Enclosed are a list of links for you to start your journey to discovering the beauty of nature in Oxford along the trails in our area:

http://www.tourismoxford.ca/What-to-do/Trails

http://www.informationoxford.ca/index.php/events/category/9579

http://www.oxfordcounty.ca/Things-to-Do/Trails-parks/Oxford-County-Trails

http://www.oxfordcountytrailscouncil.ca/trails-in-oxford.html

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oxford-County-Trails-Council/308508501941

http://www.tourismoxford.ca/Birding-Trails

http://www.informationoxford.ca/index.php/events/category/9579

http://www.whatthehealth.ca/Portals/WhatTheHealth/Documents/TrailGuide2008.pdf

http://whattravelwriterssay.com/oxfordcounty1feb09.html

 Description:

The Green Dragon is a perennial wildflower which grows 15 to 90 cm tall. It is mostly found in wet forests along streams, and forests inhabited with Maple trees. Its leaves are slender and arranged in a semicircle at the top of the plant, it has a dense cluster of bright red berries, with light yellow seeds in each berry. It has one long protruding stem that will flower in May and June (from which the berries will grow in late summer).

Status: Special Concern Provincially and Nationally

Important Dates:

June 30, 2008: Species Listed At Risk

June 28, 2013:  Management Plan  created for the Green Dragon

January 20, 2014: Government Response Statement  is created

Range:

• In Canada, the Green Dragon occurs in southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec;
• The following map, provided by the Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre shows the species occurrence in Ontario:

Habitat:

• Typically found along the river’s edge and in wet deciduous forests, particularly maple forests and forests dominated by the Red Ash and White Elm trees.

Threats:

• An estimated 50 sites across Ontario have been lost due to forest clearing in developing areas;
• The main threats are habitat loss and degradation;
• Because of the species’ special adaptations to the floodplain habitat, flood control by conservation authorities may be contributing to its low survival rate.

Protection:

• Visit Carolinian Canada Coalition’s Grow Wild Campaign (here) and learn how you can participate in protecting our endangered plant species;
• The Management Plan created in June 2013, advises the Ministry of Natural Resources on ways to ensure healthy numbers of the species return to Ontario. The plan identifies actions that can be taken to ensure that it does not become threatened or endangered.

What YOU Can Do To Help: 

• Should you come across a Green Dragon in its habitat, contact the Natural Heritage Information Center and report your sighting in detail here;
• If you know the Green Dragon is growing on your land, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to find out about becoming a steward in support of protecting the species;
• As a wildflower, the Green Dragon plays a significant role in the pollination process. The population of pollinators (flying insects) is on a steep decline, contact Pollination Canada (here) to find out more;
• Do NOT collect the plant for medicinal, ornamental or any other personal uses;
• Fencing may be necessary to keep livestock out of the stream banks – grazing causes erosion, soil compaction, reduced water quality and damage to vegetation;
• Become a member with your local Nature Organization and learn more about identifying invasive and endangered species.

FUN FACTS:

• The Green Dragon’s root is bitter tasting and poisonous unless specially prepared, but it was used medicinally by Aboriginal people and European settlers;
• When viewed from the side, it’s possible to imagine a silhouette of dragon wings;
• The Menomiee tribe of Wisconsin once used the root of the Green Dragon to create sacred bundles meant to encourage second sight in dreams.

And now butterflies…

During September 2014, Monarch caterpillars and chrysalides have been on display at the Ingersoll Library. Soon after their arrival, we caught our first glimpse of Monarch Butterfly.

You can view the video of that first glimpse at http://youtu.be/xPkdd0uvNK4

You can learn more about the Monarch Butterflies at the Marvelous Monarchs presentation at the Ingersoll Library on Tuesday, September 23 from 6:30-7:30 pm. All ages are invited to join us and learn about the importance of the Monarch butterflies, their life cycel and how we can help reverse their declining numbers.

Summer may be almost over, the kids are back to school and the trees are beginning to turn colours. But just because September is here doesn’t mean that there isn’t lots to do in our community. Download our handy list of upcoming events that the Ingersoll District Nature Club will be involved in.

2014 09 09 IDNC September Events  

On Friday Sept 19th, the Ingersoll District Nature Club will be rebuilding the bridge at the Lawson Tract on the McBeth Road.

Darwin Kent is reporting that the project could use some help. Three beams that are 16-feet long need to be maneuvered into position that span the creek.

Presently there are three people involved but to be successful, two more people will need to be enlisted.

If you are available and willing to help or know someone that is please contact Darwin at darwin@kwic.com.

Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus)

Description:

The Eastern Ribbon Snake is a slim snake with a chocolate brown or black body and has three bright long yellow stripes along its frame. Adults grow to be about 70 cm long, with females typically coming in larger. Commonly mistaken for the gartersnake, this species has a distinct small white spot in front of each eye. In late summer, the adult female will birth 5-12 young, but has been known to have up to 26! Baby snakes are independent and begin their hunt for insect prey just after birth.

