The Friends of Misery Bay

The Friends of Misery Bay is a Canadian nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing Misery Bay Provincial Park located on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. The organization is registered under Business Number 897468740RR0001 and operates with the mission to protect, research, and educate the public about the park's unique natural environment, particularly its rare alvar habitats[1][2][4].

Mission and Activities

The core mission of The Friends of Misery Bay is to assist Ontario Parks in the stewardship of Misery Bay Provincial Park, focusing on ecological protection, environmental research, and public education. The organization is actively engaged in:

• Extending and improving the park’s hiking trail system, including development of accessible trails to ensure broader public enjoyment.
• Hosting summer nature events and educational programs for visitors.
• Welcoming and assisting park visitors during the summer season.
• Surveying and advocating for the expansion of the park boundaries to better preserve its ecosystems.
• Operating a gift shop to raise funds for ongoing and future conservation projects[4].

Projects and Contributions

Since 2014, The Friends of Misery Bay have completed several significant projects in cooperation with Ontario Parks and community volunteers. Highlights include:

• The construction of "The Shelter at Saunders Cove," a resting spot located along a 3.5 km trail from the visitor center.
• The building of "Our Friends Shelter," positioned on the beach at Misery Bay, accessible via a 1.1 km hike.
• Development of a 1.1 km handicap-accessible trail from the visitor center to Our Friends Shelter, featuring a boardwalk built over a vernal pool. These trail improvements emphasize the use of local natural materials and volunteer labor to minimize environmental impact[3].

Funding for these projects has been sourced from donations raised by The Friends of Misery Bay, Ontario Parks, and community supporters. Volunteer efforts remain critical to the organization's success, with ongoing fundraising initiatives aimed at completing trail projects and other conservation efforts[3].

Relationship with Misery Bay Provincial Park

Misery Bay Provincial Park, encompassing 1,079 hectares, is noted for its ecological significance, including vast alvar habitats and glacially formed dolomite pavements. The park is unique in Ontario as it is entirely volunteer-run by The Friends of Misery Bay, who manage the visitor center and maintain the park's facilities.

The park’s history includes its acquisition and donation from private owners to Ontario Parks in 1989. Since then, The Friends of Misery Bay have played a vital role in preserving the area’s natural and geological heritage, consistent with their commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement[4][5].

Registration and Compliance

The Friends of Misery Bay is officially recognized as a registered charity by the Canada Revenue Agency. It complies with regulatory requirements and issues tax receipts for donations, facilitating secure and efficient support for its conservation mission[1].

This organization exemplifies community-driven efforts to preserve and promote a unique natural area, blending volunteerism with structured fundraising and educational outreach to sustain the ecological integrity of Misery Bay Provincial Park.