SCHOOLS
Hi Teachers!
Did you know that the prairie and savanna once covered 222 million acres of land across Central Canada and the USA? This was an area almost equal to the total land mass of Ontario. And today, with less than one percent of this grassland habitat remaining, it is one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems.
The land was covered with tall grass prairies and oak savanna, dominated by Black and White Oak. Grasses like Big Bluestem, Indian Grass and Switchgrass grew more than two metres high and a diverse range of wildflowers blossomed.
click any photo for larger versions
photo right by Elisabeth La Fontaine
In Northumberland County, the Rice Lake Plains is an area of approximately 100,000 acres of land located at the eastern end of the Oak Ridges Moraine, southeast of Peterborough.
The prairies have become fragmented and the partners of the Rice Lake Plains Joint Initiative are working together to try to restore some of this precious ecosystem.
Map of area - right
In addition, one of our objectives is to work with the schools in the area to create an awareness of the importance of the Rice Lake Plains, habitat for many species which, without it, are at risk.
The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (photo right), Milksnake and Eastern Ribbonsnake are all species at risk.
Photo by Todd Farrell
The Red-headed Woodpecker is very rare and we encourage you to report any sightings.
Photo by Bill Hubick
The Monarch Butterfly is vulnerable due to migration and loss of habitat on its wintering grounds in Mexico.
Monarch caterpillar - photo by Elisabeth La Fontaine
Monarch butterfly - photo by Ken Towle
Other birds, plants and trees which are Species at Risk (SAR) can be found by pressing this link.
The Alderville First Nations Black Oak Savanna Ecology Centre is now open and home to many of the workshops and events held to promote the importance of this fragile ecosystem. These will be posted on the Rice Lake Plains Website.
Programs and resources for schools:
- Field trips to the Alderville Black Oak Savanna – by appointment
- Teacher resources – booklets, posters and pamphlets
- A series of Illustrated in-class talks is being developed and, as resources become available to us, we will be able to assist your students with their environmental studies.
Please contact Brooke Stevens for more information.
“Things to do” at Lower Trent Conservation: www.ltc.on.ca
Goodrich-Loomis Nature Camp
Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area (north of Brighton off County Road 30)
July and August, 2011
Summer day camp for children ages 6 to 12. Outdoor and indoor events, active and quiet-time activities, crafts, games, hikes, music, stories and puppet shows - all with an environmental twist. Some of our awesome guests who joined us last summer include Jason Bonning (Hawk Show), Sciensational Sssnakes!, Paddling Puppeteers, and Scooter & Sabrina the Flying Squirrels.
Volunteers also welcome to help out with the nature camp throughout the summer.
For more information visit our website at www.ltc.on.ca under “Things to do” or contact Lower Trent Conservation at 613-394-4829 or information@ltc.on.ca.
The Centre, located deep in the heart of the 11,000 acre Ganaraska Forest, provides many programs for children. They range from half-day visits to overnight stays. There are more than 25 different environmental educational programs to suit all grades and subjects. For more information please contact the Ganaraska Forest Centre direct.
www.grca.on.ca/centre-day-trips.html
