Snapper nests on the 2nd of June, the same date this year we had 9 predated nests with the pic of nesting starting already the 3rd of June, last year it was the 9th of June.
We suspect a warm Spring season (climate change) is responsible for the advance. Then in mid June it became much too cool for the season. There were days without any turtle activity no or very little predation, no turtles seen. The last date we protected a nest was the 19th of June, very early comparing to last year the 28th of June.
This year we placed a total of 35 cages in the marsh, 28 on Carolina, 7 on Trotter and none was predated.
Results
The number of predated nests and caged nest gives us an approximate number of female turtles in the marsh.
In 2024 we counted 135 Snapper nests, the numbers are up from last year though still lower than 2022.
In 2023 we had 111 predated Snapper nests on Trotter, Trotter North, Carolina and Trillium
In 2022 we had 151 in the same location as above except Trillium
For reference in 2013 we counted 185 predated nests.
This is an indication that the laying population is on the decline.
On the other hand, our conservation efforts are improving: In 2024 we placed 35 cages.
Hatching time
Hatching time starts at the end of August through September. Then we look for hatchlings and exit holes where the little ones emerge. The hatchlings are hard to see blend often in the surroundings. One must be careful walking the dykes. Unfortunately no hatchlings were seen this year, only the exit holes. We found the first exit hole on Sept. the 2nd the last one on Oct. The 11th.
On Trotter we found a total of 9 exit holes. 5 were protected nests and 4 not protected nests. No predation happened here. We had 3 protected nests where nothing happened.
In 1 protected nest we found 2 separate exit holes.
On Carolina we found 20 nests with exit holes and some were later predated, 3 exit holes from nests which were not protected. Nothing happened on 8 caged nests. The predation happened the same way last year. There were never as many egg shells as we found in June predation. They may have been from unfertilized eggs. Once hatchlings emerge there is an opening to the nest and if an egg is rotten the smell may attract a predator.
Other observations:
Good news: In August a very young Snapper was seen on Trotter, about 9cm long, estimated age about 3 years old. He was basking in the sun. That is living proof that our efforts are working.
Bad news: A dead Snapper was found in front of the gate on the Trillium dyke.
The nest protectors perform well protecting the nests. But in August 2023 we discovered that it was very hard to remove many nails from the boxes. We decided to drill the holes again in all the boxes to widen them. It was not so easy to do as it sounds. Some wooden debris plugged the holes and the rain & humid weather did not help. But the time spent was worth it. The cage removal was so much easier and faster this year.
We are always thankful for the volunteers who turn out every year in the continuing battle against Garlic Mustard. Assistance in planting hundreds of native plants to replace the invasive scourge is a huge task! The replacement planting helps discourage germination of Garlic Mustard seed that can remain viable in the soil for at least a decade.
Examples of native plants that are vigorous spreaders and your best allies in fighting invasives: Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Large-leaved Aster (Eurybia macrophylla), Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis), Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum), Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum ) and Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense).
Our 'pull and plant' strategy is requires extra volunteers, so please, come and help if you can! Bring garden gloves and a trowel, wear closed footwear and long pants.
Thanks to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters for support in this initiative.
PHRAGMITE CONTROL
Truxors due back at Tiny Marsh in fight against phragmites...
Sept. 30 & Oct. 1 / 2024
Sept. 30 & Oct. 1 / 2024
ELMVALE – September 26 2024
It’s been a long battle, starting in 2021 when MTM Conservation Association embarked on a campaign against the invasive Common Reed - Phragmites australis var. australis – that was starting to dominate Tiny Marsh.
The effort was spearheaded by the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC) and supported by volunteers from naturalist and other conservation clubs and local schools.
Addressing the infestation was expected to be a three-year endeavour but it turned out that more work was needed. Phragmites was 99 per cent eliminated in the areas treated by the IPCC – but a few stands remain to be addressed. IPCC, the contractor retained by MTM to bring the phragmites under control, will be back next week with truxors (amphibious vehicles) to finish the job through a targeted chemical application that will allow native plant species to reclaim the space – as has already happened in the treated areas.
The IPCC is Ontario’s leading specialist in control of phragmites, which grows into huge, dense stands that crowd out other vegetation. This means that native plant species can no longer access the sunlight and nutrients they need. The waterfowl and other wildlife that depend on a functioning wetland system begin to disappear.
