Rice Lake Plains Partnership

Because of an unfavourable weather forecast for January 1, the Rice Lake Plains Christmas Bird Count has been officially changed to Sunday, January 3, 2021. Thi...s count covers a 24 km circle, centered on the Northumberland Forest. If you live in this circle and would like to do a feeder count, please contact Roger Frost at [email protected]. See more

Did you know that grasslands act as carbon sinks, making them unexpected warriors against climate change? Learn more about how NCC is conserving grasslands in C...anada: https://fal.cn/3cloP This conservation fact was presented by our friends at Northern Keep Vodka. Every bottle sold helps protect 5 sq feet of ecologically significant land in Canada.

Absolutely wonderful Chelsea Marcantonio!

Do you have bird feeders around your property? Here at the Black Oak Savanna we have a few feeders and have seen Goldfinches, Redpolls, Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Ju...ncos and more! If you would like to contribute to a data source about birds at your feeders sign-up for Project Feederwatch! When registering you can receive a lovely bird poster! https://www.birdscanada.org/you-can-h/project-feederwatch/

Tallgrass Ontario Winter Bluestem Banner.

The Northumberland challenge! Looks like fun!

Take a look at this great opportunity! For the love of nature!

Excellent new book!

Miss the last two WBFN monthly club meetings via Zoom? Check out recordings on Youtube. First meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppf8UGRRqto

It’s very important to keep your dog on a leash for this reason and many many other reasons

Excellent opportunity!

Visitors of the Hazel Bird Nature Reserve please note: Hunting may occur on this property starting: November 2 to November 15, 2020 in accordance with the Provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and associated regulations.... Hunting access is by permit only. Please contact the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters at 705-748-6324 or [email protected] for information See more

Free webinar tomorrow

#IndigenousFoodSovereignty An incredible line-up of speakers for the Indigenous Plant Sovereignty online symposium, Nov 6-7, including a keynote by Joseph Pitaw...anakwat. With sessions on themes such as "(Re)Claiming Seed Relatives" and "In the Garden of the Ancestors," this will be such a great event. Register at queensu.ca/indigenous/research-events. See more

Join Mark Stabb via Zoom and discover the Iroquois Plains

Striking Balance Season 2 premieres this Sunday, Oct. 4 at 8PM ET on TVO and online with episodes released weekly! Explore nine of Canada’s breathtaking UNESCO ...biosphere reserves, including some of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s project areas, and learn how residents are overcoming the challenges that are threatening the sustainability of these amazing places. NCC will be included in five of the episodes highlighting our conservation work and contributions to these communities. See the trailer: http://strikingbalance.ca/ See more

Last Saturday, KLT hosted our 2nd Annual Traditional Indigenous Medicine Walk event at the Cation Wildlife Preserve! Joseph Pitiwanakwat, founder and director o...f Creators Garden led multiple physically distant walks throughout the day, teaching participants the Annishnabeemowin names for many plants, the meanings behind the names and the relationships they have within the natural environment and human health. One of the most important teachings from the day was that everything in nature is connected and has a purpose, our plants are telling us what to use them for. You just have to take the time to listen and observe. Thank you Joe for an amazing day! There will be more photos and videos from the day to come, so stay tuned to KLT for more!

Have you ever been walking along a sandy path and come across what appeared to be a cobra? In reality, you have seen a harmless Eastern Hog-nosed snake. Commonl...y referred to as puff adders or blow adders by many Ontarians, the hognose is a non-venomous snake that resides in open sandy habitats. These snakes are best known for their elaborate defensive display, which includes the spreading of their neck to resemble a cobra, along with loud hissing and striking motions. The hog-nosed snake rarely bites in defense; in fact, when it strikes it usually keeps its mouth closed. This defense it is simply a scare tactic. When this fails to drive predators away, the snake will wriggle around and flip over on its back, playing dead. It will even stick out its tongue and hang open its mouth. When flipped right side up, it will again roll onto its back. Hog-nosed snakes seem to believe that all dead things are presented belly up! The Rice Lake Plains is one of the few areas in Ontario that the Eastern Hog-nosed snake calls home. As a threatened species, due mainly to loss of habitat and persecution by humans, it has a small population within the area. Most of the historical habitat for this species has been urbanized, leaving little area for the snake to live. The defensive display of this snake leads many to believe it is a danger to them, causing people to kill it. If you come across one, you can report it to the GRCA, online via iNaturalist.org, or by emailing the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Natural Heritage Information Centre via [email protected]. Photo credit of second picture: Bill Medhurst, who came across this hognose on an ATV trail.

Pandorus Sphinx! Doesn’t this moth caterpillar look like it’s from another planet?

Don’t be fooled by the beauty of Purple Loosestrife! This invasive plant can form dense stands with thick mats of roots which outcompetes native plants and ultimately degrades wildlife habitat. You can stop the spread of Purple Loosestrife by cutting off the flower stalks before the plant produces seed! To properly dispose of the flower cuttings, put them in sealed plastic bags and then into the garbage. For more information, visit ontarioinvasiveplants.ca

Although these two caterpillars exude very different colours, they are the same moth species! Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis)

Fireweed seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years. It is one of the first plants to emerge after forest fires and prescribed burns!

Let’s replace irrational fear with wonder and respect

Nothing to see here...

What is a conservancy and why is it important?

Special thanks to the @dortwoodobservatory for sharing their view of the universe last night Jupiter, Saturn, comet NEOWISE and a few shooting stars were among the many highlights of a great stargazing night! : @callophrys_gryneus