Active Tales

A Unique Treasure in Elliot Lake.

A word of explanation:-

In 1995, when the mines had closed in Elliot Lake, Erwin Meissner arrived with the wave of "senior immigrants", many from Toronto, lured by promises of affordable living in a wilderness setting. Canoeing and fishing dominated the Retirement Living advertisements, but Meissner’s passion was for nature-study. Soon his explorations led him to Sheriff Creek Park just north of town, where he saw unique potential for teaching new urban transplants appreciation for their neighbouring wildlife. His vision for a Sanctuary was born.

Meissner’s vision necessitated forging compromises with the City and Rio Algom to accommodate existing users, government legislation, and his desire for a truly natural sanctuary. Like-minded folk joined Meissner in forming the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Club (PHFN), largely with the goal of implementing his plan.

Rio Algom gave generously in providing bridges, boardwalks and viewing blinds. PHFN volunteers donated hours on projects enhancing the habitat with a butterfly garden, bird boxes and reforestation. The area was named the Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary (SCWS)

Here is an essay which has just come to light regarding Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.

MOTHER NATURE’S HAND AT SHERIFF CREEK

On a beautiful sunny day some years ago, I participated in a well-attended Sheriff Creek bird hike by members of Elliot Lake's Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Club. A pair of Harrier Hawks started what turned out to be a very enjoyable outing by sweeping low in front of our group. These graceful beauties were an indication of what this morning held in store for us.

The musical song of a Fox Sparrow was a prelude to the rush and whir of a Yellow Shafted Flicker. His departure was loudly announced by the rattling call of a Kingfisher, seemingly berating the Flicker for much ado about nothing. (Just a flock of birders for goodness sakes!) Song, Field, White Crowned and Savannah Sparrows ushered us past a watchful Red Winged Blackbird. Further on, a timid Hermit Thrush scurried in the underbrush, calling our attention to a Mourning Dove that had gone unnoticed, blending into the bare ground of the trail we shared.

Our arrival at the large pond caused only a slight flurry in a large flock of Canada Geese, various ducks and several Mergansers, taking advantage of the far side's open water.

Then someone noticed movement at the distant tree line. Even the unflappable old pro ( Erwin Meissner) was excited when it turned out to be a Great Gray Owl; although considered rare in this area it seemed quite at home, lazily gliding in and out of the trees. Our next sighting caused as much of a stir among us, as our arrival had among the geese. It was a pair of Otters loping gracefully across the ice! When they reached open water, they seemed to flow rather than dive in. Fittingly, as we returned to the fields, the pair of Northern Harriers rejoined us and glided buoyantly ahead, leading us to explore yet another facet of their world.

I sat down to observe a Downy Woodpecker methodically inspecting tree trunks (not for me to rest as some claimed) and then I noticed the others were leaving the trail to cross a small stream! Curiosity spurred me to my feet and I "raced" (a walking pace for most) to catch up. What could cause this drastic departure from binoculars to the risk of wet feet on this lovely but very cool day? The answer was a porcupine chewing complacently on a small swaying branch, a caricature of a hillbilly relaxing in his rocking chair, with a corncob pipe, barely acknowledging our presence with a tolerant, but indifferent look. Our laid back canine companion ‘Looney’, like a sleepy old hound, completed the picture perfectly.

Returning to our starting point, we saw a real contrast in bird sizes. Overhead a ‘TV bird’ (Turkey Vulture) soared lazily while a hyperactive Black Capped Chickadee in a sapling fussed energetically. The former has more than a five-foot wingspan and our little friend, the Chickadee, closer to three inches. We thought the day was over but far from it. A Broad-winged Hawk put on a final aerial display for us! His markings were so distinct and delicate that he looked as if he had been sculpted and hand-painted by a master craftsman, and placed in the perfect setting of a clear blue sky, highlighted by the bright but gentle spring sun.

Indeed, in this as in so many of nature's beauties, we feel truly blessed.

Bill Parker

And here are a few thoughts from PHFN members.

Sherrif Creek was one of the first places we visited in Elliot Lake and helped us decide that Elliot Lake was where we wanted to live. Every season in Sheriff Creek has its own highlights and no matter how often I go I always see something new and interesting. Whether it's a Moccasin Flower just in bloom or one of the many species of warbler, that nest there, flitting in the trees catching insects to feed its young. In the spring and fall I marvel at the colours, different highlights in each season. In winter we also see birds who live here all year or those just visiting during the winter from further north.

Sheriff Creek is a beautiful place to go and see birds, plants, trees, water, marine life, reptiles, etc. To name only a few of the wonders and beauties of nature.

Sherrif Creek also shows us what happens when we care about and restore nature and the importance of protecting this valuable resource. It also shows us what happens when we don't care and don't pick up after ourselves. Please honour this beautiful place by not throwing out yours or your dogs waste. Let's continue to enjoy Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.

Joan MacGillivray

Back in the trees, it is like a cathedral, so peaceful! It is a good place to think through problems , (quiet your thoughts). Talk to the birds, always some new plant flowering, hear the whisper of the breeze in the tree tops, see them sway, reminds me of when I was a child, put down for a nap and could see and hear the breeze in the trees.

I enjoy seeing what can be found week by week – animals, birds, but especially the flowers. People have taught me about them, and I like to try and remember the names of the flowers.

The trails are lovely, and different every time you walk there. Just as lovely in Winter as in Summer.

The moonlight walks in the snow in winter are quite special.

The trails are close to home, easily accessible, well maintained and well marked and sheltered for the most part from wind and hot sun.

There is a mixture of flora and fauna to be seen and lots of expert advice available from our more knowledgeable leaders.

A very pleasant hours walk for heart healthy seniors and anyone else too....runs every Saturday without fail, rain or shine with no pressure....just turn up if you want to walk...go alone or with a friend.

When I think of Sheriff Creek, my mind goes to the quietness of it, especially near the small ponds. I like to return to see what ducks and beavers might be there, and especially the otters popping up, and the swallows flitting around their boxes - they’re so pretty. I also enjoy the red-winged blackbirds perched in the cattails so near, alongside the trail. –

One time a group of us were doing the Saturday 10 AM walk and, coming over the rise toward us, was mama bear and three tiny cubs. Without taking her eye off of us, she somehow signalled the cubs up a nearby cedar tree, but one was naughty, and would not obey. We stood waiting, and she apparently got her point across, because finally he scooted up a different tree, and she followed, plunking her hulk on a little branch hanging over the trail, while we made a wide arc around her to continue on our way.