Friends of Second Marsh invites you to become involved in the celebration of one of Ontario's most exciting urban wildlife areas. Become a member, participate in one of our programs, donate your time or services, encourage your work or other local businesses to sponsor our newsletter, or contact our office at (905) 723-5047 to find out about other ways that you can help the environment by helping Friends.

FRIENDS OF SECOND MARSH UPCOMING 2010 EVENTS

To inquire about the following events, please contact the Friends of Second Marsh office, or email Wioletta Walancik at ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com or Karen Arbour at second_marsh@rogers.com.

February 7, 2010(Sunday) - Winter Walk, 1 pm

You are invited to join Friends of Second Marsh staff on an interpretive walk of the Second Marsh Wildlife Area trails. Get some exercise and fresh air while learning about a brief history of the Second Marsh and interesting nature facts. On our short hike we’ll have an opportunity to stop and feed the chickadees. Bring a mug, as hot chocolate will be provided after the walk. Please meet at the wooden information kiosk located on Colonel Sam Drive beside the pumphouse (little brown building) east of the forest. Parking is permitted on street. No dogs please!

March 15, 2010 (Monday) - March Break Program with OPG, 9 am– 2:30 pm – Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers will be needed to help run outdoor crafts and activities for children of all ages. This is a great opportunity for high school students to earn their required community service hours. To sign up, please contact the Friends of Second Marsh office.

April 22, 2010 (Thursday) – Second Marsh Social, 6:oopm – 6th Annual Dinner & Silent Auction - Volunteers Needed!

Come celebrate Earth Day and join Friends of Second Marsh for an evening of delicious food, a great selection of auction items. We are also delighted to have Jerry Archer, from KX 96 FM, as our Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Volunteers will be needed during the evening of the event. Tickets are $75 each. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please contact the Friends of Second Marsh office at 905-723-5047, email Wioletta Walancik at ww.secondmarsh@rogers.com.

April 2010 (Saturday/Sunday) – Little Gull Viewing at Second Marsh, from dawn to 10:00am, dates to be confirmed

Join staff and volunteers from the Canadian Wildlife Service at the Second Marsh. Viewing will occur from the ‘GM’ platform. Park in the west General Motors lot, enter trail from the southwest corner of the lot, and follow directional signs to the platform.

May 2010 – Spring Wetland Walks Begin

May 2010 (Sunday) – Spring Hike 1:00pm, date to be confirmed

If you’ve never been through this beautiful area, or you would like to learn more about it, please join Friends of Second Marsh staff as we introduce you to the trails of the area. Please bring water and snacks, wear hiking shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. Please meet at south corner of the west parking lot of General Motors Headquarters (1908 Colonel Sam Drive). The hike will be cancelled if it is raining. No dogs allowed.

July and August 2010 – Kids in the Marsh Summer Day Camp

Children can once again enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature at our Kids in the Marsh summer day camp. The camp takes place at a sheltered picnic area at Darlington Provincial Park. It is open to children ages 6 to 11. Registration is through the City of Oshawa. For further information contact Friends office or go to the Kids in the Marsh page.  

October 2010 – Fall Wetland Walks Begin

Our fall session of the Wetland Walks program runs through October. Once again the program will be offered to grade 2, 3, 4, and 6 classes. We will also be offering the Project Webfoot program to grade 4 classes in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited Canada. If you are interested in bringing a class to the Marsh for one of these programs contact Friends office at (905) 723-5047. 

November 2010 – Annual Winter Bird Feeding Starts

November 2010 (Sunday) – Christmas with the Chickadees, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, date to be confirmed

Wish List

You can also get involved with Friends by providing a donation of a gift-in-kind. Our current wish list includes:

• USB Memory Sticks
• Canadian Tire money to Purchase Supplies