Viewing the sun through a "sun-scope"

The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC), in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Niagara Centre (RASC) is pleased to announce its International Astronomy Day event at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre on Saturday, April 28. We have a variety of activities scheduled throughout the day including:

Between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., visitors will be able to safely view the sun through “sun-scopes” while members of RASC conduct interpretive presentations to provide participants with a better understanding of our closest star.

Beginning at approximately 6 p.m., telescopes will then be set up for nighttime viewing of the sky. Visitors should be able to see the International Space Station (ISS), meteors (shooting stars), northern lights, the moon, Mars, Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, The Orion Nebula, galaxies, globular and open clusters of stars, and remnants of stars that exploded thousands of years ago. Along with an astronomy presentation, a laser guided tour of the night sky will be provided to help locate many of the remarkable stars and constellations.

Don’t have a telescope, no problem!  Members of the RASC are bringing all of their star and sun gazing equipment to share with everyone.

The theme of International Astronomy Day is “Bringing Astronomy to the People”. This annual event provides a means of interaction between the general public and the many astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. On this day, astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world plan similar events to educate the public about our skies.

All of these species have been introduced in our area for a variety of reasons but have all similarly overstayed their welcome.

What does the word “native” really mean when you are referring to plants?  There is much debate even among the “experts” about what can constitute a native species.  We have records of plant life in Niagara dating back centuries.  Some make the case that those original species are the “natives”.  Others suggest that anything that has naturalized the area by expansion of its range by natural processes can be called native.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and argue that those species of plants that existed in this area prior to settlement would be “native” or “indigenous” (if I can be so bold as to use the two interchangeably!).

With that cleared up, what then is “non-native”.  Simply, the species that are here now that were not here pre-settlement.  Species like the ones listed at the outset of this post. 

Now the debate turns to what we do about them.  Again the “experts” do not always agree.  Some say that we should “let nature take its course”.  Others believe in active removal, and some take a wait and see attitude.  I believe that it depends on the species.  And in the case of the target species for this years’ removal project, the motto is “seek and destroy!!”

Natural areas throughout the Park have been hard hit by the invasion of non-native species.  One look at the number of Tree-of-Heaven growing on the slope at White Water Walk will make you a believer.  A walk through Whirlpool Forest at this time of year speaks volumes for the breadth of the invasion.  Common Buckthorn holds its green leaves and dark blue berries late into the early winter and is easily visible in the understory.  Garlic Mustard is found throughout the Park as well and is characterized by its long stalk with white flowers and unmistakable dried seed pods.  Taratarian Honeysuckle is found in small pockets throughout the natural area.  It is identified by its light coloured bark, and we are hoping to get a handle on it before it becomes a bigger problem.  Japanese Barberry is not as big a threat in terms of its population size but it is growing in very close proximity to a stand of Threatened Deerberry which is cause enough for concern.

In the next several weeks, teams of dedicated NPC staffers will be doing their best to identify and remove these invaders.  It is a labour intensive, manual process but necessary to ensure the health of the ecosystem we are committed to protecting.

Time to slip into my work boots and lend a hand.

Hope to meet you on your next visit to my Niagara Parks!

Deanna Lindblad, Parks Naturalist

NPC Interim Chair Janice Thomson and NPC staff along with an OAC representative will be on-site at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre to answer questions and to issue bouldering permits. The Friends of Niagara Glen Group will also lead a clean-up hike for anyone interested – all are welcome to join. Please visit niagaraparksnature.com for more information on the group.

Background

Historically, bouldering was a means of training for longer climbing routes and mountaineering. Over the past 30 years, bouldering has evolved into a popular sport with appeal as a health-conscious physical form of human-powered recreation. Bouldering also provides social aspects of community and camaraderie, which has created an expanding number of enthusiasts. The Niagara Glen has become noted world-wide for its bouldering opportunities, and the need for a formal program was recognized to assure the protection of the physical, cultural and ecological integrity of parks.

Annual Bouldering Permits will be available for purchase (currently $20 fee for this pilot year and signed waiver required) at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre (previously known as The Feather in the Glen), located at 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Complimentary parking on site.

The Niagara Parks Commission is an Agency of the Government of Ontario. It is NPC’s mission to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while remaining financially self-sufficient.

