Truxors due back at Tiny Marsh in fight against phragmites...
Monday September 30 & Tuesday October 1
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.
More Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
GARLIC MUSTARD CONTROL
We have completed the organized pulls - but self-directed pulling is welcomed as we are far from getting this invasive weed under control! Click on the QR code on the bin to access
how-to instructions. The path running west from the Nature Centre was the priority area this season and has basically been cleared. Pulling at the canal and further on, or wherever you see it, continues. The compost bins are full, so bring a bag. Leave bags at the west side of the nature centre for removal to the SC waste transfer station at the end of the season. And thank you!
BLUEBIRD NESTING BOXES
Fifty-five Bluebird Nesting Boxes were erected around Tiny Marsh last year, 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 This 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).
SALAMANDER MONITORING
Last fall a group of volunteers placed eighteen salamander cover boards at Tiny Marsh. We getting ready to “flip” the boards and identify the salamanders that may be using them as cover. 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.
Phrag Free Report:
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.
WOODCOCK & MOURNING DOVES
Hunting 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
Do not park in designated pheasant hunter parking spaces.
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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