The Spirit Sings at Crawford Lake on August 15
August 03rd 2010Here’s another event for the whole family to enjoy, or people of any age! Sounds charming, romantic and mysterious…
Summer evenings in Ontario’s natural areas are a time of magic. The summer breeze stirs forest leaves, crickets sing and owls call. Adults can slow down and reconnect to the world around them and children thrill at the excitement of moonlight nature walks, or storytelling around a crackling fire. You do not have to travel far to experience the wonder of a traditional summer evening, as on Sunday, August 15, Crawford Lake Conservation Area will host its annual Spirit Sings event.
Spirit Sings allows visitors of all ages to experience the excitement of a summer night. The evening runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes a variety of guided activities. First Nations teacher Joe Paquette will share past and present First Nations traditions around a crackling fire in Crawford Lake’s reconstructed Iroquoian village. Staff will also guide visitors through a quiet forest path to a starlit lake. Finally, guests will sample traditional First Nations food, and create a craft to take home.
The Spirit Sings event begins as the moon rises, however, registrants may explore Crawford Lake for the full day as part of the registration fee. The park boasts hiking trails on the Niagara Escarpment, a rare lake, beautiful woodlands, and a Visitors Centre with giftshop and picnic areas. The Iroquoian village is also open daily for the summer between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Spirit Sings is a pre-registered event and runs from 6 until 9 p.m. Spots fill quickly so please register early. The cost is $24 for adults, and $5 for seniors and children between 8 and 14. To register, visit the Conservation Halton website and go to Spirit Sings in the Events Calendar.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is located on the corner of Conservation Road and Guelph Line, 5km south of Hwy 401 or 15 km north of the QEW. Crawford Lake is one of six Conservation Areas operated by Conservation Halton. To learn more about recreation activities or any of the special events taking place at the parks, visit the website.
Conservation Halton Names American Kestrel
June 18th 2010Here’s an update on the American Kestrel that needed a name, that we blogged about earlier.
Conservation Halton (CH) says they’re thrilled to announce that their young American Kestrel finally has a name to call his own: Bean!
Bean was one of the most popular submissions received during the contest to name CH’s new American Kestrel. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre team wants to thank everyone who made a submission to the contest through the Mountsberg Raptor Centre Facebook page , via email or in person.
The Mountsberg Raptor Centre staff agree that the name Bean, which is short, sweet, and cute, suits this little bird’s personality perfectly. Additionally, since the United Nations proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, and with the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN) supporting the naming suggestions, it was a perfect fit!
There were many other submissions that deserve recognition, which were touching, humorous, or otherwise very fitting. Notable Honourable Mentions were:
· Captain Jack Sparrow – another popular suggestion, with key points being the American Kestrel’s colloquial name of ‘sparrow-hawk’, the association between pirates and being blind in one eye, and the dark eye markings around the eyes being reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s character in Pirates of the Caribbean,
· Hathaway – after a classic shirt advertisement with a man wearing an eyepatch,
· and Horus – after the Egyptian falcon-god.
Staff Choice Awards include Polyphemus (both a Cyclops in Greek mythology and a beautiful moth), Amadeus (From Falco’s hit “Rock Me Amadeus” and tied in with the kestrel’s Latin name “Falco sparverius”), Hawkeye (after Alan Alda’s character in M*A*S*H) and Fortinbras (from Shakespeare’s Hamlet).
Bean is blind in his left eye due to impact trauma sustained in an accident when young. American Kestrels are North America’s smallest falcon. They’re active, agile predators that can snatch a sparrow right out of the air! They also feed on large insects and small rodents. American Kestrels have black “malar” stripes under their eyes to protect them from the glare of the sun, just like football players.
About the Mountsberg Raptor Centre
Tucked within Mountsberg Conservation Area, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre is currently home to 14 different species of native birds of prey. Many of the Raptor Centre’s resident birds of prey have permanent injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. In many cases, these injuries were caused by human activity. With the help of these feathered ambassadors, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre teaches the community about the native birds of prey that share our environment and how to reduce the negative impact we can have on them.
Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, five km west of Campbellville, between Hwy 6 south and the Guelph Line.
What do you think of the name Bean? Does it work for you? Do you prefer one of the other names mentioned?
