(Port Rowan, Ontario.)  Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) encourages the public to be watchful for reptiles on roadways during the late summer and fall seasons. In the last week, young turtles have started hatching out of their underground nests. These tiny creatures are very vulnerable to being hit by cars, trucks and off-road vehicles as they try to find their way to the water. Hatchling turtles are very small – about the size of a loonie or toonie – so the Land Trust encourages drivers to exercise caution to reduce the chance of striking them.

 “Small turtles and snakes are very difficult to see,” said Gregor Beck, LPBLT’s conservation science director. “So, we ask drivers to slow down and be very watchful to avoid running them over. This is particularly important close to natural areas, including wetlands, woodlands and parks, where reptile numbers may be higher. Six of our region’s seven turtles and half of the snake species are listed “at risk” so reducing mortality is really important.”

 In recent years, Long Point Basin Land Trust has been leading its “Conserving Carolinian Reptiles” project. The project includes working with landowners to identify ways to help reptiles and species at risk; creating and monitoring reptile habitats (e.g. turtle nesting areas and snake over-wintering habitats); and, a public reptile reporting program which helps identify conservation strategies. Dozens of landowners have participated and175 people have reported over 1,500 reptile observations over the last three years. These efforts have helped to identify priority conservation actions, such as installation of reptile barriers inside Long Point Provincial Park.

 “Late summer and fall are really important for reptiles,” added Beck. “Young animals are hatching, looking for suitable habitat and learning how to catch food. As so-called “cold-blooded” animals, reptiles need to acquire heat from the environment. Roadways may seem like a good spot to warm up, but this puts them right into harm’s way.”

 LPBLT encourages the public to report all sightings of turtles and snakes from Norfolk, Haldimand and Elgin Counties and surrounding areas to its website to help inform local conservation efforts: www.longpointlandtrust.ca. The website has information on how to identify turtles and snakes, as well as newsletters and factsheets with information about reptile conservation issues and ways for the public to help.

 ## 30 ##

 For further information, please contact: Gregor Beck:  Phone 519-718-2910; email: nature@longpointlandtrust.ca

Long Point Basin Land Trust: P.O. Box 468, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0; visit: www.longpointlandtrust.ca

 Long Point Basin Land Trust is a charitable non-government organization which protects and restores important natural habitats in the Carolinian Region. It promotes conservation through outreach, research, habitat restoration and species at risk recovery. The Trust owns three nature reserves and works with landowners and conservation groups to steward natural areas.

 The Conserving Carolinian Reptiles project is supported by the Fred Eaglesmith Annual Charity Picnic, the Government of Canada provided through the Department of the Environment, HIVA Environmental Fund, John & Pat McCutcheon Charitable Foundation, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, individuals and conservation partners.

 (Port Rowan, Ontario.)  The charitable efforts of Juno Award winning folk-rock-root musician, Fred Eaglesmith, are being recognized by the Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) at the performer’s annual music festival this summer. The Special Recognition Award will be presented to Eaglesmith and event organizers on Saturday, August 20 during the charity music festival at Springwater Conservation Area. The award recognizes Eaglesmith’s many years of supporting local charities through the event; it also recognizes Eaglesmith’s strong voice and deep passion for the region’s lands, waters, wildlife and communities.

“Long Point Basin Land Trust is pleased to recognize Fred’s long-standing commitment to the people, wildlife, places and natural spaces of southern Ontario’s Carolinian Region,” stated Gregor Beck, LPBLT’s conservation science director. “Over the years, support from the Picnic has allowed local charities to help wildlife, people, wild spaces and rural communities of the area. It seems fitting – and likely overdue – that Fred, the event organizers, musicians and patrons be recognized publicly and thanked.”

 The charity event started as a modest festival 17 years ago with a few musicians. “Over the years, though, it has grown into a major ongoing event attracting hundreds of people from near and far,” said Mary Elgersma, Eaglesmith’s manager. “Proceeds from the event have supported a number of groups and charities, including The Equestrian Association for the Disabled, Fur and Feather Wildlife Centre, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority and Long Point Basin Land Trust.”

 “We are excited to have been a charity partner of the event over the last few years,” added Beck. “Not only have contributions from the Picnic supported our Land Trust species at risk projects and the creation of new nature reserves, the event provides a great opportunity for people to discuss conservation issues and ways to protect the environment. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy music and share stories about nature and the area.”

