We are also pleased to report that we have reached our fundraising goal for our new reserve at Turkey Point!

Read the Winter 2012-13 edition of Viewpoint

(Port Rowan, Ontario.) Turtles and snakes across Haldimand, Norfolk, Elgin and surrounding Counties are feeling a little less endangered these days, thanks to help from hundreds of friends. As part of the Long Point Basin Land Trust’s (LPBLT) Conserving Carolinian Reptiles project, landowners and volunteers across the region are helping species at risk by reporting reptile sightings and improving wildlife habitat on their properties.

“This is the fourth year of the project and right now we are gearing up for fall reptile surveys. This is the season when turtles and snakes tend to be more active and visible and we’ll be counting on the public to once again report sightings of everything from Snapping Turtles to Garter Snakes,” explained Gregor Beck, the Land Trust’s conservation science director. “We’re also hoping to draw attention to the fact that many turtles and snakes are on the roads this time of year.”

The project has already collected helpful information from more than 2,500 individual sightings covering 19 different species of turtles and snakes. These sightings are important in a number of ways. First, they help to determine which species are thriving and which are struggling. Second, they help the Land Trust and other conservation organizations key in on areas and actions that are particularly important for these creatures. And, finally, they can raise red flags about where species are experiencing serious trouble.

“A couple of years ago, we received reports of dozens of snakes and turtles being killed on the roadways in Long Point Provincial Park at certain times of year,” Beck noted. “Based on that citizen-supplied information, we worked with the park to erect fencing along the road, which has greatly reduced the problem.” Similarly, at numerous other dangerous turtle crossing spots, the Trust created artificial nesting mounds so that turtles would not have to cross to the other side to find a suitable nesting site. “It’s safer for turtles and for drivers,” Beck pointed out.

LPBLT’s actions are part of broader efforts by conservation groups to protect and recover endangered species. This work would not be possible without an extensive network of volunteers and the financial support of individuals, charitable foundations, the federal government, and provincial stewardship programs which were established following the passage of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. “The importance of species at risk stewardship programs really can’t be overstated – now we have the resources to work with landowners who are keen to make room for species that have lost a lot of their natural habitat. People in our region are really engaged with our hands-on recovery efforts and are appreciative that we have some time and resources to help. We are working with landowners across the region in restoring ponds, re-creating snake habitats, building turtle nests, or simply helping reptiles get safely across the road,” added Beck.

And, you don’t have to be a wildlife biologist to participate. “We get sightings from everyone from naturalists hiking through the woods to people just out raking the leaves. Every sighting is meaningful and gives us another clue about how endangered species are faring.” To help average folks learn more about local

reptiles, the Trust has also published a detailed reptile handbook and a number of identification guides and habitat “how to” factsheets which are available on the group’s website.

The Land Trust itself has been busy building dozens of turtle and snake nesting structures, as well as over-wintering habitats (called hibernacula) and other habitat enhancements to replace the natural areas that have been lost through human changes to the landscape. “Six out of seven turtle species in our area are in trouble and half of our snake species are also listed as at risk,” added Beck, “so restoring habitat is really important.”

Fortunately, the Land Trust has found many enthusiastic landowners willing to do just that. “One landowner called about seeing Milksnakes in their garden a couple of years ago. They are now regular “reptile reporters” to LPBLT and their property provides a safe haven of nesting and wintering habitats for several species of at-risk turtles and snakes. “Their enthusiasm for helping species at risk – and reptiles in particular – is absolutely infectious,” added Beck.

Creating habitats for endangered reptiles can be as simple as letting the borders of a pond grow a little wilder, tossing in a few logs or boards (anchored away from the shore to reduce predation, if possible) or adding a sand/gravel nesting pad. Leaving old logs to rot and creating brush piles in parts of your property is another “no effort” way to help some of our shyest creatures, Beck said. “Reptiles tend to be misunderstood, and that’s why our education efforts are also really important,” he added. “An Eastern Hog-nosed Snake can put on a big show, hissing, gaping its mouth and flattening its neck, but in truth it is harmless to humans. In fact, by eating mice and other rodents, many snakes, such as Eastern Foxsnake and Milksnake, are doing us a favour by keeping rodents under control.”

Life isn’t easy for any of Ontario’s over 200 at-risk plants and animals. But, thanks to efforts like those being undertaken by the Long Point Basin Land Trust through a new approach to species protection which combines habitat conservation with flexible management approaches, the future is looking a little brighter. You can help by reporting reptile sightings or visiting LPBLT’s website (www.longpointlandtrust.ca) to learn more about how to help reptiles and restore natural habitats in our region.

Left to right: Hatchling snapping turtle, baby Blandings Turtle, adult Eastern Hognose Snake. All were removed from roadways and returned to safe habitat.

