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OVPA Annual General Meeting
Vernal Pool Hikes
Vernal Pool Presentations
General Hike Information
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OVPA Annual General Meeting
Due to unfortunate scheduling conflicts, the 2008 AGM has been cancelled. The OVPA Board of Directors has decided to focus our efforts on the newsletter (VERNALIS), organizing hikes, and providing presentations to increase public awareness regarding the significance of vernal pools and their associated wildlife. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, and hope to see you at the next AGM and that you will join us on one of our hikes. If you are interested in having the OVPA come and speak to your naturalists’ club or community group, please contact the OVPA at ovpa@sympatico.ca
Scott Sampson, President
Ontario Vernal Pool Association
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 2008 Vernal Pool Hikes
The OVPA will be leading field trips to vernal pools around the GTA in the coming spring. You will witness first hand the sensitive cycles that regulate life in these pools. *These dates are tentative. Space is limited. Please contact OVPA for further details.
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Inglewood Slope Forest, Caledon
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Date:
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Saturday, April 19, 2008
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Time:
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10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Cost:
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Free
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The Ontario Vernal Pool Association (OVPA) will lead a hike with the South Peel Naturalist Club to explore the vernal pools of the Inglewood Slope Forest along the Niagara Escarpment in the Town of Caledon.
Directions:
- Highway 401 to Mississauga Rd. (Exit 336);
- North on Mississauga Rd. for 24 km to Olde Base Line;
- Turn right on Olde Base Line for 2.8 km to Chinguacousy Rd.
- Turn left at Chinguacousy Rd. Park at the end of the road.
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Silver Creek Conservation Area, Halton Hills
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Date:
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Saturday, May 10, 2008
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Time:
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10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Cost:
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Free
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The Ontario Vernal Pool Association (OVPA) will lead a hike with the Citizen Scientists to explore Silver Creek Conservation Area on the Niagara Escarpment in the Town of Halton Hills. We will explore an amphibian breeding pond, and expose participants to salamander monitoring plots.
Directions:
- Highway 401 to Trafalgar Rd. (Exit 328);
- North on Trafalgar Rd. for 13 km to Highway 7 (T-intersection);
- Turn left onto Highway 7, North on Highway 7 for 3.4 km;
- At the top of the Niagara Escarpment there is a set of traffic lights, stay to the right;
- North on Trafalgar Rd. for about 700 m;
- Turn right at 27th Sideroad;
- East on 27th Sideroad for 1.5 km, follow around bend. Road becomes 8th Line;
- Turn right at the continuation of 27th Sideroad. Travel 1 km along 27th Sideroad to Fallbrook Trail (T-intersection);
- Turn left onto Fallbrook Trail; and
- Turn left into first driveway (less than 100 m) at Silver Creek Education Centre.
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Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Halton
Dragonflies, Damselflies, and Butterflies Hike
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Date:
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Saturday, June 21, 2008
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Time:
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10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Cost:
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Admission: Entrance fee to Conservation Area is $6.50 for adults. No charge from OVPA.
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Join the Ontario Vernal Pool Association to view the dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies of Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Crawford Lake is located on the Niagara Escarpment just west of Milton and includes a 15th century reconstructed Iroquoian Village and heritage site. The hike will be on nice wide, well maintained trails (most will be compacted crushed stone, even wheel chair accessible). Bring a net if you have one, or binoculars, magnifying glass and digital camera if you wish. Dress for outdoors, bring some water. Hopefully it’s nice and sunny.
Directions:
- Crawford Lake Conservation Area is located at Steeles Avenue and Guelph Line, 5 km. south of Highway 401 and 15 km. north of the Q.E.W.
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Vernal Pool Presentations
Wonderful Wetlands - Caring for the Moraine Landowner Workshop
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Albion Hills Conservation Area- Chalet
16500 Hwy 50, Palgrave
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Date: |
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Saturday, May 24, 2008 |
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Time:
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9:30 am 3:00 pm
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Cost:
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Free, but must pre-register by May 16th
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Join the Caring for the Moraine project partners for a fun day exploring the Oak Ridges Moraine's wonderful wetlands. Events include:
- speakers on wetland and pond ecology
- a kid-friendly session exploring life in wetlands and streams
- a chance to meet some local birds of prey
- lunch and learn about the Caring for the Moraine Project
- hike through a newly restored wetland and stream complex.
Space is limited and lunch is provided. Please Contact Julie Hordowick at 416-661-6600 ext. 5644 or click here to register by email.
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Hike Information
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Will there be a lot of walking?
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Most hikes are 2 to 3 km. Some of it will be off-trail, with some hilly and undulating terrain (frequently associated with vernal pools). Medium difficulty.
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Are we going to slogging through mud?
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The trails to the vernal pools will likely be muddy. People will have the opportunity to explore the edges of the pool which tend to be muddy, so boots are a good idea.
We would like to keep the number of people actually in the pools to a minimum, so OVPA and other will collect specimens in containers to show others on the edge of the pool.
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Should we bring any special gear (binoculars, rubber boots, flashlight etc.)?
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People should bring rubber boots, insect repellent, and rain gear and a dry change of clothes (just in case). People may also want to bring dip nets, a clean plastic container,
hand lens and any applicable field guides (amphibians and invertebrates). OVPA reps will have some equipment and field guides. Binoculars may be useful as we are likely going to see other interesting
wildlife, particularly on the Herps and Birds Hike.
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