Murphys Point Provincial Park
2243 Elmgrove Road K7H 3C7 Perth, ON, Canada

This weekends "Weird Wildlife" is the Monkey Slug. It is actually the caterpillar of the Hag Moth (Phobetron pithecium), a member of the so-called slug moths. As you can see in the photo of the underside, the family is aptly named! The feathery protrusions on the back (that mimic a spider) add a bizarre level of disguise but are known to irritate some people, so best left alone. This individual was seen earlier this week at the park store. Thanks Courtney for the photos.

Are you participating in #internationalforestbathingday Let us know! #hphp #ontarioparks

Did you know we offer trail guides for the Sylvan Trail and Silver Queen Mine Trail? Guides are $1 and support the Friends of Murphys Point

While out in the park yesterday, we came across these oak apple galls strewn across the ground under a grove of Red Oaks. They are caused by a species of gall wasp in the Cynipidae family that hijack the leaf tissue to create a safe environment (the gall) in which the wasp larvae grow. Typically these galls do not negatively affect the host - they are just another example of nature taking advantage of unusual ecological niches. Why they were on the ground we dont know.

2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Friends of Murphys Point Park. Over the years, they have provided enhanced programming opportunities, employed countless students, sourced grant money for a variety of projects, and fed visitors with their wonderful BBQs. The following short video showcases just some of the projects they have supported. If you would like to join their group and become part of something special please reach out. THANK YOU Friends of Murphys Point Park for all that you do!

With all the recent rain, numerous species of fungi are popping up. This one is called a Fluted Birds Nest, as the spore-containing peridioles look like little birds eggs. During rain, the eggs are propelled into the air and attach to vegetation. It is believed the spores are ingested by herbivores - their poop providing a great place to restart the cycle...

Thank you Chuck Commanda for a wonderful Birchbark Basket-making Workshop held yesterday, and sponsored by the Friends of Murphys Point Park! The weather was perfect, the company fantastic, and everyone went home with their own hand-made basket.

Its that time of year here at the park for newly-emerged turtles.

Today is #InternationalDogDay Following park rules regarding dogs keeps both your pet and our parks happy and safe Find lots of articles on dogs in parks at the OP Blog: https://bit.ly/2L5xcDR

Thank you to everyone for the positive responses to our student profiles Our student staff members are amazing, hardworking and intelligent young adults and we wish them all the best for the upcoming school year #ontarioparks

There are just a couple of spots left for Fridays Birchbark basket-making workshop. Registration closes tonight so please reach out to the Friends of Murphys Point Park (see poster) to reserve your spot!

This is Sarahs first year with our Discovery department - but she previously could be found at Bon Echo PP! Part of Sarahs position involves learning about, monitoring, and controlling invasive species - like this Dog-strangling Vine #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

Maddie is in her first year here at Murphys Point Working hard in our maintenance department Maddie brings a positive attitude every day

Jackson is a first year student in our gatehouse Helping you check in for your campsite or giving you directions to your next favourite hike - Jackson is here for you! #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

Back for a second year in our maintenance department - Cameron supports our Park Cleaner in keeping our facilities clean It is a hard job but he is up to the task #ontarioparks #staffappreciation

This is Abbys 2nd year with Murphys Point. Last year she worked as a gate attendant and this year she is part of the wonderful team at our Park Store #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

Canoe believe it Rachel, Peter & Emma have been working at Murphys Point for a combined total of 10 years! In their roles with the Friends of Murphys Point, they strive to bring quality Discovery programming to campers any way they can #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

Haley has returned to our Park Store for a second year It is students like Haley that make Murphys Point the amazing place it is! #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

Teamwork is key in our amazing maintenance department This is Bens first year with Murphys Point, and Corey has been a part of the team for three years #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

This is Chelseas first year with Murphys Point and she is part of the hardworking team at our gatehouse. Chelsea is here to help answer all your questions #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

This is Eriks fourth year with Ontario Parks. He is a hardworking and enthusiastic part of Murphys Points maintenance team #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

A fixture at our Park Store, this is Alexs 3rd year with Murphys Point Swing by the Park Store to thank Alex for all his hard work #OntarioParks #studentappreciation

Erin returned for a 2nd year in our maintenance department It is Erins hard work that keeps our trails in tip-top shape #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

This is Abbys first year with Murphys Point As a office and gate student she has had to flex her multitasking muscles! #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

Emma is a first year student at the Murphys Point Park Store She says that her favourite thing about working here is being able to meet new people #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

There are lots of ways to enjoy Ontario Parks. Here, Rachel from the Friends of Murphys Point Park, suggests a few that will help keep you active too.

This is Abbeys second year working at Murphys Point. Abbey brings joy and enthusiasm to her position at our gatehouse #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

This is Emmas 2nd year in our maintenance department. Her dedication and leadership have been invaluable this year. If you see her out in the park be sure to say hello #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

Alexis is a 3rd year student - you can find her working tirelessly at the Murphys Point Park Store. Alexis has been a great role model for our first year store students! #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

This is siblings Aidan and Kaylas 2nd year in our maintenance department. Their hard work and dedication help to keep our park clean and running smoothly #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

Its #PhotographyDay There are lots of tips on the OP Blog on how to photograph wildlife and nature Check out this article on ethical wildlife photography https://bit.ly/3iRehM9... #ontarioparks #HPHP

This is Katies 2nd year with Murphys Point. This year Katie was our operations assistant and could be found doing everything from helping with supply management and training, to answering phones and working the gatehouse #ontarioparks #studentappreciation

We want to take the next few days to showcase and celebrate our amazing student staff. Murphys Point would not be the same without them Trevor is a 2nd year Discovery student, and he can be found helping to monitor our Gray Ratsnake populations #ontarioparks

Did you know you can bring a little bit of nature to your technology? Check out the downloads from the Parks Blog

Today we are wishing our Gray Ratsnakes Gamma and Pi a Happy 7th Birthday! You may have met Gamma in our Visitor Centre here at Murphys Point or Pi at Charleston Lake. Should we serve them cake or pi? Leave them a birthday wish or memory below.

We love watching rivers on the internet. We were watching a live stream earlier #NationalTellAJokeDay #ontarioparks

How are you spending #nationalrelaxationday #HPHP #ontarioparks #murphyspoint

Have you filled your passport yet? #ontarioparks #murphyspoint