 The 17^th Annual Fred Eaglesmith Charity Picnic takes places from Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21 at Springwater Conservation Area, near Aylmer, Ontario. Volunteers and staff from Long Point Basin Land Trust will be present on Saturday and Sunday, with the award presentation expected to be made Saturday afternoon.

 ## 30 ##

 For more information, please visit: www.longpointlandtrust.ca or email Gregor Beck: nature@longpointlandtrust.ca

Long Point Basin Land Trust: P.O. Box 468, Port Rowan, Ontario, N0E 1M0

For event information, please visit: www.fredeaglesmith.com

(Port Rowan, Ontario.)  Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) has been a part of the community for 15 years and will mark this milestone by participating in a number of local environmental and other events this summer and fall. The organization has been steadily building and diversifying its conservation and outreach programs over the years, with a burst of activities over the last several. LPBLT is particularly pleased to acknowledge the help of over 150 volunteers who have participated in its projects, such as the public reptile reporting program (www.longpointlandtrust.ca) and private land stewardship efforts. LPBLT encourages the public to attend any or all of the following great events.

Fred Eaglesmith Charity Picnic

If you love great music, the outdoors and relaxing on a summer weekend in a beautiful spot, then be sure to join LPBLT at the 17^th Annual Fred Eaglesmith Charity Picnic, August 19, 20 and 21. It’s a fantastic music festival – and it helps support the Land Trust. It’s also a great time to meet LPBLT volunteers, board members and staff. Join us at Springwater Conservation Area near Aylmer for an evening, day or the weekend. For more info, visit: www.fredeaglesmith.com

ForestFest

LPBLT is pleased to be a co-sponsor in support of Forest Fest 2011 on August 13 and 14, 10am to 4pm. This fun and free family event is celebrating “all things wood” this year, including wooden boat building demonstrations, sawmill demonstrations, local woodcrafts, greenhouse tours, green roof technology, nature walks, activities for children and more. Two forests will also be dedicated, one to Dr. J.H. White and one to Dr. E.J. Zavitz. Join us at St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre, 885 Highway 24 at Forestry Farm Road, St. Williams. For more info, visit: www.forestryfarm.ca

LPBLT is also looking ahead to a busy fall to help celebrate 15 years. The group’s Conserving Carolinian Reptiles project continues to encourage the public to report sightings from the region through the website, www.longpointlandtrust.ca.  LPBLT’s recently-updated website also includes new conservation resources, such as factsheets, ViewPoint newsletters, and an online nature sightings board to learn about local wildlife. Additional upcoming events this fall include Autumn Eco-Fest & Hawkwatch, co-hosted with Long Point Eco-Adventures (www.lpfun.ca), on October 1 and 2, 2011 (1730 Front Road, near Turkey Point). The public is encouraged to come out and get to know their local Land Trust and to check out some great online resources.

Click here to read the Summer 2011 edition (PDF).

 (Port Rowan, Ontario.)  Building on the success of its Gardening with Native Plants guide, Long Point Basin Land Trust has launched a second biodiversity handbook tailored to southern Ontario’s Carolinian Region. Conserving Carolinian Reptiles: A Biodiversity Handbook is a 60-page, full colour publication written with nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts in mind. Profusely illustrated with over 150 photos, it is a comprehensive identification guide to all Ontario reptiles, with additional information about conservation and the Carolinian Region.

 Conserving Carolinian Reptiles introduces the reptiles of Ontario, and provides information on conservation issues. The publication includes: an overview of Carolinian Region; information and photographs for all Ontario reptile species; a summary of threats to reptile populations; examples of reptile conservation projects; and, information on how people can help conserve reptiles. Cost: $10, plus shipping/handling if applicable. Free to local schools and libraries. Conserving Carolinian Reptiles and Gardening with Native Plants are available from select local merchants or through the Long Point Basin Land Trust. Visit LPBLT’s website (www.longpointlandtrust.ca) or Facebook page for information.

 Long Point Basin Land Trust has also added a “Nature Sightings Board” to its website so nature enthusiasts can read and share wildlife sightings and experiences. This is a great place to ask questions, post stories, report bird and nature sightings, and to upload photos. Visit www.longpointlandtrust.ca and follow the link to see what is being reported today!

 With spring here, LPBLT is again encouraging the public to report sightings of turtles and snakes through its reporting program. Observations can be made quickly and easily on the group’s website. Results help develop local conservation strategies.

