In late summer of 2010, Thunder Bay Field Naturalists worked with six students (Jennifer Craven, Mercedes Hall, Anthony Mattiacci, Heather McGinty, Daniel Tziatis, and Pryana Perreaux) in the 3370 Sea Kayaking course. Rodney Swatton, Willow Curthoys, Kristina Price, and Darryl Makin were the trip leaders. Dr. Curthoys assisted the students with the natural area inventory and assessment in planning a research project linked to their sea kayaking field trip (August 25 to September 9, 2010). The trip visited a number of offshore wilderness island sites in the National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA).

The Naturalists provided a list of 10 islands they wanted more information on and asked for photos, plant lists, bird lists, other natural history observations, and information about possible inappropriate uses or damage. Of the ten sites suggested, the group visited four and provided a detailed record on three – two locations on Spar Island and one on Middlebrun Island. The students submitted a full report to the Naturalists and also created a “tourism” brochure suitable for use by the public for both of these locations.

Thunder Bay Field Naturalists are pleased to announce that in 2017 they purchased the two Spar Island sites researched and inventoried by the Outdoor Recreation Parks and Tourism students. The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists are also purchasing five other locations in the NMCA. Several of the islands involved in this purchase are part of the Trans Canada Trail – Lake Superior Water Trail. By protecting these sites as natural areas, rather than having them developed as cottage lots, Thunder Bay Field Naturalists feel that the sense of wilderness and the natural scenery along the route will be preserved for all to enjoy. The reserve locations are open to the public for low impact use and visitors are welcome to come ashore to hike, appreciate nature, take photos or enjoy an afternoon picnic. 

For a link to the CBC News, CLICK HERE.