“Skunk’s Misery” consists of forest, grassland, wetland and watercourses. It straddles three counties and links to the Thames River. The woodlands play a significant role in protecting the air, soil and water. Skunk’s Misery is one of the few places in Canada where you can find a mix of Carolinian trees, such as Chestnut, Sassafras, Tulip Tree and Flowering Dogwood, typical of more southern climates. In the woodland and along the roadsides, is one of the country’s most diverse butterfly populations. The site has Canada’s largest colony of endangered Acadian Flycatcher along with many other rare species such as Black Rat Snakes and Cerulean Warblers. [1] The stories about Orville Shaw, the hermit of Skunk’s Misery, need to be written down.
Excerpt from Nov 28th Inventory
[1] News release from Middlesex County and Carolinian Canada, Re: Unveiling of Skunk’s Misery Plaque. July 5, 2005.
Filed under: Business, Skunk's Misery, Wardsville Roundtable Nov 28, 2007
I have recently been looking into my heritage and have discovered that I am an ancestor of Orville Shaw. My father’s name was Roy Edward Joyce, his mother’s name was Cora Della (Harris) Joyce and his father’s name was Thomas Joyce. I know my grandfather worked on the railroad close to his home. If you have any information on Orville Shaw I would love to have it or if you know where I can get some information I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you and may god bless you