Marsh with a Canoe in it

Frequently asked questions

Answers to commonly asked questions will help you plan your visit to Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre and learn more about the wildlife and environment at the marsh.

General FAQs

Nature FAQs


General FAQs

1. How do I get to Oak Hammock Marsh?

The Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre is located just off Hwy 67, between Hwy 7 and 8. The Centre is approximately 20 minutes north of Winnipeg. Just follow the signs along Hwy 7 or 8. Download a map (PDF, 76KB).

2. When are you open?

The Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre is open year round. The hours of operation vary seasonally.

  • July to October – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • November to June – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. Is there an admission charge?

There is a nominal fee to visit the exhibits and take part in the public programs at Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre. This fee supports the non-profit Interpretive Centre in their mission to foster public awareness and understanding of wetlands.

  • Adults -- $5.00
  • Seniors (55+) -- $4.00
  • Children/youth -- $4.00
  • Family (2 adults + children/youth) -- $18.00

There is no fee to visit the Wildlife Management Area, the Café or the Giftshop.

4. Is there bus service to Oak Hammock Marsh?

Bus service to the Centre is not currently available. Special arrangements may be possible. Please contact us for more information.

5. How did Oak Hammock Marsh get its name?

The name “Oak Hammock” dates back to the early 1870’s when settlers from Lower Fort Garry and St. Andrews gathered for community picnics on an oak-covered knoll bordering “The Bog.” Its owner – Adam MacDonald - called the heavily-treed knoll “Oak Hammock”.

The name was adopted for the whole area with the opening of the Oak Hammock post office, and used until the early 1900s. It is uncertain if the settlers ever actually relaxed in hammocks between the oak trees during their picnics. However, they may have done so during times of flood if they were forced to camp on these drier oak-covered knolls until the floodwaters receded.

A less romantic theory is that the name has nothing to do with hammocks – it simply derives from "Oak Hummock" - a term that is sometimes used to describe a raised stand of trees.

Whatever the origin of the name, the area surrounding the Interpretive Centre became known as Oak Hammock.

6. Can I bring my own canoe?

Yes. Any none motorized boat is permitted in the Wildlife Management Area. There are a few access points to the Marsh where it is easier to launch a canoe (by the main observation mound at Cell 1 and by the north observation mound at Cell 4). If you do go canoeing, we ask that you check in at the reception desk before and after you canoe, just so we are aware that you are out in the marsh.

7. Can we fish or hunt?

Fishing is allowed in the Wildlife Management Area (WMA), but you do need a Provincial fishing permit. Hunting is not allowed in the WMA, but there is a managed hunting area around the WMA. Information is available from Manitoba Conservation.

8. Why is there grass on the roof?

The grass on the roof is one of the many environmentally friendly features of the Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre. The building was designed to blend into the surrounding wetland. The berms next to the building as you walk in, the material the building is made of and the grass on the roof (green roof) provide cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter. The plants are all native to Manitoba and provide habitat for wildlife. There are often several nesting ducks on the roof each year.

9. What is a lure crop?

A lure crop is a crop (usually barley) that is planted by Manitoba Conservation to lure waterfowl to within the Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This helps reduce crop damage on neighbouring lands. There are seven lure crops within the WMA.

Mallard brood walking

Nature FAQs

1. What is a wetland?

A wetland is an area that is ‘wet’ for a period of time. Many wetlands are wet year-round, while others are seasonally wet. During dry periods, some wetlands may not be wet for an entire summer. However, once water returns, these areas will again hold water. All wetlands have wetland plants and soils that are adapted to flooded or water-saturated conditions.

2. How long do ducks sit on their nests?

On average, a mallard hen (female) lays one egg per day for about nine days. She will incubate (sit on) the eggs for about 26-28 days before they hatch. Once hatched, it will be about 50 days before the ducklings can fly.

3. What do I do with the baby bird I found?

Young wild animals spend long periods of time alone. The mother feeds them only a few times a day. You are unlikely to see her unless you are watching closely. Fledglings normally spend a couple of days on the ground after leaving the nest, while they learn how to find food for themselves. If you find a baby bird on the ground, you should do the following:

  • If the parents are nearby - leave the bird alone!
  • If the location of the parents is unknown - watch the bird from a distance to see if the parents return (within 2 hours for small birds, within 4-6 hours for raptors) or look for the nest.
  • If the parents do not return - put the bird in a box and contact the appropriate organization, such as the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre.
  • Most wild birds and mammals are protected by law and keeping them in your possession is illegal.

It is all right to pick up young birds or eggs to put them back in the nest or get them out of harm's way (e.g. put them up in a tree). The parents will not abandon the nest or young but you don't want to disturb them for very long.

4. What do I do about the ducks nesting in my backyard?

It is best to leave them alone and not to feed them. The hen has chosen the site for a reason. She will incubate her eggs and then walk the young to the nearest water as long as she can get out of the yard. Ducks have been known to walk up to a mile to find water.

5. When is the best time to come and see the geese?

Geese start migrating south at the beginning of September. At Oak Hammock Marsh they usually reach their peak the last week of September or the first week of October. The geese spend the night in the marsh and leave at dawn to go out and feed in the surrounding fields. Some will come back in the late morning and leave again in the afternoon. The best time of day to come is dawn but the evening fly-in is spectacular. Plan to come ½ hour to 1 hour before sunset and stay until ½ hour to 1 hour after sunset.

6. How can I discourage geese from coming on my property?

It is very difficult to discourage geese from a location. The first thing to do is to make sure that no one in your area is feeding them. When the geese have young and are moulting (can’t fly) putting up a short fence (such as a metal garden fence) should keep them out. It also helps to make sure there is movement or noise in the area (keeping in mind noise by-laws and neighbours).

7. When should I stop feeding the birds so they will migrate?

If you choose to feed birds, you can feed them all year long. Birds can always find enough food and don’t become solely dependant on a single feeder. Having feeders up all year will not prevent birds from migrating in the fall. The urge to migrate is very strong and the feeders will help them refuel before the next leg of their journey. Start winter feeding in early November and then continue all winter until late spring. You can even start in early fall to attract migrants.

8. What do I do with an injured animal?

Injured animals can be fairly dangerous and should be handled by people who have experience. It is best to contact a rehabilitation centre such as the Manitoba Wildlife Rehabilitation Organization’s Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. They can be reached at (204) 883-2122.

Didn’t find the answer to your nature question? Just Ask the Naturalist!

 
Yellow warbler nest

In this section