Preserving a Treasure

Malcolm Bluff Shores is a three parcel section of magnificent Colpoys Bay property at the end of Mallory Beach road. These 1100 acres stretch from a geologically fascinating shoreline through ancient dolostone terraces, up into a covered slope of mossy boulders and huge old hardwoods, and a more recent slope of talus rocks thence up the high escarpment and along the top near Purple Valley.

These lands are home to several species of migratory birds including the species-at-risk Canada warbler, more common scarlet tanager, wood thrush and oven bird and even peregrine falcon. The scarp slope is home to the American Hart’s Tongue Fern and the regionally rare Walking Fern. Scrambling through the mossy boulders under the hardwood canopy is a scene right out of ‘Middle Earth’.

 

The lands are clearly in need of protection after having been severely logged and The Bruce Trail Conservancy has for the first time partnered with Ontario Nature to acquire these three properties. Four kilometres of the Bruce Trail, already passing through the tops of these properties, will be secured. New side trails are being planned for hikers to enjoy the beautiful shoreline and the woods below the escarpment.

The lands will be managed by Land Stewards for the Bruce Trail Conservancy and Ontario Nature while the trails are maintained by Peninsula Club Trail Captains but we need your support too. The Bruce Trail is a public footpath and we welcome all hikers and walkers to enjoy nature while walking the trail. If you enjoy the forests, Niagara escarpment and the shorelines of our treasured Peninsula please consider joining the Bruce Trail and/or Ontario Nature.

You can contribute to the campaign to secure these properties as well.
Visit the Bruce Trail website at www.brucetrail.org.

Old treed talus slopes, pileated woodpecker holes and dolostone cliffs in the background.
Building and walking the Bruce Trail can be a component of ones physical and emotional health regimen.

Many hours of work by volunteers result in a footpath on a world-renowned escarpment. The trail provides citizens with the opportunity to experience awesome rocks like this one. The main cluster of Walking Ferns (centre), a small stand of Polypody Ferns (upper left), and numerous other species of plants and animals make walking the Bruce Trail fun and a privilege.

The American Hart’s Tongue Fern

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Three Opportunities to Preview Malcolm Bluff Shores

We are happy to announce three opportunities for the public and our members to preview these wonderful properties. Guided hikes are offered on:

• Sunday May 15, 2011 (make it a weekend with Spruce Up The Bruce and our Annual General Meeting on Saturday).
• Saturday, July 23, 2011
• Sunday, October 2, 2011
• Please see the hike schedule for details.

... Don McIlraith, President, Peninsula Bruce Trail Club