Status: Special Concern Provincially and Nationally

Range:

• In Ontario, the Eastern Ribbon Snake is found throughout southern and eastern Ontario;
• Found in small parts of Quebec and an even smaller population found in Nova Scotia;
• This map, provided by Ontario Nature, shows the range in Southern Ontario for the Eastern Ribbon Snake

Habitat:

• Almost always found close to water, especially in marshes where it hunts for frogs and small fish;
• Will use forested areas for birthing sites following hibernation;
• At the onset of cold weather, the Eastern Ribbon Snakes congregate together in burrows or rock crevices to hibernate together until the spring;
• Bask along rivers edge and shoreline on logs, vegetation and low shrubs

Threats:

• The extensive loss of wetland and shoreline habitat continues to be the main threat to the species;
• Pollution has proven to participate largely in the decline of amphibian populations – thus participating in the decline of the ribbon snake;
• Road mortality is a serious threat to snakes because they are slow moving;

Protection: 

• Currently listed as Special Concern under the Ontario Endangered Species Act and the Species at Risk Act ;
• Designated as a Specially Protected Reptile under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act;
• The habitat of the Eastern Ribbon Snake is protected by the Provincial Policy Statement under the Ontario Planning Act;
• National and Provincial Parks also offer protection under specific programs

What YOU Can Do To Help:

• Visit the Ontario Nature Organization to learn more about their Reptile and Amphibian Stewardship program;
• Between May to October, watch for snakes crossing the roads;
• Volunteer at your local Nature Club to learn more about protecting our local species and their habitats;
• If you encounter the Eastern Ribbon Snake in the wild, contact the Natural Heritage Information Centre and report your sighting;
• Visit the Adopt-a-Pond website via the Toronto Zoo to learn how you can participate in the conservation of rare snakes and their habitats

FUN FACTS:

• When the Eastern Ribbon Snake is captured, it will attempt to escape by squirming wildly and exuding a foul smelling musk to entice its release;
• The Eastern Ribbon Snake is often mistaken for the Gartersnake. However, the white crescent-shaped marking in front of their eyes can quickly identify the Ribbon Snake;
• Many snakes lay eggs, but the Eastern Ribbon Snake gives birth to live young;

The secret to discovering the beauty of nature in Oxford? Watch this video: http://youtu.be/_PDbHyqUE9w

Status: Threatened Provincially and Nationally

Description:

Blanding’s Turtle is a medium-sized turtle with an average shell length of approx. 18-23 cm. The distinguishing feature of this turtle is its bright yellow neck and chin. The shell is domed with numerous yellow or light coloured flecks or streaks on black. The Blanding’s turtle takes 14-20 years to reach sexual maturity. The clutch size varies from 5 to 12 eggs. Mating likely occurs in April and early May and hatching will take place in September or early October.

Range:

• Mostly, the Blanding’s Turtle can be found in and around the Great Lakes basin, western Nebraska, southern Illinois, eastern Ontario
• Isolated populations are found in Quebec, Nova Scotia and near the east coast of the United States
• In Ontario, it can be found throughout the Southern and Central parts, except along the Bruce Peninsula
• This map, provided by Ontario Nature, shows the Blanding’s Turtle range in Southern Ontario

Habitat:

• In spring, the Blanding’s Turtle can be found basking on rocks and logs
• From late October until the end of April, the Blanding’s Turtle hibernates in mud at the bottom of permanent water bodies
• It feeds off crustaceans, insect larvae, tadpoles, leeches, fish, frogs, crayfish, carrion, berries and vegetable debris
• Prefers shallow waters with abundant vegetation
• Nesting habitat can include sandy beaches and shorelines along lakes and ponds, roadsides or gravel roads

Threats:

• The most significant threats the Blanding’s Turtle are loss of habitat, motor vehicles, and raccoons, coyotes, skunks and foxes that prey on their eggs
• Our cool summers have impacted the reproduction of the Blanding’s Turtle
• The Blanding’s Turtle appearance makes it look as though it’s always smiling. Because of this, poachers have been capturing the species for resale in the pet trade – thus effecting the population

Protection:

• The Toronto Zoo and Earth Rangers have started an incubation/conservation project for the Blanding’s Turtle. They will collect and incubate 55 turtle eggs annually from at risk nests and care for the turtles until ready for release in the wilderness
• Currently listed as Threatened under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007
• Currently listed as Threatened under the Federal Species at Risk Act
• Designated as a Specially Protected Reptile under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act

What YOU Can Do to Help:

• As more and more development occurs, it brings more road traffic to the area. When driving through marshy areas, keep an eye out for a crossing turtle
• Should you see a Blanding’s Turtle at a pet store, contact the Ministry of Naturals Resources and make a report immediately
• Should you encounter the Blanding’s Turtle in the public, make you sure you contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and report you sighting in detail
• Currently 7 out of 8 of Ontario’s freshwater turtles are either endangered, threatened or of special concern. Educate children about the threats involving turtles and the importance of wetlands in our environment
• Visit Earth Rangers to learn how you can participate, or donate to their conservation efforts (http://www.earthrangers.com/wildwire/blandings-turtle/)
• Volunteer at your local Natural Club to learn more and participate in activities focused on species at risk

FUN FACTS:

• The Blanding’s Turtle may live to be 80 years old, but some have been known to be 100!
• Turtles do not provide care to their little ones once they hatch
• Some scientists believe that the Blanding’s Turtle may also hibernate on land by burying themselves deep in moist soil through the winter
• Blanding’s have a hinge at the front of their shell, this allows them to close the entire shell when retracting its head
• The temperature of the incubated eggs determines the sex of the of the turtle (between 22° and 28° = males, between 30° and 32° = female)