If you have an interesting story, animal sighting, or experience from a visit to Marcy’s Woods that you would like to share with others please send us your comments.
If you have an interesting story, animal sighting, or experience from a visit to Marcy’s Woods that you would like to share with others please send us your comments.
Thank you so much to the DiCienzo family for allowing us to have a wander through your beautiful property! It was so peaceful and there was so much to see. The trees were on fire with autumn colour. A truly enjoyable experience.
Thanks again,
Donna
Donna J
October 2024
We would like to thank you, and the DiCienzo family, for permitting us to hike in Marcy’s Woods, on Friday. It was a wonderful experience in stunningly beautiful woods and surroundings. We very much appreciate the efforts the DiCienzo family are making to preserve the woods in their natural environment for present and future generations.
Our sincere thank you.
Sue N and Loreta Z
October 2024
The weather was perfect for our walk on May 1st. We enjoyed seeing the woods and connecting with friends we hadn’t seen for a while. We marveled at the profusion and wide variety of wildflowers. We spotted a red-headed woodpecker and a member found a majestic barred owl that sat quietly in a tree allowing us to get a fantastic look. For many of us, this was a life bird. We had heard that Hemlock Woolly Adelgid had been found in the woods and so we took precautions not to spread this elsewhere. I hope the beautiful hemlocks can be saved. As always, we thank the DiCienzo family for giving us permission to walk here and for preserving these wonderful woods.
Joyce S
Niagara Falls Nature Club
May 2024
This is a quick follow up to thank you for facilitating our access to Marcy’s Woods yesterday. The day was overcast, but we did get to see the eclipse through the clouds, and it was an absolutely spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience! There were a few more people in the area (both visitors and local cottagers), but it must have been one of the least crowded eclipse viewing spots on the Niagara Peninsula!
It was also very heartening to see a stretch of nearly intact Carolinean forest so well maintained right in the middle of one of the more populated places in Ontario! Kudos to the DiCienzo family for their dedicated stewardship of this unique natural legacy. It is clear that the place is dearly loved and well cared for.
Alex
April 2024
I have never seen a remnant of the Carolina Forest that blanketed a major portion of eastern America, but I am delighted to find a rememnat in Marcy Woods. We are lucky to have Corporate Citizens like the DiCienzo family, who have used their personal resources to protect this historical and environmental gem! Although this is what good corporate citizens should do this is what the Dicienzo family is doing!
I hope to see Marcy Woods in the New Year.
Marty Myers
December 2023
Just a quick note to thank the DiCienzo family for allowing access to the wonderful Marcy’s Woods. I had the opportunity to visit there this past Sunday with the Bert Miller Nature Club, and was mesmerized with the splendor of the forest, wildflowers, birds, and beach. Mr. DiCienzo deserves a lot of credit for his civic-mindedness and generosity in preserving this unique natural resource, and his willingness to share it with others. Please be sure to share my sincere thanks and deep gratitude to Mr. DiCienzo for his visionary commitment.
Clark S
Bert Miller Nature Club
May 2023
The Niagara Falls Nature Club had a rainy evening for our walk. This did not stop us of from thoroughly enjoying seeing the woods again. One participant gave it a rating of 11 out of 10. With all the rain, interesting fungi were showing and the flowers were gorgeous with the raindrops on them. We do appreciate that the woods have been kept in their natural state!
Joyce S
Niagara Falls Nature Club
May 2023
The Niagara Falls Nature Club had a lovely warm afternoon for our walk on May 12th. We marvelled at the beauty of the wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs. Thank you for all you do to preserve the biodiversity of this nature reserve. The woods are truly magical!
Joyce S
Niagara Falls Nature Club
May 2022
Just wanted to let you know we had a wonderful time exploring Marcy Woods This weekend. The weather was lovely both days and the wildflowers were at a perfect stage to photograph. The Woods are delightful – so peaceful and serene – just right for re-connecting us to nature. We had a good turnout for our small club – 9 people on Saturday and 10 on Sunday.