If you’re interested in nature, check out our feature article on the Eastern Massassauga Rattlesnake. And why not subscribe to keep articles like these coming your way? Or ask us for a free sample issue. We’d love to have you join our community!
Help name Mountsberg’s American Kestrel!
May 20th 2010Conservation Halton needs your help! The Mountsberg Raptor Centre has a young male American Kestrel that needs a name, and they want your suggestions.
American Kestrels are North America’s smallest falcon – they’re active, agile predators that can snatch a sparrow right out of the air. They also feed on large insects and small rodents. American Kestrels have black “malar” stripes under their eyes to protect them from the glare of the sun, just like football players.
This little kestrel is blind in his left eye due to impact trauma sustained in an accident when young. He’s very interested in his surroundings and, despite his disability, he’s learning to fly in the Mountsberg Raptor Centre shows and is doing quite well. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre team is very proud of this little fellow, and can’t wait to have an official name for him.
How to enter
Entries are open to people of all ages and are not restricted in any way. You may submit multiple entries. Please submit your chosen name along with a short description (200 words or less) of why you’ve suggested it. Deadline is Thursday, June 3rd at midnight, EST. Winners will be announced on Friday, June 4th, and contacted to arrange their tours.
- Facebook – Click on the ‘discussion’ tab of the Mountsberg Raptor Centre Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/mountsbergraptorcentre), and add your suggestion to the ‘Name the Kestrel’ discussion thread. You can also post your suggestion directly to the Wall.
- Email – Send an email to raptorcentre@gmail.com with your suggested name and a description of why you’ve chosen it.
- In Person – Are you at the park? Drop by the Raptor Centre and give your suggestion in person. Staff will take your information, telephone number and/or an email address where they can reach you if your suggestion is chosen.
- Ballot – Guests attending the Conservation Halton Awards Night on June 3rd will be able to submit an entry by ballot that evening.
Prizes
Aside from choosing the winning name, the successful entrant will have the opportunity for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, and a photo of themselves holding the newly-named American Kestrel on their gloved hand. Three runners-up will also be chosen for a Raptor Centre tour and photos with the birds.
About the Mountsberg Raptor Centre
Tucked within Mountsberg Conservation Area, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre is currently home to 14 different species of native birds of prey. Many of the Raptor Centre’s resident birds of prey have permanent injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. In many cases, these injuries were caused by human activity. With the help of these feathered ambassadors, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre teaches the community about the native birds of prey that share our environment and how to reduce the negative impact we can have on them.
Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, 5 km west of Campbellville, ON, between Hwy 6 south and the Guelph Line. For more information, visit www.conservationhalton.ca/mountsbergraptorcentre.
Crocodile Found Loose in Hamilton
May 04th 2010A crocodilian species reptile has been observed and photographed in a pond off Van Wagner’s Beach Road in Confederation Park, Hamilton. A local birder, Tom Badeau, discovered the reptile when he was taking pictures of birds along the shoreline of the pond. He took pictures of the animal and sent them to the Hamilton Conservation Authority on Monday.
HCA staff contacted the Canadian Wildlife Service because the stranded reptile might be a rare or threatened crocodilian species. As a result, HCA staff has contacted reptile rescue expert Bry Loyst, from the Indian River Reptile Zoo. HCA staff members met Monday afternoon at the pond with Loyst and Badeau. The animal was spotted shortly afterwards, but exact species identification has not been determined.
HCA is concerned about the well-being of the abandoned reptile as well as the safety of the Hamilton community. It is important that the reptile is rescued from the pond as quickly and as safely as possible.
The reptile is likely a pet that has been abandoned at the pond. The species requires a specific temperature range to survive. The water in the pond is too cold for the reptile, which means that it is not feeding at this time. It also means it will be less mobile than normal to conserve energy and heat. As a result, the expert and staff ecologists believe it is unlikely the animal poses any danger to the public, if left undisturbed.
HCA staff will be working with Loyst and his employees to retrieve the animal from the pond and transport it to the Indian River Reptile Zoo, a research and education centre that provides sanctuary, breeding facilities and detailed study of reptile species.
