The world's largest swan went from being extirpated from Ontario to a population numbering over 2,000 today.
The Midland-Penetanguishene Field Naturalists will learn more about this beautiful bird and the valiant volunteers behind its wonderful recovery during their monthly virtual meeting Thursday evening.
The Trumpeter Swan success story started right here in Midland at the Wye Marsh, but the birds have become beloved winter residents on the lower Great Lakes as well.
The talk will be led by Liz Benneian, a former journalist and newspaper editor who has been leading environmental advocacy and educational organizations since 2004.
Originally native to Ontario, the Trumpeter swan's extirpation from eastern Canada over 200 years ago was primarily due to hunting pressure and habitat loss, according to the Wye Marsh.
Biologist Harry Lumsden began a provincial reintroduction program in the early 1980's to reestablish the Trumpeter swan in its former habitat and range.
With prime wetland habitat, and archaeological evidence confirming the historical presence of Trumpeters in the Wye Valley, Wye Marsh Nature Centre became a co-operator in the restoration of this magnificent species in 1989.
The original captive breeding pair of Trumpeters at Wye Marsh were “Big Guy" and “Lady Girl, who successfully raised the first cygnet in 1990, "Pig Pen. In 1993, Pig Pen and her mate became the first wild nesting pair of Trumpeters in Wye Marsh in over 200 years.
As for Benneian, she is currently executive director and environmental education manager for Ontariogreen Conservation Association, a charity dedicated to providing environmental education in classrooms and communities.
For the past eight years, Benneian has also been the spokesperson for the Trumpeter Swan Coalition, a group dedicated to protecting the overwintering habitat of one fifth of Ontario’s Trumpeter Swan population at Lasalle Park in Burlington.
In recognition of her dedication to preserving and enhancing the environment, she has received local, provincial and national awards.
Anyone interested in learning more about the club or receiving a link to join the meeting, can send an email request to [email protected].