Thank you so much for letting us enjoy this beautiful place. And please pass on our thanks to the DiCienzo family for maintaining this pristine natural area.
Val F.
Port Colborne Camera Club
May 2022
We hiked this morning and were totally overwhelmed. Thank you and the DiCienzo family for allowing us to experience the beauty, uniqueness and importance of the site. Our collective hats are off to the DiCienzos for preserving the land for future generations.
Jacqueline
November 2021
This was our second excursion to Marcy’s and a very different landscape in the spring! We saw just the start of some white and red trilliums along with so much more greenery just starting to peek above ground. We loved the upper trail and of course the beach is always a thrill. We look forward to when we can take other nature lovers to this magnificent treasure!
Vivian M
April 2021
I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our visit to Marcy’s Woods today. We absolutely loved the area and will definitely email again to book a visit with our grandson- I know he would love it as well.
Vivian M
November 2020
Thank you very much for allowing us to hike yesterday! It was so good to revisit the beautiful trails that I knew so well. To be able to walk in this peaceful place at this uncertain and stressful time for the world was so good for the soul. Thank you again!
Cornelia S
November 2020
Thanks for permission to marcy’s woods yesterday. Was a beautiful day to hike, saw a number of species of birds, highlite was some tufted titmice. Hopefully we can visit again in the spring. Thanks.
Troy J
November 2020
Thank-you so much and please thank the DiCienzo family for us.
Brigid and Gary H
September 2020
Thank-you so much. We enjoyed our morning walk there. What a very special place it is. Also, thank-you for the map. Helped me navigate quite well.
Shannon D
May 2020
Marcy Woods worked its magic again today for our annual walk through your beautiful property. We thought we might have to cancel due to rain, but it stopped in time to allow us to visit. The sun even came out to greet us. We had about 24 people this time and several had never been on the property. Everyone was enchanted with the beautiful wild flowers in bloom and our birding group managed to see around 30 species of birds, including the elusive Pileated Woodpecker.
Once again, we thank you for the opportunity to visit and enjoy the beauty of the woods and commend you for keeping it in its pristine condition. There are so few of these natural areas left for us to explore. Hope you enjoy a lovely summer at your cottage and we look forward to visiting in 2018.
Lynda G
Bert Miller Nature Club
May 2017
The gods were smiling on us this past Sunday morning and kept the rain from spoiling our walk through Marcy’s Woods on May 1st. What a lovely show of wildflowers we found! Both red and white trillium, Dutchman’s Breeches, Marsh Marigold and much more. There was no wind and the waters of Lake Erie were so still we could see for miles. We had 38 people in our group and all thoroughly enjoyed the morning. I gave them a brief history of the woods and your pledge to keep it as a private nature reserve. This is so important, as much of our natural heritage seems to be disappearing. Thank you very much for the opportunity to visit this pristine sanctuary.
Lynda G
Bert Miller Nature Club
May 2016
The Niagara Falls Nature Club enjoyed our walk on May 4th. We had 56 in our group including some seeing the woods for the first time. We had breath-taking views of wild flowers growing on the dunes and in the wetlands. The sunset we saw while walking along the beach was beautiful! Thank you for keeping the woods lovely and natural.
Joyce S.
Niagara Falls Nature Club
May 2016
On Sunday morning, April 26th, the Bert Miller Nature Club took a group of 60 people on a walk through Marcy Woods. Although the cold weather has delayed some of the spring flowers, we did see several species in bloom, as well as a number of others getting ready to open. There were also a number of birds along the way, making for a most enjoyable stroll though your beautiful property. We thank you very much for continuing to allow us access to Marcy Woods and are grateful that you are keeping it in its pristine state. It is truly one of the few unspoiled Carolinian forested dunes on Lake Erie. Best wishes for a great summer, and we hope to have the privilege of visiting the woods again next year.
