05/24/2026
Annual General Meeting:
The Friends of the Sanctuary Board of Directors wish to welcome Tom Todd back to the board. Tom was one of the founding members of the Friends 30 years ago.
We would also like to thank Patty Thorpe for her many years of service to the Board. Patty will leave us to pursue her many other commitments. I'm sure we will see Patty on the ski trails this winter.
Friends of the Sanctuary
President’s Report May 2025-April 2026
The Friends of the Sanctuary works to support, promote and conserve the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and encourage an appreciation of nature.
Our improvement efforts have been to maintain the trail network by adding gravel and extending the boardwalk on Heron Trail. We installed metal ski trail signs and added children’s art work to the boardwalk on Red Wing Trail. One of our members has been working with Parks and other agencies to control the water levels within the park. We participate in the Adopt A Highway program by collecting trash, twice a year, along Highway 2 and the Sanctuary road.
We host special events throughout the year to bring the public into the Sanctuary. One such day is Kid’s Nature Zone, a free family event with activities and learning about our local environment. Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe events are growing in popularity, with guided nighttime tours of the trails and return to a bonfire. Over 50 people attended each of the 3 evenings. Christmas Crafts brings families in, as did our Pre-Christmas Sale. Family Day provides low cost family ski and snowshoe rentals and BBQ. March Break activities give parents free or low cost activities for kids.
Our Winter Program did well because of the consistent snowfall this winter. Ski and snowshoe rentals are a major source of funds for our programs. We also sold off some of our overstock of snowshoes. Other sources of funds come from memberships, memorials, merchandise sales, BBQs and donations. These funds are put directly back into the Sanctuary or programming.
A major goal of the Friends is to educate the public. Our page regularly posts information and links to nature groups. We have hosted numerous school groups and clubs like Girl Guides, providing a short lesson and a guided walk on our trails. We made a presentation to a senior’s group, interested in the history of the Sanctuary and birding. We hosted a Turtle Awareness Day and participate in It’s All About The River in Morrisburg. High school and college students collected over 150 hours of volunteer credit for their educational needs.
Of course, none of this would happen if not for the hard work of the Board of Directors, who decide what projects or events will happen, and plan and organize these events. We also have group of about 10 regular volunteers who give many hours and an additional 20 people who help with special projects.
A sad note to this year was the passing of one of our Directors, Tina Serviss, who gave so much of her time and her heart to our group. She will be forever missed.
Submitted respectfully
Sam Schuler
President
