Friends of Murphys Point Park

Strawberry Moon – June 10th

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Friends of Murphys Point

Did you know that the night of June 10th will mark the Strawberry Moon?

The Strawberry Moon is the full moon of June and the lowest moon this year. You’re probably expecting to look up and see a bright pink moon, but the name has a significant backstory.

This moon marks the season of blooming and ripening strawberries, named from Ode’miin Giizis (Strawberry Moon) in Anishinaabemowin. Ode’miinan (strawberries) are also called the Heartberry because of the heart shape and teachings about love and our heart. They are the first berries to ripen. This moon is also a time for community, healing, reconciliation, and forgiveness.

June is National Indigenous History Month. A time to uplift Indigenous voices and celebrate the diverse histories of Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island.

Murphys Point is situated on the unceeded territory of the Algonquin peoples. We are grateful for the teachings and knowledge, such as Ode’miin Giizis, shared by the Algonquin peoples and their many contributions, past, present, and future. We are also thankful to the Algonquin ancestors who have cared for this land and water from time immemorial.

If you are interested in viewing the Strawberry Moon on the evening of June 10th, lookout spots at Murphys include the Lally field and the main beach. This large moon will be a sight to see!

Posted in Astronomy, Friends of Murphys Point, Heritage, Uncategorized | Tagged Astronomy, cultural heritage, Friends of Murphys Point Park, heritage, Murphys Point Provincial Park | Leave a comment

Odonate Survey – Student Update

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Friends of Murphys Point

Hello friends,

Last week we had the amazing opportunity to participate in odonate surveys with our odonate expert Bev! We learned proper bug netting and handling techniques, as well how to identify different dragonflies and damselflies. Our favourite species ended up being the Ebony Jewelwing damselfly and the Beaverpond Baskettail dragonfly.

A Beaverpond Baskettail dragonfly being held during survey

So, you’re probably asking yourself “what is the difference between dragonflies and damselflies?” Both are a part of the order Odonata (“toothed ones” for their toothy mandibles) and soar through the air. Dragonflies tend to have their wings extended like an airplane when sitting, while damselflies tend to have their wings closed and folded up behind their body.

A dragonfly sits with wings spread like an airplane

Odonates serve important roles in their ecosystems as predators, prey, and indicators. They are carnivorous and eat other bugs, including mosquitoes and deer flies, but are eaten by wildlife such as birds, fish, and frogs. With their need for healthy water in the aquatic larval stage, dragonflies and damselflies are also good indicators of aquatic health.

A beaver pond with lily pads, the perfect spot for eggs and larvae

During these surveys we were also able to collect exuviae, the exoskeleton left behind after the young odonates have molted. Many were found on lily pads and plants growing in and around water. Did you know that different species can be identified through these molts? I was shocked to learn this!

Liam was able to survey odonates with Bev at the Lally homestead and trail, while I (Sarah) surveyed with Bev along the McParlan House trail. Both of these short, easy loops provide great opportunities for odonate viewings.

Thank you so much to our expert Bev for bringing us along and teaching us about these fascinating creatures!

Friends Summer Student, Sarah, netting a dragonfly in a field

Posted in flora and fauna, Friends of Murphys Point, Uncategorized, Volunteer, wildlife tracking | Tagged Friends of Murphys Point Park, Murphys Point Provincial Park, Odonates, Research, Survey, volunteers | Leave a comment

Garlic Mustard – Student Update

Posted on May 26, 2025 by Friends of Murphys Point

This week we have been participating in invasive species management and pulling garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata).

Friends Students (Sarah & Liam) holding Garlic Mustard

Garlic mustard is an invasive plant that was brought to North America as an edible herb. It displaces native plants such as trilliums (Trilliums sp.), wood poppies (Stylophorum diphyllum), and even fungi. Garlic mustard also disrupts soils and the understory of forests. When they die, they alter the rate of leaf litter decomposition, which changes the natural cycle of the ecosystem.

The plant can be identified from the strong garlic smell it gives off when crushed, as well as the dark-green, kidney shaped leaves in first year plants. Older plants have sharp, triangular leaves with kidney shaped leaves around the bottom and they bloom white flowers in the spring.

A single Garlic Mustard Leaf (older plant)

How can you help?

Do not use invasive plants when gardening
Stay on trails when hiking
Get familiar with the appearance of garlic mustard
If disposing of invasive species, do not compost them or place them in areas where they could grow. Instead, place them in your garbage.