Bois-des-esprits carving removed, preserved

Royalwood

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This article was published 26/03/2025 (290 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The legacy of Murray Watson, the late Metis woodcarver whose creations adorn the Bois-des-esprits, is living on. While the dead trees that he carved may fall, such as the beloved Woody in 2021, guardians of the Bois are watching and taking action.

As was recently posted in the Royalwood Facebook group, Watson’s curved turtle carving was removed from the Bois. In its place was a notice indicating the creation had been returned to Helen Osadick and her late husband, Don. The piece had been dedicated by Watson to the couple. Pileated woodpeckers had been attacking the tree, “excavating for grubs.”

According to the note,” these large and powerful birds would have soon destroyed the turtle as well.”

It went on to say that since Helen could no longer walk in the forest to enjoy the carving, it would now be cherished at her cottage.

The message was signed by Mark Lussier and Patrick Lang of Prairie Wings, the same gentlemen who independently maintain native bird boxes in the Bois on a volunteer basis.

Royalwood resident Brigitte Schulzki shared online: “I remember Helen’s friend introducing me to her while sitting on a nearby bench. Helen said that each curled wave symbolized one of her children. I am glad that she can still enjoy the carving.”

Schulzki added in a text exchange: “Helen’s friend explained that her children had the turtle carved in Helen’s honour. It’s a beautiful memory. Murray Watson is missed, but his artwork still brings joy.”

Denis DePape, a long-serving board member of Save Our Seine Environment, who led a memorial walk for Watson in October 2024 of Watson’s carvings offered his personal comments:

“The turtle carving was a favourite of mine; I considered it Watson’s most refined and elegant work. I am sad to learn that it is no longer there to be enjoyed by visitors to Bois-des-esprits as it was about to be destroyed by pileated woodpeckers who love making big holes in the trunk of dead trees.”

“However,” DePape continued, “it’s terrific that the carving was saved from destruction by two well-meaning naturalists and given to the family that it was dedicated to.”

“What a thoughtful gesture, Murray would have approved,” he concluded.

Watson made his carvings knowing that like life, they would be fleeting, but rooted in love for others and for the forest.