On the ground In cyberspace News from elsewhere The Fletcher Wildlife Garden is a project of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. It is located on 6 hectares of land just south of the Arboretum in Ottawa, Canada.	What's up at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden Happy New Year, everyone! Although this is our off-season, the warm weather and various projects have kept FWG volunteers busy over the last couple of months. Here are some of the things we're working on. We would love to hear your comments, ideas, suggestions for this newsletter and the Fletcher Wildlife Garden in general. Please e-mail us at fletcher@ofnc.ca
On the ground	Year-end inventory — Christine Hanrahan has compiled a list of all the birds, butterflies and other critters sighted in the FWG during 2006. As she notes, "We must be doing something right to have made a home, however temporary, for all these species. And if not a home, then a stopover during migration, a place to find food, shelter, etc." She has also included revised sections of her T&L reports "to give some context to the lists." Impact of warm winter on FWG wildlife — C. Hanrahan This peculiar winter weather is a mixed blessing for animals at the FWG. Many will not be affected, but others might face some difficulties come spring. Concern has been voiced for hibernating animals. However, the two hibernating mammals at the garden, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog, almost certainly will not be affected. Most birds should be fine too. Although there are always some neotropical migrants that, for whatever reason, don't fly south, most migratory birds have long gone. A few American Robins can still be seen between the Arboretum and the FWG, but this species can often be found in small numbers around the region in most winters and since they typically winter north of the tropics, they are better able to cope with colder weather, although not extreme cold. Of greater concern is the impact that this warm winter might have on frog populations should they begin to emerge and move around, as has been reported in other places around Ottawa. So far, we have not heard or seen any at FWG. For insects, the impact could be significant or it may be negligible. We will have to wait for spring and summer to see what, if any changes there may be, regarding an increase or decrease in numbers. Many insects enter a state of diapause in winter, which for some may be more predicated on daylight hours than temperature. Backyard Garden coordinator needed Starting soon, we need a gardener to manage our wildlife friendly model garden and to lead the strong team of Friday morning volunteers. Our current coordinator, Jay Ladell, is finding that family and business demands are not allowing him enough time to devote to the FWG backyard. He needs someone to complete renovations, especially in the pond area. If you have some expertise in gardening and an interest in wildlife, please get in touch. More details are available in our ad at Good Work Canada. Help needed for the Fletcher Wildlife Garden Pond Our Amphibian Pond may be sick. At one time, it supported more aquatic invertebrates, had fewer problems with algal blooms, and appeared generally more healthy. We need someone with a good knowledge of pond health and ecology to advise us. If you are that person, please leave a message at the FWG at 613-234-6767 or email fletcher@ofnc.ca. All advice gratefully welcomed.
	How to dispose of invasive weeds We were recently asked, via our web site, what to do with swallowwort plants once you've dug them up. Composted roots or seeds could easily produce new plants and spread the problem. Read more...
In cyberspace	All about feeding birds — Our mild fall and early winter has meant there are more than the usual number of birds around, and most are finding food. However, cold weather and more snow are on the way. Read up on what food and feeders are best in this FWG "how-to" sheet.
	Red squirrels at the FWG — New on our web site, a description of the habits and antics of these charming mammals that are so much a part of our garden.
	Growing native plants from seed — time to start thinking about next summer's garden.
	Wildflower database — still in "version 1.0" this database contains photos and information about many of the native plants we are growing at the FWG. Based on our own experience, the database lists the usual colour, blooming time, and light and water requirements as well as details about where the plants grow in the wild and how they behave in your garden.
News from elsewhere	The FWG participates in this annual North America-wide event coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. It only requires watching our bird feeder for at least 15 minutes during February 16–19 — something we love to do anyway. Find out how you can participate Native Plants and Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden 13 February 2007, 7 to 9 p.m. The Friends of the Farm invite you to attend a lecture on native plants and attracting wildlife to your garden. Many of our beautiful native species are disappearing from our landscape, especially in the city. Learn more about these plants, which ones attract birds and butterflies, and how you can provide food, shelter, and water for wildlife in a colourful chemical-free setting. Presented by Sandy Garland of Fletcher Wildlife Garden. The lecture will be held in building 72, in the Arboretum of the C.E.F. The cost is $12 for FCEF members and $15 for non members. For information or to register call 613-230-3276 or email info@friendsofthefarm.ca. See the FCEF web site for more upcoming events. This page was created on 6 January 2007 © Fletcher Wildlife Garden Our e-mail address