## 30 ##

 For more information, please visit: longpointlandtrust.ca or email Gregor Beck: nature@longpointlandtrust.ca

Long Point Basin Land Trust: P.O. Box 468, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0

Follow Long Point Basin Land Trust on Twitter (@lpblt) or become a fan on Facebook        

Long Point Basin Land Trust is a charitable non-governmental organization which protects and restores important natural habitats in the central Carolinian Region. It promotes conservation through outreach, research, habitat restoration and species at risk recovery. The Land Trust owns several nature reserves and works with landowners and conservation groups to steward natural areas.

Long Point Basin Land Trust’s conservation programs area supported by individuals, foundations, businesses and governmental agencies. Support for the biodiversity handbooks has been gratefully received from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, John & Pat McCutcheon Charitable Foundation, Shell Environmental Fund and individuals.

Conserving Carolinian Reptiles is available through the Land Trust or the following outlets:

 Bird Studies Canada (115 Front Street, Port Rowan; 519-586-3531)

• Long Point Bird Observatory Field Station/BSC (Old Cut Boulevard, Long Point; 519-586-3531)
• Port Rowan Good News (8 Church Street, Port Rowan; 519-586-2291; weekday mornings)
• St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre (885, Hwy 24, St. Williams; 519-586-9116)
• Long Point Eco-Adventures (1730 Front Road near Turkey Point; 1-877-743-8687)
• South Coast Gardens Nursery (1634 Front Road near Turkey Point; 519-586-8657; weekends)
• Landon Flora (372 Norfolk Street South, Simcoe; 519-429-3104)
• Tan-Mar Shoppe (347 Main Street, Port Dover; 519-583-0979)
• Featherfields: The Bird and Garden Store (1570 Hyde Park Rd. Unit #5 London, ON; 519-474-1165)
• Friends of Rondeau Park (Rondeau Provincial Park; 519-674-1777)
• Long Point Provincial Park office/store (Long Point; 519-586-2133)

(Port Rowan, 22 February 2011) Over the last two years, volunteers and staff from the Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) have been working with landowners, the public, conservation groups and countless partners to help our region’s imperilled turtle and snake populations. And, even in the depths of wintry weather, LPBLT and friends have been busy helping reptiles and creating reptile habitat. 

“The central Carolinian Region along Lake Erie’s north shore is home to an incredible diversity of 19 reptile species,” says Gregor Beck, conservation science director for LPBLT. “But declining populations of numerous species highlight the fact that these ancient creatures need our help.” 

Six of the seven turtles and fifty percent of the snake species in our region are now listed at risk. Habitat loss, habitat degradation, road kill, persecution, and illegal poaching are all factors in the decline. The Long Point Basin’s reptile fauna ranges from the tiny, endangered Spotted Turtle (~10cm) and diminutive Red-bellied Snake (~25cm) to the large Spiny Softshell Turtle (24-42cm) and Eastern Foxsnake (~150cm). On the bright side, several groups including LPBLT, numerous landowners and members of the public are coming to the aid of the region’s turtles and snakes. Helping reptiles can be as simple as slowing down to avoid turtles or snakes on the road, especially near critical wetland and woodland habitats. 

To help gain a better understanding of reptile species’ biology, LPBLT has been encouraging the public to report turtle and snake sightings through their website: www.longpointlandtrust.ca. Sightings can be reported at any time and LPBLT welcomes reports from 2010 and years prior. The regional reptile reporting program is helping to identify important habitat areas and develop local strategies to recover populations. To date, over 150 people have reported to the program, submitting over 1,000 observations of turtles and snakes. 

While Long Point Basin turtles and snakes hibernate for winter, LPBLT volunteers and staff are busy creating reptile habitats, compiling results from the reptile reporting program, and making plans for renewed reptile recovery efforts this spring. In areas of high road mortality, LPBLT works with landowners and partners to create or restore turtle and snake habitats. These habitats include reptile nesting structures and underground snake wintering habitats called hibernacula. The intent of these efforts is to reduce the distance reptiles have to travel to find safe nesting or wintering habitat, thereby reducing mortality on roads or from predators. In addition to these small-scale habitats, LPBLT continues to work on larger habitat restoration efforts. 

