The following article has been prepared by Derek Ford, with photos by Heather Ewing and Ulrich Kretschmar. It looks at the geology of the alvar, with pictures of many of the unique features of the area.
The elusive Red-headed Woodpecker
The Red- headed woodpecker is a striking bird with a bright red head, contrasting blue/ black back and primary wing feathers and white breast and secondary wing feathers. It exhibits similar behavioural characteristics of all woodpeckers such as flight and tree climbing pattern. It is that solid bright red head that makes it easy to distinguish it from other members of the woodpecker family.
Choosing Who to Believe on Climate Change
One of the frustrations of the modern information society is the barrage of conflicting opinions put forth on almost any topic, from dieting to world peace. It is often difficult to decide which information to believe. Nowhere is that more evident than on the subject of climate change, where high-profile columnists continue to routinely insist that “there is little or nothing to be alarmed about”, based on their contention that the Earth has not warmed in nearly two decades.
The history of a well-known spruce…Fred’s Tree
For many in Orillia, the blue spruce tree that stands tall at the corner of Mississauga and West is known as the Opera House Christmas tree. It is lit every year during the Candlelight Parade, taking place next Friday. But for my family, and many that knew my grandfather, it will always be known as Fred’s Tree.
Notes from the Field Fall/Winter 2014
Follow along with our volunteers and Stewardship Program Manager, David Hawke and learn about what it takes to care for land.
Go on an adventure with Molly and Meegan
Molly, and all people, have the right to swim in clean water, explore a variety of natural settings and to hug trees that have been around longer than any of us will be.
The beautiful wetlands, forests and alvars remain protected thanks to on-going support from people like you. And for that, I thank you. When the environment is nurtured and cared for, we all benefit.
Bird Watching for all ages: Canada Geese
Canada Geese have fared very well across Canada and many parts of the World in spite of significant residential and commercial growth. They have adapted to human intervention unlike any other bird, to the extent that for many of us, they have become quite a nuisance.
Land trust movement continues to gain momentum
This past week Geneva Park hosted the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) Gathering, an annual three day conference that brings together land trust members and others that are dedicated to protecting land. Each year, well over one hundred people attend. What an amazing feeling it is to be in a room with other people that are dedicated to a similar mission – to protect nature.
The 2015 Carden Challenge
Join us on Friday, May 22 – Saturday, May 23 for the 10th Annual Carden Challenge. The goal is of the Carden Challenge is simple: raise funds to support the stewardship of Carden’s alvar and bird habitats by counting as many bird species as possible during a 24-hour period.
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.