Lynda G
Bert Miller Nature Club
May 2015
The Niagara Falls Nature Club had perfect weather for our walk on May 6th. 56 people come out to enjoy a walk in the woods. Some of the participants had never been to the woods before and they were amazed. One woman wrote “–it was the most spectacular view of the beauty of nature that I have ever seen.
Joyce S.
Niagara Falls Nature Club
May 2015
We visited Marcy’s Woods on the weekend. It was absolutely beautiful, even more beautiful than I remembered if that is possible! Thanks so much for the map, and thanks again for arranging our visit with the owner, we truly appreciate it.”
Thank you!
Sarah F
Peterborough, ON
May 2015
Approximately 35 members and friends from the Bert Miller Nature Club enjoyed a lovely walk through Marcy Woods on Sunday, April 27th. Although a number of the wild flowers were not yet in bloom because of the cool weather, we still enjoyed the peace and serenity of the beautiful woodlands and dunes. We were rewarded with an appearance of the Pileated Woodpecker, a much sought after bird. We thank you for giving us the opportunity once again to visit this Carolinian gem and are pleased that you continue to maintain it as a nature preserve.
Lynda G
Bert Miller Nature Club
May 2014
Thank you so much.
I am attaching a photo I took at the Bert Miller Club walk of a woodchuck in front of her den.
Joyce S.
Bert Miller Nature Club
May 2014
Earl
I wanted to thank you and Allison for the great hike which our parish St Luke’s, Ridgeway and Good Shepherd Niagara Falls participated in on St Michael’s Day.
I am including an article I wrote for our newsletter.
Maria F
St Luke’s Lutheran, Ridgeway
November 2013
Thank you for giving permission for the Niagara Falls Nature Club to walk at Marcy’s Woods last Wednesday. We had forty people participating. We all enjoyed seeing so many beautiful wildflowers in bloom including a few of the Yellow variation of the Red Trillium. Some of our participants remarked on how happy they are to see the woods kept so wild and natural.
Cheers
Joyce S.
May 2013
On behalf of the Bert Miller Nature Club, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to visit Marcy’s Woods on April 28th. The weather was perfect, and a number of the wildflowers were in bloom. We had quite a large group of people attending, including members of the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society. This group was especially grateful to be included, since it was their first time visiting the woods. As botanists, they were thrilled with the number and variety of plants.
We commend you for continuing to protect this Carolinian jewel, and hope that we may be permitted to enjoy it again next spring.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Lynda G
Bert Miller Nature Club
May 2013
Just a note to say how much we appreciate the opportunity to bring our students from the Grade 8 “Journey” Retreat to experience the beauty and peace of Marcy’s Woods.
This has become a favorite part of the retreat as students learn more about the environment and gain a greater appreciation of Gods’ creation.
On behalf of the 2,000 Grade 8’s and staff of the Niagara Catholic District School Board, THANK YOU! We look forward to continuing to visit Marcy’s Woods next year.
Krista, Michelle, Penny and Debbie
Niagara Catholic District School Board
June 2012
Members and friends of the Niagara Falls Nature Club had a wonderful walk at Marcy’s Woods last night. Despite the threat of rain, 49 people came to enjoy the beauty of the forest, including some families with children. We did get rained on at first but then the sun came out and the evening was beautiful. Thank you.
Joyce S.
May 2012
Members of The Niagara Falls Nature Club enjoyed our walk in the woods on May 4th. 43 people came on the walk and marveled at all the flowers in bloom and at all the birds we heard singing. Thank you.
Joyce S.
May 2011
Thanks so much for your help with visiting Marcy’s Wood. It’s quite a gorgeous site!
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much flying on the day I visited. Probably a bit early in the season, and a bit cool.
I did see a Red Admiral and a couple of Spring Azures.
