Buckhorn Public school students release salmon into the world
Youngters raised the fish from egg form and gave them a new life in the Ganaraska River
Excitement was all around as Buckhorn Public School students, parents, staff, and visitors prepared to board the bus for the trip to Sylvan Glen Conservation Area and the launching of vigorous young salmon fry into their natural environment, eventually making their way to Lake Ontario.
The salmon were already contained. Teacher Kirsty Hill had an early start getting the salmon into their travelling bags. Water temperature was of utmost importance. The water temperature had been kept at 4 degrees Celsius to ensure slow growth. However, the river water was 10 degrees Celsius. Two weeks before discharge the classroom tank water temperature was increased to 10. When taking the water temperature at the river, it was also 10 degrees. Things were looking good.
Getting the fry out of the tank was an important step. Using a small net, Hill rounded up all 100 fry which were well hidden in the gravel. In plastic bags filled with tank water, they were put in a cooler and along with everyone else got on the bus.
At Sylvan Glen they entered into a very pastoral environment. Who wouldn’t want to be discharged there. However, safety of all involved was a major concern. We were greeted by Hunter of OFAH. Dressed in her waterproof costume she was able to explain the safety rules and the process of releasing the fish.
One child at a time would be given a cup of water containing a salmon. Standing behind the water’s edge they would dip their glass into the water letting the water and the fry flow out.
They were instructed to stay on the trail with their leaders. Watch out for poison ivy. Don’t throw rocks or anything into water. Ticks are around. And then they were given UV sunglasses which would help them see their salmon as it swam away after being released.
Oh, yes, think of a name for your salmon.
And it started. Everyone gathered and got to release Moonstruck, Rock, Hamburger, Waffles, Mike Buckhorn ... all names given to the fry. They were off to a life of eating bugs, finding shelter and growing through the life stages. Atlantic Salmon live 5-7 years.
Upon return to the bus, Knowledge Keeper Brittany Taylor shared an Anishinaabe song which gave thanks and prayers to Mother Earth and was about a journey “like the journey your fish are on.”
Buckhorn Craft Festival
At the recent BCC craft festival there was lots to see, feel, taste, and maybe even hear and smell. In just one outbuilding you could purchase delectable tarts from Bruno’s Bakery and Cafe, very creative birdhouses by Recycled Art, fine leather goods from Algonquin South, knitted and crocheted items from Knitpurl Kreations, fun signs for your home inside and out from D&L Crafts.
Two of these exhibitors have been at this craft festival since the beginning. Ria Collins, knitter, had been at the spring show for 38 years and 43 years for the fall show. Ria’s sister was in the next building with samples of her knitting. Bonnie and Philip Hobbs of Algonquin South have been exhibiting there since inception. It is a family affair.
Birthday party
A birthday party was held for the two-term former mayor of Trent Lakes and the organizer of the Buckhorn District Lions Club, Janet Clarkson.
It was a “significant” birthday celebrated at the Clarkson home on a sparkling day with people of all ages and stages. There was food to eat, people to greet and plenty of activities for the children such as the inflatable sky high slide.
Happy birthday, Janet!