HCA reminds the public that abandoning pets in conservation areas or parks poses not only a risk to the pet, but also to members of the public and the ecology of the natural area. If you would like to surrender a pet, please contact Animal Control or other appropriate agencies.
SAVE THE FROGS DAY EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN 20 COUNTRIES TODAY
April 30th 2010Amphibians are rapidly disappearing around the planet, and a worldwide effort is underway today to save them. The 2nd Annual Save The Frogs Day, taking place today, is the largest day of amphibian education and conservation action in the planet’s history. Over 80 Save The Frogs Day events are being held in 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Madagascar, India, South Africa, and Australia. The events are being coordinated by SAVE THE FROGS!, America’s first and only public charity dedicated to amphibian conservation.
Amphibian populations worldwide have been declining at unprecedented rates, and nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Up to 200 species have already completely disappeared in recent years. “Habitat destruction and an infectious disease called chytridiomycosis are decimating frog populations worldwide” says Dr. Kerry Kriger, Founder & Executive Director of SAVE THE FROGS. To make matters worse, pollution and pesticides are weakening frogs’ immune defenses and in some cases even turning male frogs into females. There are 18,000 registered pesticides in the United States.
Dr. Kriger hopes that Save The Frogs Day will dramatically increase frog awareness on a global scale. “This is one of the most significant environmental issues of the 21st century. Save The Frogs Day is all about people stepping up, getting involved, and taking action in their own community, and that’s exactly what is happening”, says Dr. Kriger.
Save The Frogs Day events include presentations by scientists worldwide; a moonlit frog walk in Seattle’s Discovery Park; a Frog Leap-a-Thon in Toronto, and a frog art contest in Brazil. The Miss Earth South Africa ladies will join in the action by teaching children in the villages about frogs. The first protests in defense of frog populations in the planet’s history will take place at restaurants in VA, MD and TX. The restaurant chain refuses to remove the frog legs from their menus. Over 100 million frogs are taken out of the wild for food each year. SAVE THE FROGS recently succeeded in getting San Francisco’s Restaurant Gary Danko to remove wild-caught Pig Frogs from their menu.
Save The Frogs Day has been legally recognized by Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia; Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver, British Columbia; and Mayor Mike Rotkin of Santa Cruz, California. Mayor Rotkin will join Dr. Kriger for his morning talk on frogs at an elementary school. Afterwards, Dr. Kriger will give an interview on Martha Stewart Radio and then he will present a free online webinar on amphibian conservation. In the evening he will give a lecture on The Wild World of Frogs and lead a frog walk through the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve.
What’s next? Dr. Kriger says SAVE THE FROGS will be organizing an International Day of Pesticide Action, planned for October 24th. “We aim to get Atrazine federally banned by the 3rd Annual Save The Frogs Day”. Atrazine is one of the most commonly detected pesticides in American groundwater, tapwater and rainfall, and there is abundant scientific evidence documenting its negative impacts on an array of wildlife. Eighty million pounds of Atrazine are used in America each year.
You can learn more about Save The Frogs Day at www.savethefrogs.com/day
Help Plant Trees at Mountsberg on May 8
April 23rd 2010Conservation Halton invites you to join a team of between 300 and 400 volunteers to help plant 3,000 trees on Sat. May 8. The planting will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Mountsberg Conservation Area as part of the Trees for Watershed Health Program.
The event is open to individuals, families or groups who pre-register. It is free of charge and includes a complimentary barbecue. Spaces tend to fill up early so register your group or family now .
In addition to the tree planting, volunteers can enjoy a day full of activities. Take a wagon ride, check out a birds of prey show, play in the Play Barn and visit the farm animals at the Cameron barnyard. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre staff is also making plans to introduce their newest addition to the community at the Trees for Watershed Health barbeque.
“The Trees for Watershed Health planting is a highlight of our spring calendar every year, and it’s wonderful to see the community participation,” said Hassaan Basit, Conservation Halton’s director of communications services. “This year, we are pleased to be celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity and planting trees is a great way for all of us to help promote biodiversity in the watershed.”
Volunteers are reminded to dress according to the weather, wear waterproof boots and bring a shovel. The event will happen rain or shine. Registration for the event is required by Friday, April 30, and space is limited.