“Success of conservation efforts for reptiles and other native wildlife depends on the support and participation of landowners and the public,” concludes Beck. “Long Point Basin Land Trust extends its thanks to everyone who helps nature and we encourage people to learn more about these efforts in our upcoming newsletter.” 

To learn more about the project, visit www.longpointlandtrust.ca and sign up for the ViewPoint newsletter, which is available by email or in print.

For further information, please contact: Gregor Beck:  Phone 519-718-2910; email: nature@longpointlandtrust.ca

Long Point Basin Land Trust: P.O. Box 468, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0; visit: longpointlandtrust.ca

Follow Long Point Basin Land Trust on Twitter: @lpblt

Become a fan of Long Point Basin Land Trust on Facebook

Long Point Basin Land Trust is a charitable non-government organization which protects and restores important natural habitats in the Carolinian Region. It promotes conservation through outreach, research, habitat restoration and species at risk recovery. The Trust owns two nature reserves and works with landowners and conservation groups to steward natural areas. 

Long Point Basin Land Trust’s Conserving Carolinian Reptiles project is undertaken with the financial assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, the Government of Canada provided through the Department of the Environment, the John & Pat McCutcheon Charitable Foundation, the Fred Eaglesmith Annual Charity Picnic, individuals, and conservation partners.

 (Port Rowan, 22 February 2011) Over the last two years, volunteers and staff from the Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) have been working with landowners, the public, conservation groups and countless partners to help our region’s imperilled turtle and snake populations. And, even in the depths of wintry weather, LPBLT and friends have been busy helping reptiles and creating reptile habitat.

 “The central Carolinian Region along Lake Erie’s north shore is home to an incredible diversity of 19 reptile species,” says Gregor Beck, conservation science director for LPBLT. “But declining populations of numerous species highlight the fact that these ancient creatures need our help.”

 Six of the seven turtles and fifty percent of the snake species in our region are now listed at risk. Habitat loss, habitat degradation, road kill, persecution, and illegal poaching are all factors in the decline. The Long Point Basin’s reptile fauna ranges from the tiny, endangered Spotted Turtle (~10cm) and diminutive Red-bellied Snake (~25cm) to the large Spiny Softshell Turtle (24-42cm) and Eastern Foxsnake (~150cm). On the bright side, several groups including LPBLT, numerous landowners and members of the public are coming to the aid of the region’s turtles and snakes. Helping reptiles can be as simple as slowing down to avoid turtles or snakes on the road, especially near critical wetland and woodland habitats.

 To help gain a better understanding of reptile species’ biology, LPBLT has been encouraging the public to report turtle and snake sightings through their website: www.longpointlandtrust.ca. Sightings can be reported at any time and LPBLT welcomes reports from 2010 and years prior. The regional reptile reporting program is helping to identify important habitat areas and develop local strategies to recover populations. To date, over 150 people have reported to the program, submitting over 1,000 observations of turtles and snakes.

 While Long Point Basin turtles and snakes hibernate for winter, LPBLT volunteers and staff are busy creating reptile habitats, compiling results from the reptile reporting program, and making plans for renewed reptile recovery efforts this spring. In areas of high road mortality, LPBLT works with landowners and partners to create or restore turtle and snake habitats. These habitats include reptile nesting structures and underground snake wintering habitats called hibernacula. The intent of these efforts is to reduce the distance reptiles have to travel to find safe nesting or wintering habitat, thereby reducing mortality on roads or from predators. In addition to these small-scale habitats, LPBLT continues to work on larger habitat restoration efforts.

 “Success of conservation efforts for reptiles and other native wildlife depends on the support and participation of landowners and the public,” concludes Beck. “Long Point Basin Land Trust extends its thanks to everyone who helps nature and we encourage people to learn more about these efforts in our upcoming newsletter.”

 To learn more about the project, visit www.longpointlandtrust.ca and sign up for the ViewPoint newsletter, which is available by email or in print.

 ## 30 ##

 For further information, please contact: Gregor Beck:  Phone 519-718-2910; email: nature@longpointlandtrust.ca

Long Point Basin Land Trust: P.O. Box 468, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0; visit: longpointlandtrust.ca

                 Follow Long Point Basin Land Trust on Twitter: @lpblt

                Become a fan of Long Point Basin Land Trust on Facebook

 Long Point Basin Land Trust is a charitable non-government organization which protects and restores important natural habitats in the Carolinian Region. It promotes conservation through outreach, research, habitat restoration and species at risk recovery. The Trust owns two nature reserves and works with landowners and conservation groups to steward natural areas.

