Friends of Murphys Point Park

We get by with a little help from our Friends (students)!

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Friends of Murphys Point

The Board of Directors for the Friends of Murphys Point extends a HUGE thank you to Sarah and Liam – our fabulous Friends students – for their exceptional work this summer!

During the course of their eight weeks with us, Sarah and Liam amplified the work of the Friends. They shared educational tidbits about flora, fauna, trails and sights, promoted our events (including our Canada Day barbecue and the SOLD OUT 30th anniversary event – The Moth Project), helped coordinate our merchandise in the Park Store (Have you SEEN the new Friends hats? Go get one!!) and so much more.

Their enthusiasm and creativity is so appreciated by the Friends – thank you! We really couldn’t do it without you! Hiring students has always been, and continues to be, a priority for the Friends. Many of our students have gone on to careers in education, science, conservation and other related fields.

Thank you to the Canada Summer Jobs program for supporting our student positions.

Photo, from left: Friends President Stephanie Gray, students Liam Bevington and Sarah Simon, and Vice President Derek Zeisman.

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World Snake Week 2025

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Friends of Murphys Point

This week we are celebrating the snakes of Murphys Point with Snake Week! This week encourages snake awareness, coexistence, and snake safety.

Throughout July and August meet one of our captive Gray Ratsnakes and learn how you can help protect this species at risk. Talks take place daily at 2PM outside the Murphys Point Park Store with our Discovery Rangers.

Follow @friendsofmurphyspointpark on Instagram and Facebook to see more of our snake conservation and learn about our Adopt-a-Snake program!

Day Use Passes for the park can be purchased online at reservations.ontarioparks.ca by selecting Murphys Point as your park up to 5 days in advance.

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Beavers, A National Symbol

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Friends of Murphys Point

When you think of Canadian animals what comes to mind? I bet you probably thought of a beaver! These hardworking, dam builders are deeply associated with the great Canadian outdoors. In fact, you probably have or had a little beaver in your wallet recently with our furry friend on the back of the nickel.

Amick (AH-mick) is the Anishinaabemowin name for beaver. Prior to the arrival of settlers, Indigenous peoples had long recognized the importance and value of beavers. Their fur could be used for clothing, their bones for tools, even their castoreum scent could be used in hunting lures. They have a large influence on the ecosystem and bring water.

These ecosystem engineers alter their habitats to create wetlands which other species depend on. They use trees and shrubs to build dams and their home lodges. The damming of these areas provides habitat for fish, amphibians, and dragonflies.

The scientific name for the North American beaver is Castor canadensis, another Canadian connection to our friends. 2025 marks 50 years since beavers were recognized as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada in the National Symbol of Canada Act (1975). Fun fact: The three-pence Beaver postage stamp, 1851, was the first postage stamp made in Canada and also the first in the world to feature an animal!

Interested in seeing these wetlands in action? One of Murphys Point’s many trails is the Beaver Pond trail. This trail branches off of the Silver Queen Mine Trail and provides an alternate route that passes a flooded wetland.