Launched in 2006, Trees for Watershed Health is a Conservation Halton community outreach program designed to engage watershed residents and community groups in tree planting. The program was started to bring communities and nature together to help increase forest cover in the Halton watershed.
Funding for Rural Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Projects
April 20th 2010We just received this information and learned there is no deadline to apply for funding!
Landowners in Hamilton and Halton Conservation Authorities’ watersheds are eligible to receive grants toward the cost of eligible and approved water quality and habitat improvement projects that reflect beneficial management practices.
Funds are being delivered through the Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program, assisting and encouraging landowners to protect and enhance the natural features on their property.
Healthy watersheds support healthy families and communities. Good water quality and healthy natural areas help us all. The benefits of improved water quality and habitat include a safe secure water supply, healthy stream systems, increased recreational opportunities, sustainable agricultural operations and a vibrant economy.
You can call the Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program at 905-336-1158, extension 263 or 905-525-2181, extension 181 for a free on-site consultation to discuss your project and determine if it could be eligible for funding.
Late note: When I originally posted this I forgot that not all of Halton Region is covered by Conservation Halton. The northeast part of Halton Hills is actually in the Credit Valley watershed, so it’s under the authority of Credit Valley Conservation. I don’t have any word yet about stewardship funding from them.
Help Friends of the Eramosa Karst By Subscribing to Escarpment Views
April 08th 2010We’re pleased to have an partnership with another organization that’s doing great work for the Niagara Escarpment. Friends of the Eramosa Karst (FOTEK) worked hard to protect karst landscape in Stoney Creek, which has become Eramosa Karst Conservation Area. FOTEK is now trying to keep the karst’s vital “feeder lands” from housing development. Hamilton Conservation Authority supports this effort (see our blog post of March 30, 2010) along with many individuals.
Escarpment Views is happy to support FOTEK’s efforts by donating $5 of every new or renewing subscription to them. All you have to do is note FOTEK when you send your payment. For more details about this offer, see Subscribe on our site.
For information about karst in general and the Eramosa Karst in particular, see FOTEK’s site.
Hamilton Conservation Concerned About Eramosa Karst Feeder Lands
March 30th 2010This news just arrived about Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Eramosa Karst.
Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) has submitted a formal request to the Minister of the Environment to order that the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act for the ORC lands adjacent to the Eramosa Karst. HCA directors and staff say the Ontario Realty Corporation has recommended the sale and development of the Eramosa Karst feeder lands, without completing all required studies to make that determination and that their Environmental Assessment of the subject lands is both premature and incomplete.
In June of 2009, HCA correspondence to ORC indicated the need for additional studies to be undertaken in order to assess whether development on these lands was possible without adversely affecting the core area. Eight studies were listed, as well as concerns about preliminary stormwater management assessment. ORC responded to HCA’s concerns in September of 2009, agreeing to undertake six of the eight studies. These studies have not been completed and are scheduled to be carried out in a timeline ranging from a season to two years. ORC dismissed the need for two of the requested technical studies without an outline or discussion of its reasons for their dismissal.
Four months after agreeing to undertake the six multi-year assessments, the ORC filed its formal “Planning Approvals and Environmental Assessment (EA) Study Notification of Completion of the Environmental Study Report (ESR) – Category C” on January 26, 2010 with a public comment period until March 29, 2010. HCA planners strongly believe that this Environmental Assessment is premature and incomplete and does not meet the basic purpose of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, which is “the betterment of the people of the whole or any part of Ontario by providing for the protection, conservation and wise management in Ontario of the environment.” One of the considerations of the Minister is assessing whether or not to issue a Part II Order on a project is to decide if a submitted environmental report meets the purpose of the Act. HCA strongly believes that it does not.
The Eramosa Karst Conservation Area is a unique “karst” landscape made up of a network of underground streams and caves, and resurgent springs and sinkholes, carved out by the power of flowing water. The land was transferred to HCA by the province to protect it as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The ‘feeder lands’ in dispute are east and immediately adjacent to the conservation area. As the name indicates, groundwater “feeds” into the Karst from this area and HCA is seeking to protect these lands. HCA, the City of Hamilton and other interested parties have consulted with the ORC since 2007. Hamilton has included the Core and Feeder Areas of the Eramosa Karst, as part of its Natural Heritage System in its new official plan to ensure the ANSI’s long-term protection.