Long Point Basin Land Trust’s Conserving Carolinian Reptiles project is undertaken with the financial assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, the Government of Canada provided through the Department of the Environment, the John & Pat McCutcheon Charitable Foundation, the Fred Eaglesmith Annual Charity Picnic, individuals, and conservation partners.

 (Port Rowan, Ontario)  The Long Point Basin Land Trust is encouraging the public to participate in its reptile research and conservation project. Helping out is as simple as reporting turtle or snake sightings through the Land Trust website. By reporting observations of reptiles, members of the public, landowners and community groups can help develop effective local conservation strategies.

 People can report sightings quickly and easily by following the links to the Conserving Carolinian Reptiles project at longpointlandtrust.ca. The site contains turtle and snake identification factsheets which are tailored to our region; there are also newsletters and additional information about reptiles, conservation and the land trust. The factsheets explain that none of the native snake species in the local Long Point Basin area of southern Ontario are poisonous and that many are in fact highly beneficial. For example, the Eastern Foxsnake and Milksnake are excellent rodent predators. Other species such as the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, which sometimes hisses and spreads its neck flat, may appear threatening but are in fact harmless to people.

 “Public participation is key to the “Conserving Carolinian Reptiles” project,” said Gregor Beck, conservation director for Long Point Basin Land Trust. “Our region is a stronghold for turtle and snake species, but many species’ populations are dwindling. Reptiles are threatened by habitat loss, mortality on roads, illegal collection for the pet trade, and pollution. On the bright side, public interest seems to be growing and many landowners, conservation groups and even visitors are working hard to help these interesting creatures.”

 The Trust encourages people to report sightings of all turtles and snakes in the region – from Port Stanley and Port Burwell through Norfolk County and Long Point east toward Dunnville. Reports from rural and inland areas, such as St. Thomas, Aylmer, Tillsonburg, Simcoe, Waterford and Jarvis, are also encouraged. Records of living or dead reptiles can be reported, as well as sightings from earlier this year or from previous years.

 The Land Trust also reminds people that during the fall, snakes and turtles may cross roads as they return to wintering areas, so please drive with caution and slow down near natural areas.

## 30 ##

 Long Point Basin Land Trust is a charitable non-government organization which protects and restores important natural habitats in the Carolinian Region. It promotes conservation through outreach, research, habitat restoration and species at risk recovery. The Trust owns two nature reserves and works with landowners and conservation groups to steward natural areas.

This project was undertaken with the financial assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, the Government of Canada provided through the Department of the Environment, the John & Pat McCutcheon Charitable Foundation, the Fred Eaglesmith Annual Charity Picnic, and conservation partners.

 For further information, please contact:

Gregor Beck:  Phone 519-718-2910; email: nature@longpointlandtrust.ca

Long Point Basin Land Trust: PO Box 468, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0; Fax: 519-586-8310; visit: longpointlandtrust.ca

 (Port Rowan, Ontario)  Local businesses and musicians are throwing their support behind the Long Point Basin Land Trust’s (LPBLT) conservation efforts in our community. The Land Trust is a charitable non-government conservation group which protects natural habitats, helps recover species at risk, and works with volunteers on wildlife research and habitat restoration projects. Support from a growing number of businesses is helping the Trust deliver effective environmental programs and reach larger and more diverse audiences.

 “Over the coming year, we will be working with businesses, partners, and our growing network of volunteers to deliver innovative and effective conservation programs,” said Gregor Beck, Conservation Science Director for the Land Trust. “We are really excited to be partnering with conservation-minded businesses to help protect the environment and we look forward to celebrating our region’s natural biodiversity together.”

 Two upcoming events illustrate some of the ways the Land Trust is partnering with business for conservation:

 August 20-22, 2010. LPBLT will take part in Fred Eaglesmith’s 16^th Annual Charity Picnic. Land Trust volunteers will be at the music festival Saturday and Sunday talking about nature reserves, how to help monitor reptile populations, and conservation issues. (Event info: www.fredeaglesmith.com.)

 October 3, 2010. LPBLT (www.longpointlandtrust.ca) and Long Point Eco-Adventures (www.lpfun.ca) will co-host their first EcoFest. Activities include: hawkwatching, birdwatching hikes, demonstrations on native plant gardening and attracting butterflies and birds; presentations; guided tours of zipline and astronomy facilities. (Long Point Eco-Adventures, 1730 Front Road near Turkey Point.)