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For more information, please visit www.niagaraparksnature.com. To arrange an interview with a Niagara Parks Spokesperson, please contact:
Holly Goertzen, Communications Coordinator

hgoertzen@niagaraparks.com
(905) 353-5441

Soon the leaves will be changing….I can already see some of the signs that fall is almost here.  In the mornings, the dewy, damp, cool air hangs over the trails in the Glen and the steam rises off of the ponds at Dufferin Islands.  Our peak of the fall colour is still about 3 weeks away but there is still so much to do to wrap up our summer.

 The Spring Ephemeral Inventory conducted this past spring was delivered to us this summer and wading through the 80+ pages of documentation, I am discouraged and encouraged all at once.  The team of botanists and ecologists were unable to locate some of the rarer species we had hoped to find.  It begs the question, are they gone or was this just one of those years when the conditions we not optimal.  I have learned that “the more we know, the more we know we don’t know”.  I was encouraged to know that some of the trees I was concerned about are in fact in good health.  The combination of an aging forest infrastructure, years of less than ideal weather and a host of tree diseases makes me very nervous. 

 We were also able to document the natural areas at Queenston Meadows this past spring with help from some Niagara College post graduate students.  This is an area I have mentioned before is becoming a pet project of mine as I struggle to determine what we should be doing there in terms of restoration.  “What does this site want to be?” That is a question I have asked myself repeatedly while standing on a pile of old quarry rocks, looking out over the field of butterfly weed and non-native phragmites.  Whatever we decide to do here, will be challenging!

 We have been working on the protocols for monitoring forest health and biodiversity at Paradise Grove (far north end of the Park).  Two permanent monitoring plots there will allow us to look at changes over time linked to climate change and even our management of the site.  Along with our partners, we are measuring diameter and height of the trees. We are recording the depth and width of their canopies and the regeneration that is going on beneath the majestic oaks and their associates.  Every tree no matter how small is considered…it is a monumental task but we are committed.

 Niagara Parks has formed a strong partnership with the bouldering community that lists the Niagara Glen among the best climbing spots in the country.  On October 1^st, we will formally acknowledge this partnership with a kick off event at the Niagara Parks Nature Center.  Join us on that day to learn about this unique form of rock climbing with demonstrations and tours of the nature reserve.

 A new Butterfly Garden is being developed to showcase native plants.  It is located in front of the floral clock.  In partnership with Ontario Power Generation, NPC has chosen this location to highlight the use of native plants to attract native butterflies.  Planting of the site will begin this fall and be completed in the spring of 2012.

 The Habitat Stewardship Program of Environment Canada has granted us funding for the coming year to work on our trail markings and maintenance, and the removal of invasive species throughout the natural areas of the Park.  We will be focusing again this year on Buckthorn species in the north end of the Park and also, Tree of Heaven which is fast becoming the nightmare of the forestry crew here at NPC.  If you are not familiar with this tree it is a weedy, brittle, seed spewing beauty of a tree with “walnut-esk” compound leaves.  In its defense, I do understand why people like it….the name alone might sway some.  It is a pretty tree and it does grow fast and offer decent amounts of shade.  But, if you have ever seen what it does in a natural area like the talus slopes of the Niagara Gorge, you would understand my reticence.

 The prairie near the lilac garden was seeded back in June and I am happy to report that despite the long, hot summer, there is good germination happening.  The spring will tell how much of it is going to come up for us.  Stay tuned on that.

 So, another day has come to an end here at the Park.  The sun is shining but I hear thunder rumbling in the distance and the wind is picking up.  I love a good thunderstorm but maybe from the comfort of home….

 I look forward to meeting you on your next visit. 

 This is my Niagara Parks…..

 Deanna Lindblad, Parks Naturalist

 We are learning as much from our visitors as they are from us.  There have been donations of neat nature display items to help build our collection.  The touch table for kids young and old has been extremely popular as I hoped it would be.  We are always telling our children not to touch but in the nature center we say “please touch” as we think it is the best way to learn.  From birds’ nests, to deer antlers; from fallen cedar logs, to the sound of water running through the rock, the nature center is designed to give visitors the full Glen experience.  Come and meet the top predators of the Glen, take a guided tour with our knowledgeable and enthusiastic Student Naturalists at 11:00am and 2:00pm daily, touch 400,000,000 year old rocks, all part of an experience you won’t soon forget.