You were right about the Hop tree – it is one of the food plants for the Giant Swallowtail. I will definitely be back in Port Colborne later this summer, and look forward to another visit if that is possible. I will contact you regarding permission when my plans firm up.
Cheers, and thanks again
Rick C.
May 2011
On behalf of the Bert Miller Nature Club, I’d like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to visit Marcy’s Woods on April 30th. We had approximately 30 people in our group and everyone enjoyed seeing the emerging wild flowers, migrant birds and other wildlife. We appreciate having access to this natural treasure and are pleased that you are committed to keeping it in its natural state. It is truly a jewel of biodiversity.
Lynda G
May 2011
My family and I went for for a walk through the woods on Easter Sunday. Earl Plato was kind enough to give us permission to do so. I also am the bus driver that drives the SCOEP kids to the woods. I wanted my children to experience God’s beauty there and appreciate it as much as I do. We had and incredible time and they are already asking when they go back. I want to thank you for allowing people such as myself to enjoy these surroundings. I hope we can continue to visit Marcy’s Woods. I love to take nature pictures and this incredible place gives me so many opportunities to capture true beauty.
Thank you again
Rhonda E and Family
April 2011
Members of The Niagara Falls Nature Club enjoyed our walk at Marcy’s Woods last Thursday. We had a beautiful night, thank you for allowing us to reschedule.
Twenty-seven hikers came, including a few who had never seen the woods before. The highlights of our walk were the profusion of blooms, the many Wood Thrush singing, a Scarlet Tanager and the gorgeous sunset we enjoyed while walking along the beach to our cars.
Joyce S.
May 2010
I am writing on behalf of the members of “The Supposed Book Club” to express our heartfelt thanks for allowing Mr. Earl Plato and his daughter, Allison, to lead us on a fun, informative walk in Marcy’s Woods last Thursday.
Many of our members have heard of Marcy’s Woods but never had the opportunity to visit and were truly in awe of the beauty. Everyone commented on how you and your family have done such an excellent job of incorporating the improvements (i.e. the pathway, stairs) in keeping with the environment.
We cannot thank you enough and we all look forward to a return visit sometime in the future.
Anne Marie L
May 2010
Last Saturday I joined the Bert Miller Nature Club on a walk through Marcy’s Woods. After being told that the Woods are private property, but that permission had been given to enjoy the flora, fauna and wildlife, I felt very lucky to be able to enjoy the beauty of your land.
Thank you for your generosity in allowing this privelege. Your kindness gave the group (over 80 people) many beautiful and informative memories to take back home.
Jackie P
April 2010
On behalf of the Bert Miller Nature Club, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to enjoy a walk through Marcy’s Woods on Saturday, April 24th. This year, we invited members of the general public to join us for the walk and preceded it with a seminar on Wednesday, April 21st, highlighting the fabulous flora and fauna that live in your preserve. We were pleased at the response from the public and I’m sure you will be hearing from a number of them expressing their thanks for the opportunity.
The early spring provided a wealth of wildflowers for visitors to enjoy and the melodic sounds of the wildlife added to the experience. The weather was perfect and a good time was had by all in attendance.
We appreciate your generosity in opening up the Woods to visitors (through Earl Plato) and hope that we may have the opportunity again in the future.
Paul P
April 2010
Your kindness has been appreciated. Thank you for allowing us to visit Marcy’s Woods! We all had a great time.
Chris W and the NCC Grade 7 Class
June 2009
Just another thank you for all you are doing. There is no question in my mind, but that continuing to have this beautiful land in private hands makes the most sense for all.
Bart
June 2009
Thank you for allowing the Niagara Falls Nature Club to have an outing at Marcy’s Woods on May 31st.
Thirty-three members came and enjoyed their day walking in the woods, seeing plants such as the spectacular Cinnamon and Maidenhair ferns.
Joyce S.
June 2009
We had a great day out there and found quite a few Fowler’s Toads. The staff really enjoyed the opportunity to see a site in such good shape with so many plant species that they never, or rarely ever, get to see.
