By Staff
April 9th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Conservation Authority is convinced Spring is close at hand and have announced programs that tie into the change in seasons.
There are others that are not as certain that the Conservation Authority has it right.
“Spring fever is in the air right now”, announced the Conservation people “as male frogs are getting ready to sing in full chorus to attract mates. This annual nature phenomenon can be witnessed in the forests and wetlands of Mountsberg Conservation Area where you can join in our interesting and informative Frogwatcher’s Hikes.”
This year the hikes take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21.
The songs or mating calls are so distinctive that various frog species can be identified without actually seeing them. There are several species which are active at this time. Again this year Mountsberg will have the ‘Native Species Encounter’ with some of Ontario’s species of snakes.
‘Herptiles’ is the term which refers to reptiles and amphibians and this is an excellent opportunity to search for some of these creatures, like salamanders, who are just emerging from their dormant winter.
There is a puppet shoe, visits to the pond and even a ‘Swamp Tromp’ at a Frogwatcher’s Hike. We will learn about the difference between reptiles and amphibians, between frogs and toads, and the amazing lives of salamanders.
Admission for either Frogwatcher’s Hike is by advance registration only online.
Call Mountsberg at (905) 854-2276 for more information on the program. The fees are Adults $18 (plus HST), Seniors (ages 65 and older) and Children ages 5 to 14 years are $13 (plus HST), while those four years and under are free.
About Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, five km west of Campbellville, ON, between Highway 6 South and Guelph Line. This 472 hectare park includes extensive wetlands, forests, fields, and a reservoir. Mountsberg hosts many family friendly events which are sure to become family traditions for many in the community. For more information please call Mountsberg at (905) 854-2276 or e-mail mtsberg@hrca.on.ca.
The Mountsberg Raptor Centre is currently home to 16 different species of native birds of prey. Many of the resident birds of prey have permanent injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. In many cases, these injuries were caused by human activity. With the help of these feathered ambassadors, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre teaches the community about the native birds of prey that share our environment and how to reduce the negative impact we can have on them.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science based programs and services.
