Gravenhurst horticulturalists host District 18 meeting Saturday

Tina Stone helps Trudi Killin and Sharon Slater with their wren houses at the District 18 fall meeting and workshop.

Nancy Thompson | OHA District 18 PR

GRAVENHURST – What do Trumpeter Swans and birdhouses have in common?

An OHA District 18 Fall meeting and Workshop hosted by the Gravenhurst Horticultural Society on Saturday Sept 29.

Representatives of horticultural societies from Argyle, Baysville, Bracebridge, Callander, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Magnetawan, North Bay, Parry Sound, Powassan and Sprucedale attended the short meeting and longer workshop.

Many of these swans winter over off the wharf in Washago.

Guest speaker Susan Best, a volunteer with Ontario Trumpeter Swan Restoration, gave an interesting and informative presentation.

Trumpeter swans are quite docile when not protecting their young and may even be fed whole corn from your hand.

Trumpeters are the largest swan in the world with a wing span of up to 8 feet. The last known Trumpeter swan was shot in 1886 at Long Point.

Species at Risk legislation was introduced in 1979 and led to the reintroduction of these magnificent birds.

With the help of eggs imported from Alaska and Wisconsin and 23 co-operative farmers, one as far north as Callander, there are now some 1,000 trumpeters in Ontario.

Many of these lovely creatures winter over off the wharf in Washago.

For more information www.wyemarsh.com and follow the link.

By afternoon, the hall resounded with the sound of hammering and happy chatter as pre-cut birdhouses were assembled under the deft instructions of Pat Wright and Tina Stone.

A little business, a few jokes, a good speaker and construction of a wren house – What more could we want.

Thank you Gravenhurst HS for all your hard work.

Jeanette Wilcox, of Gravenhurst, smiles at her successful efforts Saturday.
Gravenhurst  president Pat Wright was just one of the many members on hand.
Kathy Dyer, of Bracebridge, examines her handiwork.
Drew Hogg, of Magnetawan, helps a fellow member drive in a tricky nail.
OHA members had fun building birdhouses.