The dunes are looking good. Nice to see them without ATV tracks all over them, so your presence is obviously helping.
Thanks again for your generosity in sharing your property.
James Kamstra
Gartner Lee
September 2008
…this past weekend I led a group of “Fathers and sons and daughters” on a camping weekend at Windmill Point Park. Included in the weekend was a hike in “Marcy’s Woods”. I had made arrangements with Earl Plato, as I had for the past two years as well. Thank you so much for making this possible. We had about 25 of us hikers. Blessings on you and yours.
Ray
June 2008
Thank you for permitting the Niagara Falls Nature Club to have a nature walk at Marcy’s Woods.
Despite the light rain, twenty-eight people came out to enjoy seeing the spring flowers and we also have the good fortune to see a Pileated Woodpecker fly by.
Joyce S.
May 2008
The Niagara Falls Nature Club (61 of us) enjoyed our walk at Marcy’s Woods last Wednesday.
The weather was perfect and the woods were beautiful.
Thank you so much.
Joyce S.
May 2007
Thank you so much for our walk through Marcy’s Woods. It was beautiful to see and we all truly appreciated it.
Rose P.
Fort Erie Horticultural Society
May 2007
We want to let you know how much we appreciate being able to hike through Marcy’s Woods and enjoy all it’s natural beauty.
Earl Plato was an excellent guide and is an informative naturalist.
We have lived in this area since 1975 and it was only about 10 years ago we learned about this Carolonian forest in our “back yard”! How wonderful that you continue to preserve it, yet are willing to share with others who love this quiet place. Over the past few years, we hiked (without a guide) while it was yet in the Marcy family. This was the first time though that we had a hike with Mr. Plato.
Thank you for your generousity!
Dan Y. and Family
May 2007
On May 26 I was priveleged to see Marcy’s Woods on a tour with Fort Erie Horticultural Society led by guide Earl Plato.
I have lived in Fort Erie 37 years and have never seen Marcy’s Woods. It truly is a treasure and thank you for keeping the woods as a natural habitat.
Anne K.
May 2007
I just wanted to say thank you for allowing Earl Plato to take me and a small group through the woods last Saturday. It was beautiful as usual.
Bridgette B.
May 2006
Our small group from the Guelph Field Naturalists want to thank you for your generous hospitality, allowing us to explore your land today. Your property is truly a natural gem, and we enjoyed having Earl to point out some of its highlights. The birds were not moving around much, but we could identify quite a few by sound, and the rare plants were a treat (and, as always, much more cooperative than birds). Thank you so much for protecting this piece of natural heritage, and for sharing it with us!
Rob S.
May 2006
We want to thank you for the opportunity to visit your property on Lake Erie and walk through the beautiful Marcy’s Woods last Saturday. It has been many years since we have visited these woods. After reading his recent column in the Review, we contacted our friend Earl Plato, who arranged our visit and led us part way. We were hoping to see the Hooded Warbler which had been sighted the previous week. Although that sighting eluded us, we saw a number of birds, including a female Hairy Woodpecker feeding her babies. It was a thouroughly enjoyable morning walk, which we hope we might have the opportunity to experience once again.
Lynda & Ron G.
May 2006
I would like to thank you for allowing myself and some of my Fort Erie Secondary Environmental Club students out to your property this past weekend with Earl Plato. They really enjoyed themselves.
Fred L.
May 2006
I would like to thank you for allowing the Special Needs class from Saint Paul High School to take a walk through Marcy’s Woods with Earl Plato on October 28. Although it was very difficult for the students in wheelchairs, especially since the gate was locked, we did manage to get them through. For most of these students it was the first time that they have ever been in the middle of such a magnificent forest. I appreciate your generousity in sharing your beautiful property with us.
Bridgette B.
Special Class Teacher, Saint Paul High School
October 2005