 Long Point Basin Land Trust acknowledges with thanks the support of the following business partners: Cobb & Jones Law Office; Fred Eaglesmith Charity Picnic; Long Point Eco-Adventures; Millard, Rouse & Rosebrugh, Chartered Accountants; St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre and Pterophylla Native Seeds; Acorus Restoration: Native Plant Nursery; Royal Oak Feeds and Birdtown Store; South Coast Gardens: Nursery & Garden Design; and, Steve Armstrong Excavating.

 “The Land Trust is very grateful for the support received from businesses, musicians, partners, and volunteers,” noted Beck. “We encourage like-minded businesses and volunteers to contact us so we can work together to further conservation efforts in our region.”

 ## 30 ##

 Long Point Basin Land Trust is a charitable non-government organization which protects and restores natural habitats in the Carolinian Region. The Land Trust promotes conservation through outreach, research, habitat restoration, and species at risk recovery. LPBLT owns and stewards two nature reserves. For further information, visit: www.longpointlandtrust.ca or contact Gregor Beck (E: nature@longpointlandtrust.ca; mobile: 519-718-2910)

Long Point Basin Land Trust extends its sincere thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for its support of this program. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

 (Port Rowan, Ontario)  The Long Point Basin Land Trust is encouraging the public to participate in its reptile research and conservation project. Helping out is as simple as reporting turtle or snake sightings through the Land Trust website at longpointlandtrust.ca. While online reporting is preferred, sightings can also be submitted by mail, email, fax or phone. By reporting observations of reptiles, members of the public, landowners and conservation groups can all take part in helping to develop effective local conservation strategies.

 “Our region contains a fascinating diversity of reptiles,” said Gregor Beck, conservation science director for the Land Trust. “Unfortunately, the majority of our turtle species and half of our snake species are now classified at risk. These populations are threatened by habitat loss, mortality on roads, illegal collection for the pet trade, and pollution. Sadly, many of these species are threatened not just locally, but provincially and nationally.”

 The Land Trust’s “Conserving Carolinian Reptiles” project is a multi-year initiative which includes the volunteer-based reptile atlas and surveys. These efforts will help determine reptile distributions and populations. The Trust is also conducting outreach, education, and creating habitats for turtles and snakes.

 “Public participation in the reptile reporting program is vital,” said Beck. “Last year, the Land Trust received hundreds of reports of turtles and snakes from across our region. The response has been really encouraging – people are definitely keen to share their observations and help these species. We hope that participation grows so that we can learn more about these interesting species and determine the most effective ways to help.”

 People can report sightings quickly and easily by following the link to the Conserving Carolinian Reptiles project on the group’s website. The site also contains locally-tailored turtle and snake identification factsheets, as well as newsletters with additional information. The factsheets explain that none of the native snake species in the Long Point Basin are poisonous. In fact, many snakes, such as Foxsnake and Milksnake, are excellent rodent predators. These species’ habit of vibrating their tail when threatened, however, sometimes puts them at risk since people mistakenly think they are dangerous. The Hog-nosed Snake is another species which is harmless to humans despite its complex defensive strategies which include spreading its neck, hissing and ‘playing dead.’

 “A great thing about the reptile atlas is that anyone can help,” added Beck. “Whether you see a single reptile or have dozens of observations, we’re interested in hearing about it. We look forward to receiving reports from across our region – from Port Stanley through Norfolk County east toward Dunnville. Reports from rural and inland areas, such as St. Thomas, Aylmer, Tillsonburg, Simcoe, Waterford and Jarvis, are of great interest also.”

 ## 30 ##

 Long Point Basin Land Trust is a charitable non-government organization which protects and restores important natural habitats in the Carolinian Region. It promotes conservation through outreach, research, habitat restoration and species at risk recovery. The Trust owns two nature reserves and works with landowners and conservation groups to steward natural areas.

 Financial assistance for this project is provided by The Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, The John and Pat McCutcheon Charitable Foundation, individual donors, and conservation partners.

For further information, please contact:

Gregor Beck:  Phone 519-718-2910; email: nature@longpointlandtrust.ca

Long Point Basin Land Trust: PO Box 468, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0; Fax: 519-586-8310; visit: longpointlandtrust.ca