Wicking Water

Just south of the Queen Street bridge some odd looking construction is occurring. There appears to be a forest of silver ribbons poking out of the ground. What are they doing? This technique is called wicking and it is used to remove moisture from the ground.

This area is the northeast corner of the future Don River Park and the eastern portion is being anchored by what is officially known as a "flood protection landform". This is a kind of levee or berm and is meant to protect the West Don Lands from serious flooding on the order of a Hurricane Hazel size storm. The construction of the berm requires that a large amount of earth be piled in one place. Before that can be done, the ground beneath it must be dried out and compacted. The easiest way to dry out the ground is to insert these silver coloured plastic strips into the ground. Using capillary action, the water in the soil travels to the surface where it evaporates into the air. Once the soil is dried out sufficiently then the new soil can be placed on top. Dry soil compacts easier and has less chance of shifting or moving later on, which is something you don't want to happen for a device that is meant to hold back large amounts of water.


Ribbon forest

Silver coloured wicking strips

The berm is expected to be completed sometime this fall. Once complete, construction of the park and the new neighbourhood to the west can commence.

Wetland Watching

It was such a nice day on Sunday I decided to go on a bicycle trip in the ravines. An unintended consequence of the civic worker's strike is that the fields of grass are no longer mowed. As soon as I entered the ravine, I was pleasantly surprised by the fragrant fields of clover that now cover the grass. Maybe once the strike is over we can get Parks to mow less often. It will be cheaper and produce more flowers. The parks will smell better and the bees will be very happy!

One of the places I stopped at was the Goulding wetland. At the pond, the water level was lower but that was to be expected. The water source for this pond is solely from ground water so as it fluctuates, so does the pond. This is normal for a wetland of this type and many of the plant species that are found along the shoreline are adapted to these conditions.

Along with the plants I spotted a couple of mallard ducks as well as the usual coterie of butterflies, dragonflies, water striders and other assorted insects.



Goulding Wetland


Another view of the wetland

A pair of Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) forage for food along the pond edge.

I also visited my old stomping grounds at the Beechwood Wetland. I saw some frogs and turtles there which is a good sign of a healthy pond.


Beechwood wetland

A Green Frog (Rana clamitans) at the water's edge resting in a pile of what looks like raccoon crap. Scatologists: eat your heart out!

I noticed a turtle lurking just below this lily pad. This is the first turtle I've ever seen at Beechwood. I couldn't tell the species but I think it's a Painted Turtle (Chrymemus picta picta).

A single Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) was growing at the water's edge.


Not far from the pond a cluster of Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata) was growing. This plant shares the name with the purple flowering plant but is in fact in a different family. Also this one is native while Purple Loosestrife is a non-native exotic.

Hike in Taylor Creek Park

On Sunday July 5, I led my 3rd of 6 hikes for the summer. It was a warm sunny day and 52 people showed up. The route I chose went from the Victoria Park Subway Station and went through Taylor Creek Park to the Don River. I then led the hike along a biking trail known as "The Flats". The hike ended at Pottery Road and Broadview. After the hike a number of hikers went for a beverage (or two) at Whistler's Bar and Grill.

My next hike is scheduled for Sunday July 19, 1 PM, starting at Overlea Blvd and Thorncliffe Park Drive (east). It will head down the Don ending up at the Distillery District.


Map of the hike. I prepared this map for a hiker who wanted to know where the best drop out points were. These are marked on the map.


Getting started in Taylor Creek Park


Walking by the garbage dump in Stan Wadlow Park


Making our way along a trail in the woods


Climbing over a trail obstacle


A forest setting

I led the hike by the Elevated Wetlands. We got to walk underneath a waterfall!

Garbage in the Don

I've been active in the Don Valley for several years removing garbage from natural areas. Now it appears that the city is putting it right back. The Don is now the dubious host for a number of temporary city dumps, courtesy of the ongoing civic workers strike. The first one was setup next to Taylor-Massey Creek in the parking lot at the foot of Stan Wadlow Park.


The dump

The garbage pile

I have also heard that another site is opening soon in Wilket Creek Park near Leslie and Eglinton. In addition to the legal sites there are now a few examples of illegal dumping. If the civic workers strike lasts much longer I am sure we will see more of these.


Illegal dump near Pottery Road

Another dump next to Pottery Road

This looks more like homeless garbage but is still an illegal dump. Found next to Lower Don Trail just north of Bloor Street Bridge.

Laying Track

I happened by the Queen St. bridge over the Don last Saturday and noticed some activity on the railway tracks that parallel the river. Workers had removed some track underneath the Eastern Ave/Front St. bridge and were replacing it. They were also replacing a switch (see track in foreground) but I couldn't stay for that part. I took these photos before going on my way home.


Construction scene

Closeup of same

Putting the new track in place

More track action.

Relocated Buildings

Previously I have blogged about two building in the Don that have recently been moved. Here are some photos of the final resting places.


St. Matthews lawn bowling club. Moved from Gerrard St. East to Broadview Ave.


The Don Station. Moved from Todmorden Mills to the up and coming railway museum at the John Street Roundhouse. The Toronto Railway Historical Association has an interesting blog about activities underway at the roundhouse.