Alvar environments boast ecological communities that are incredibly rare and worth protecting for future generations. Regionally, the globally-significant Carden limestone plain is an area of large, diverse, and relatively un-fragmented habitat including alvars, shrublands, grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
Skunk cabbage; a warm-blooded plant?
We look for the blossoms of crocus and snowdrops as signs of spring, but those who want to hurry the season can hunt for eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus).
Continuing to bring key habitat under protection
One of the organization’s key goals is to move beyond isolated islands of green by linking protected areas to create critical masses of natural habitat with connecting corridors.
In other words: bridge building.
For years now, the Conservancy has been at work with various partners on the Carden Alvar to protect this globally-rare ecosystem. The alvar — a limestone plain with shallow soil or no soil at all — lies just east of Lake Dalrymple and it has garnered interest around the world. Protecting it would be a good thing, but if it is isolated with no solid linkages to the northern shield territory, it will be devalued.
Bird Watching: Tufted Titmouse
Tufted Titmice are members of the Paridae family of birds and are close relatives of Chickadees. They look and act much like them, although they are a little larger, don’t have a black cap, but they do have a gray crest on their head. They have gray under parts and rusty coloured flanks. I knew I would recognize one when I saw it!
The Carden Alvar…”a bit north east of here”
The Carden Plain is part of the “Land Between,” an area bordered by the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes Lowlands. An alvar is characterized by a limestone base with a small or no amount of soil. The birding in this area is world renowned and it is recognized as an Important Birding Area. Also, it supports unique plants that adapt to the harsh conditions of wet springs and very dry summer conditions. An open alvar vista in bloom will take your breath away with its delicate, harsh beauty.
Bird Watching: The stars of the birding world
Pileated Woodpeckers, named for the large crest on the top of the head, are the largest of our woodpeckers. They are almost prehistoric much like pterodactyls in appearance, with their deep undulating flight pattern and their weird calls. However they are strikingly beautiful with dark blue/black, white and crimson feathers.
In the News: Carden Alvar Provincial Park
After nearly decade on the wait list, a rare grassland ecosystem in Ramara Township has been formally protected as a provincial park.
The Ministry of Natural Resources announced Wednesday five nature areas would be added to the Ontario Parks docket — including Carden Alvar, near Lake Dalrymple.
Bird Behaviour: Survival of the fittest
Bird behaviour, like human behaviour is sometimes very cruel, but nonetheless very fascinating!
Life on the inside: Forest interiors
Several hundred years ago, lush, green forests covered almost all of southern Ontario. The forests were made up of trees of various species, sizes, and ages with shrubs and woodland flowers underneath. Wildlife abounded in these wooded areas. There were few openings in the forest canopy except where weather systems had downed trees or where native grasslands thrived.
Location, location, location: House Wren Nesting Habits
Some of the more popular television programs are those in which a Real Estate agent shows a couple a number of houses from which to select their future home. There are a few such programs, each with their own particular twist, but in every case, the couple selects one house. We have a pair of birds in our yard whose antics remind me of those programs! The birds are House Wrens.