Addressing the infestation was expected to be a three-year endeavour but it turned out that more work was needed. Phragmites was 99 per cent eliminated in the areas treated by the IPCC – but a few stands remain to be addressed. That is scheduled to occur on Monday September 30 and Tuesday October 1.
Funding for the first three years was obtained from Environment and Climate Change Canada, along with the Township of Tiny, Ducks Unlimited and the Green Shovels Collaborative.
Funding for Year 4 has come from the Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club, the Township of Tiny, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Invasive Species Centre and the Tiny Township Lions’ Club.
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BLUEBIRD & SALAMANDER INITIATIVES
BLUEBIRD NESTING BOXES
We have erected Fifty-five Bluebird Nesting Boxes around Tiny Marsh. They have been prepped, but ongoing monitoring is needed during the whole breeding season, until August. If you wish to be part of this project please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name, an email address, a phone number and an indication of how you wish to participate (prep and/or monitor).
We have erected Fifty-five Bluebird Nesting Boxes around Tiny Marsh. They have been prepped, but ongoing monitoring is needed during the whole breeding season, until August. If you wish to be part of this project please contact
SALAMANDER MONITORING
Volunteers placed eighteen salamander cover boards at Tiny Marsh, which need annual monitoring. If you wish to participate as a monitor please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name, an email address and a phone number. Surprise awaits you on and beneath a salamander cover board.
HUNTING
Hunting is permitted throughout most of Tiny Marsh in accordance with Provincial/Federal hunting regulations and licenses. Waterfowl and pheasant hunters must also purchase an MTM Hunting Permits. Click here for MTM Hunting Permit Information, fees and rules.
WATERFOWL
Waterfowl hunting has a long tradition at Tiny Marsh and Matchedash Bay. The sound of wings whistling through the air. Mist rising off the frost-laden marsh. Your retriever at full attention in anticipation of a shot. Birds banking in an attempt to join the decoys strategically placed by the hunter. At the end of all of your efforts, a fine meal awaits. Excitement abounds at MTM in the fall. Thanks to decades of habitat preservation and enhancements by Ducks Unlimited Canada, as well as the volunteers at MTM who put in countless hours, thousands of migrating waterfowl visit Tiny Marsh and Matchedash Bay each year.
A Federal Migratory Bird License, Ontario Small Game License AND an MTM Migratory Bird Hunting Permit are required. MTM Migratory Bird Hunting Permits are available in the self-serve kiosk in main parking lot. Click here for MTM Hunting Permit information, fees and rules. A canoe or small boat and chest waders are essential, and a good retrieving dog is an asset. There are no designated hunting blinds and hunters must no construct permanent blinds. Common species harvested are mallards, wood ducks, blue-winged teal, black ducks & Canada geese. No parking in designated pheasant hunter parking spaces.
PHEASANTS
The explosive flush! That unmistakable cackle! Pointers locking up! A birdy Lab! An unforgettable wingshot! Your son or daughter's first rooster! Pheasant hunting is a time-honoured outdoor tradition and family activity. Bird dogs are more than just a pet, they become part of the family. Pheasant hunting requires knowledge, skill and as the season wears on, a battle against the elements. At times, you will succeed and feel the thrill of sliding that hard-earned bird into your game vest, and at times you will understand why they call the ring-necked pheasant the King of the Gamebirds. And finally, those skilful or lucky enough to harvest a rooster pheasant find they make excellent table fare. The entire pheasant hunting experience, however, begins with good pheasant habitat, which is why every pheasant hunter is required to have an MTM Pheasant Hunting permit.
The Tiny Marsh Pheasant Program operates from late September to Mid-December. An Ontario Small Game Licence and an MTM Pheasant Hunting Permit (Seasonal, Guest or Day Permit) are required. Guest or Day Permits must be purchased on-site from an MTM Hunt Monitor. Hunter numbers are limited and pheasant hunters must park in designated parking spaces.
Click here for MTM Hunting Permit Information fees and rules.
WOODCOCK & MOURNING DOVES
Hunting is permitted during the Federally-regulated open seasons with the following licenses/permits:
- A Federal Migratory Bird License;and
- Ontario Small Game License; and
- MTM Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
WHITE-TAILED DEER, WILD TURKEY, RUFFED GROUSE, RABBIT/HARE & COYOTE
Hunting permitted during the Provincially-regulated hunting seasons with the applicable Ontario Hunting License. Do not park in designated pheasant hunter parking spaces.
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PHRAG FREE REPORT
TRAIL MAP