HCA staff submitted the formal request for a Part II Order in a letter to The Minister of the Environment, The Honorable John Gerrestson, on March 29, 2010, after HCA directors endorsed staff recommendations at their March 4 meeting to contact the Minister of the Environment with these concerns, requesting the issuance of an order to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act, and complete the agreed studies.
Do you support the feeder lands being protected from development?
Alternatives to Culling Deer at Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area
March 23rd 2010The following opinion piece by Paul Glendenning of Hamilton was published on March 18 in The Hamilton Spectator. To give it a broader readership along the Escarpment, we’re posting it here. Be sure to leave your comments by clicking on the word “Comment” below.
Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area is a favourite destination for many hikers, bikers, dog walkers, nature lovers, photographers and others. It may however, turn into a killing ground with most of the deer being slaughtered in an effort to calm complaints from a few neighbours and placate hunting interests at Six Nations and the Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
Despite assurances of an open process, both the Hamilton Conservation Authority and Ministry of Natural Resources staff have already publicly recommended a cull or a “controlled” hunt. A written report by the MNR backing this recommendation is to be released soon. Local nature groups appear to be disinterested, divided, or deem the question “too political” to challenge the proposal.
According to a preliminary report, the Hamilton Conservation Authority efforts began in reaction to neighbour complaints about deer. After carrying out an aerial count of the deer in January 2009, the HCA announced a preliminary finding of 102 deer which was later raised to between 168 and 182.
According to the MNR’s Wildlife Monitoring document aerial counts are not widely used in Ontario due to the difficulty in estimating the number of deer missed. Deer typically seek cover as the helicopter approaches, making it difficult to see them from the air. Given the many areas of dense brush at Iroquoia Heights a true perspective by air would be very difficult.
Careful independent observations also contradict the official estimate and suggest a far lower population of 47-61 deer as of February 2010.
Regardless of actual numbers, the HCA and MNR experts maintain that through a generic formula of 1 deer per 6 or 7 hectares only 11 deer are allowed, to keep the population within “carrying capacity”. When carrying capacity is surpassed, deer over-browse vegetation leading to starvation and disease.
As this formula does not account for differences in habitat and with no reports of illness or starvation, it seems many more deer are capable of surviving in the park.
Despite this, an all or nothing approach has been chosen with HCA Chair Chris Firth-Eagland being quoted as saying: “The other path is to do nothing and let nature take its course — disease, starvation and more coyotes coming in to hunt the weakened deer.”
But is doing nothing really the only alternative?
The sole investigation into vegetation health is an exclosure study started by the HCA in late 2008 which fences off small parcels of land to compare to habitat affected by deer. This type of study is unlikely to produce significant results for another 4 years with debatable value. A study aimed at overall vegetation health rather than “proving” deer are causing harm would provide more relevant information.
One of the primary causes outlined by the HCA for deer “overpopulation” is food left by neighbours and visitors. Various offerings have been found along trails, in neighbouring yards as well as park edges drawing deer into nearby communities.
Public education, placing signs, and enforcement would be effective alternative actions which would actually make long-term improvements. As deer population growth is tied tightly to food availability, the population will reduce naturally if an artificial abundance is truly being sustained.
Unfenced yards have also drawn deer to residential gardens, something easily remedied through proper barriers and planting with deer in mind.
Another suggested cause has been the encapsulation of the park by residential housing and highway 403. Without the ability to leave the park it has been proposed that the population will continue to grow out of control
While it is true that no thought was given to the migration of deer by city planning, deer are resourceful and do seem to find ways in and out of the park. Possible routes include the Bruce Trail, a nearby hydro corridor and several holes in park fencing.
By building proper wildlife corridors, something recommended in the 2003 Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory, safety may be maintained without the need for mass slaughter.
So there are many things still to be done which do not include the need to kill.
Unfortunately with no concrete evidence and little talk of solving the real issues, a “stakeholder” meeting is being set up to finalise management plans. An exception to the local firearm discharge bylaw must also be granted by city council. But should special interests succeed over sustainability, there is little hope for the deer of Iroquoia Heights. And with the root concerns remaining we can look forward to killing our deer many more times in the years to come.