 In other nature news at Niagara Parks, the 2 hectare prairie restoration site behind the lilac garden is all ready to seed.  With help from our friends at Rural Lambton Stewardship Network and Pheasants Forever, we are establishing a tallgrass prairie at this old field site.  Rare habitats such as tallgrass prairies and oak savannas would have been present historically along the rim of the gorge and this is part of our effort to rebuild a complex of habitats throughout the Park. Stay tuned for updates on what emerges there.  

 Paradise Grove has been a busy place in recent weeks as groups from Scouts Canada and local schools have been helping Niagara Parks staff with a monitoring project in the oak savanna.  You may have noticed pink flagging tape tied around some of the trees.  This is all part of an exercise to teach children how to measure trees and in the process collect valuable data to be entered into a global database that tracks changes in biodiversity over time.  The protocols developed by the Association of Canadian Educational Resources (ACER) have been used across the Province.  Using these sorts of Citizen Science Initiatives and with help from Climate Action Niagara (CAN), we hope to continue monitoring at Paradise Grove and other natural areas of the Park for years to come. 

 The Spring Ephemeral Inventory is nearly complete with a team of botanists and ecologists collecting information in several natural areas of the Park over the last month.  We expect a full report from Jarmo Jalava and his team in early July.  Early reports suggest they have found some interesting species and that some of the rarer trees are doing quite well.  All good news for the future of the Park.

 So, I better go put on my work boots, lots still to do.  I look forward to meeting you on your next visit.  This is my Niagara Parks…..

 Deanna Lindblad, Parks Naturalist

Visit us here at niagaraparksnature.com for more information about the natural wonders of the area and how you can get involved to ensure they are conserved for future generations

Niagara Glen Nature Centre

Daily hiking tours and bicycle rentals will now be available throughout the season at the centre, and visitors are invited to explore new educational displays including “Animals of the Glen”, nature and geology “touch tables” and interpretive panels on the flora, fauna, and geology of the Niagara Glen. Hand carved wood products by Master Carver Frank Kim, framed artwork by local artist Paul Augustino and paintings by members of the Parkway Artists Guild are also on sale at the centre.

 All are welcome to join the group at the park entrance to the Niagara Glen, near the top of the access stairs, where there will be specific displays on wildflowers and geocaching. The Niagara Parks Commission, the Niagara Parks Police, the Niagara Falls Nature Club, Ontario Access Coalition, Leave No Trace and Scouts Canada will also have displays and representatives on hand to answer questions.

 The goal of this event is to raise awareness about the environment, nature, and sustainable activities in our communities promoting environmental stewardship and a love for the great outdoors. Those planning to spend the afternoon at the Niagara Glen are encouraged to bring their own bagged lunch and refillable water bottles.

 The Niagara Glen is an undeniable treasure trove of natural beauty. The rugged terrain masks a much more sensitive side that needs our help. Approximately 490 species of vulnerable plants and animals call the Glen home and an unprecedented number of them are listed as either “at risk” or “rare” in the province, one of the largest concentrations anywhere in Ontario.

 New members are always welcome to join the Friends of Niagara Parks, Niagara Glen group. Their mission is to be a self-sustaining and motivated not-for-profit community initiative that promotes land stewardship ethics, educational experiences, and sustainable outdoor recreation practices along the Niagara River corridor reserve, in concert with the mandate, mission, and vision of The Niagara Parks Commission.

 The group envisions an ecologically sensitive Park area kept for future generations by increasing environmental awareness and stewardship practices through community involvement. In order to facilitate this vision, the Friends of the Niagara Glen foresee an ongoing active presence within the Park through volunteer efforts.

It might even be the first time you see your neighbor in shorts, with his pasty white legs, or, some hot shot pulling up beside you at a stop light with his window down blaring the latest top 40 hit.

Whatever the sign for you, I think it might be safe to say that spring has sprung here in Niagara.  At the very least spring fever has hit hard.  I love all of the seasons, but spring for me is always the promise of amazing things to come as the natural world wakes up and prepares to take on another year.

Come out and enjoy spring at my Niagara Parks!

Deanna Lindblad, Parks Naturalist

Visit us here at niagaraparksnature.com for more information about the natural wonders of the area and how you can get involved to ensure they are conserved for future generations

The first show begins on Thursday April 7 at 6:30 pm. It will also be aired every Sunday at 12:30 pm.

 
The Niagara Parks Commission will take part in an upcoming episode to describe work  on greening our parks.  Staff who are involved in the day to day operations will be featured, describing this exciting work !