(Port Rowan, Ontario.)  Juno Award winning folk-rock-roots musician Fred Eaglesmith and his annual Charity Picnic event are helping protect rural landscapes and wildlife once again. Fred has been hosting an annual music festival for 18 years, with proceeds going to local charities. In recent years, support from the event has helped Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) protect species at risk and create new nature reserves. This year, donations from the event will help the Land Trust to purchase and steward a spectacular nature reserve on the Lake Erie shoreline.

“Long Point Basin Land Trust tips its hat to Fred and the other musicians – and to the event participants and organizers,” said Gregor Beck, LPBLT’s conservation science director. “Support from the Charity Picnic has offered a valuable hand which has helped us to restore, purchase and protect natural habitats and to recover species at risk. The event not only helps nature, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy great music and the great out-of-doors at Springwater Conservation Area.”

Proceeds from this year’s event will help LPBLT to acquire and steward a spectacular new nature reserve near Fisher’s Glen on the Lake Erie shoreline. The property’s Carolinian forests, ravines and bluffs will be protected and stewarded by the Land Trust in perpetuity, providing critical habitat for native biodiversity and species at risk. The 52-acre property includes 1400 feet of natural and undeveloped shoreline – an increasingly rare natural commodity in the region.

“If you listen to Fred Eaglesmith’s songs, you get a sense of how important the protection of rural landscapes is to him. So, it seems fitting that this event will help protect the rural character and natural areas of the Lake Erie shoreline,” added Beck. “It’s also a great example of how local events and local businesses are supporting environmental initiatives in our community. We are grateful to Fred and the Charity Picnic and to the other businesses that support our conservation work in the Long Point Basin.”

The 18^th Annual Fred Eaglesmith Charity Picnic takes places from Friday, August 17 to Sunday, August 19 at Springwater Conservation Area, near Aylmer, Ontario. For event information, please visit:  www.fredeaglesmith.com. Volunteers and staff from Long Point Basin Land Trust will be present on Saturday and Sunday to answer questions and discuss conservation issues in the Carolinian Region. The Land Trust encourages anyone who enjoys music and the environment to join them at this year’s Charity Picnic.

A Purple Martin house installed six years ago by Long Point Basin Land Trust’s (LPBLT) Conservation Science Director, Gregor Beck, is at the centre of some recent discoveries. The colony near Turkey Point started with one pair and has grown to 12 nests in 2012, meaning there could be around 50 hungry young mouths to feed this year.

“We really like having the Purple Martins around,” Beck commented. “They’re graceful, handsome and always entertaining with their vocal chatter in spring and summer. We’ve noticed dragonfly wings piled underneath the martin house in the past, so this year I started taking photos of martins bringing dragonflies back to the young. I’ve also been paying more attention to any insects or insect wings that have fallen to the ground.”

LPBLT’s species at risk biologist, Adam Timpf, has a strong interest in dragonflies and butterflies and was intrigued by the photos and growing collection of dragonfly parts. One such photo, posted to the Land Trust’s Facebook page, caught his eye in particular. “Right away, I had a suspicion it might be something interesting due to its large size and bright red abdomen. We don’t have many species that fit that description,” noted Timpf. The dragonfly photographed being fed to young martins was a male Comet Darner, a rare species which occasionally ventures north into Ontario. “Prior to this year, I’m not aware of any records of this species in Norfolk County making it a pretty cool nature sighting. There have also been a few other reports this year locally and in other parts of the province.”

This increase of sightings is likely occurring for a number of reasons. First, there is a growing number of people out looking at dragonflies. Another reason for the increase of uncommon “southern” dragonflies is the warm weather this year. Warm southern winds sometimes bring birds, butterflies and dragonflies. This phenomenon brought a widely-publicized “invasion” of butterflies into Canada earlier this year. And, in Norfolk County, there are relatively extensive natural areas providing wildlife habitat – thanks to private landowners and conservation organizations like land trusts.

“We saw a northward movement with the Red Admiral butterfly invasion earlier this year, and maybe we’re seeing it with Comet Darners. Several other dragonfly species have invaded recently also,” added Timpf. Just last year Timpf found a Tiger Spiketail, a species of dragonfly not previously reported in Canada. “The only known occurrences for this species in Canada are in Norfolk County. People have come from as far away as Kingston just to see them.”

For Beck, the discovery of unusual dragonflies at his martin colony is particularly interesting. “Given the decline in populations of Purple Martins and other insect-eating birds in many areas, I’m really glad our colony is thriving. I’m equally interested to learn about the diversity of insects the martins are feeding their young. It’s a lot of fun being able to let the birds do the research for us – they’re literally bringing new scientific discoveries to our doorstep!”

 (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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.