Left: White and Red Trilliums, Right: Blue Spotted Salamander

Signs of spring are all around us these days in the nature areas of Niagara Parks.  With this beautiful weather, our local wildlife has suddenly become very active!

Male turkeys (toms) are strutting their stuff for the females, baby geese (goslings) are playing in the grass, snakes are leaving their hibernacula and basking in the sun, salamanders are slithering their way through the mud, and several species of birds have migrated back to the Niagara River and are busy building their nests.

Even the trees have come out of ‘hibernation’!  Many of our native species such as maples and willows are starting to flower with their leaves not far behind.  A variety of flowering crab apple trees along the parkway are also showcasing their brilliant pink and white blooms in contrast to the bright yellow daffodils.  Spring ephemerals such as Red and White Trilliums, Wild Columbine, and Dutchman’s Breeches are also starting to inch their way out of the ground in the Niagara Glen to display their unique short-lived flowers.

Over the next few weeks, the assortment of these blooming species will continue to change.  Only solution to seeing all of them; come back often!

Where does the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory get its butterflies? We think it’s important to support nature’s wonders, and our friends at the El Bosque Nuevo Butterfly Farm agree!

This incredible, self-sufficient farm in Guanacaste, Costa Rica started in 1995 and practices integrated agro-forestry, planting local species, several crops, and host plants needed for adult butterflies and their pupae. The best part? 100% of their profit is used for reforestation, rainforest conservation and research!

Check out this fantastic video showcasing their efforts. Looks like another shipment of butterflies is on its way to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory!

It has been almost a year since garden enthusiasts gathered at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse to witness the “world’s tallest flower” bloom. The Amorphophallus Titanum, or Titan Arum, blooms for only a brief period, but its height and unique smell never fail to fascinate.

Since blooming on May 4, 2012, the first flower went dormant and has since restarted the development stage. The vegetative stage began in mid-October, 2012, where a single, large leaf (measuring about 15 feet tall and 11 inches in stem-diameter) spans almost 17-feet-tall!

This vegetative phase can last up to one to two years, during which the tuber will increase in size. The leaf will eventually die, and the tuber will sit dormant again. At the end of this dormancy is when the exciting wait period begins for another bloom.

The second flower, which bloomed 10 days after the first flower, has sat dormant up to early March of 2013. At this point, there is still no visible developing leaf. Each tuber is different in the length of time it sits in each phase, so it is difficult to predict a bloom. Times can range from two to three years between bloom dates. In addition to these two tubers, there are four smaller tubers in various stages of vegetative growth.

During the blooming of the second tuber, The Niagara Parks Commission was contacted by Ohio State University in hopes of attaining pollen for their own developing flower, which requires pollen from another flower to develop seed. The NPC shipped frozen pollen gathered in late May, and Ohio State University returned the favour by sending back approximately 200 seed. The seed was planted on March 6, 2013 and may take up to 160 days to germinate.

Come check out the specimens on display at the Floral Showhouse, open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll also enjoy the Spring Show, on now until May 10!

Amorphophallus Titanum

Specimen #1
Planted: Jan 6, 2012
Full height: 255 cm (96 in.)
Bloom date: May 4, 2012

Specimen #2
Planted: Jan 6, 2012
Full height: 210 cm (82.5 in.)
Bloom date: May 15, 2012

Join us for the Trees Ontario Community Tree Planting Event
Saturday, May 4, 2013
10 a.m. – noon

Location:
Corner of the Niagara Parkway and Whirlpool Road
Parking available courtesy of Niagara Helicopters, 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Tree Planting at Niagara Parks

Join us as we partner with Trees Ontario as part of a province-wide FREE community tree planting event on Saturday, May 4! This annual Community Planting Weekend brings together families, community members and volunteers to take part in a half-day tree planting activity, promoting local engagement and environmental awareness.

Participants will get the chance to directly support their community in a local reforestation project and learn about the benefits of trees, shade and green urban spaces. Last year, the initiative drew more than 550 volunteers and a total of 3,275 trees were planted province-wide.

The planting site is located at the corner of the Niagara Parkway and Whirlpool Road (parking available courtesy of Niagara Helicopters, 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls) and the event will be held rain or shine. Participants are asked to bring their own shovel, gardening gloves and lots of energy! NPC and Trees Ontario will supply the rest – the trees, forestry specialists, mulch and snacks. Appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes (steel toe if possible), a hat and sunscreen are also recommended. For more information and to register, please visit www.treesontario.ca.

More About Trees Ontario
Trees Ontario is the largest not-for-profit tree planting partnership in North America. The organization is leading efforts to strengthen Ontario’s tree planting infrastructure by enhancing the capacity of its partners through financial support and professional development, delivering landowner incentives through cost offsetting and educating the public through awareness campaigns and workshops. Trees Ontario is the lead delivery agent for the government of Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program. The program significantly cuts landowners’ costs of large-scale tree planting and boosts the number of trees planted across the province. For more information: www.treesontario.ca

Other supporting sponsors include: CAA South Central Ontario, CAA North & East Ontario and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

Get Involved – Register Today!

Join Niagara Parks to Celebrate Earth Day: Saturday, April 20, 2013

In celebration of Earth Day, The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) will host a number of events on Saturday, April 20, to encourage a greater appreciation of nature and our environmental surroundings. Join us and take part in the following programs:

4th Annual Friends of the Niagara Glen Earth Day Event
Niagara Glen Nature Centre
3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Friends of the Niagara Glen invite everyone to gather at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre for free guided tours of the Glen, home to Ontario’s

Tree Planting at Niagara Parks

greatest concentration of Species at Risk. Tree plantings, geocaching demonstrations and a photo scavenger hunt will also be offered. The Friends Group and their partners will also be showcasing various displays and educational materials about their conservation efforts. Those planning to spend the day are encouraged to bring their own bagged lunch, refillable water bottles and appropriate footwear for rugged terrain.

NPC will also be offering free mulch for pick-up in the Niagara Glen parking lot. Please bring your own shovel and bags.

“Capture the Moment” Photography Workshop with Teresa Forte
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory Classroom
2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens is pleased to host a special photography workshop, directed by garden photographer and columnist, Theresa Forte. Packed with practical advice for both novice and experienced camera enthusiasts, this hands-on workshop will encourage you to ‘see’ interesting compositions and take better pictures with the camera you already have.

Theresa Forte

The workshop will teach the basic mechanics of good photography, different aspects of lighting and train participants to “think like an artist” no matter what type of camera they use. Forte’s light-hearted approach will inspire you to create pictures you will be proud to show off. Outdoor clothing/footwear is required, and participants are encouraged to bring their own bagged lunch and refillable water bottles. Whether you own a Digital SLR or just a smartphone camera, you do not want to miss this event.

Cost for the workshop is $65.00 (plus tax) and pre-registration is required:
•    In person at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture;
•    By mail: 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6S4;
•    Phone (905) 356-8554 ext. 242; or by
•    Email: lfoster@niagaraparks.com

Registration forms can be obtained online at http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/botanical-gardens.html.

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.

Niagara Parks Commission and Illumination Board to “Switch off” Falls Illumination
for Earth Hour 2013

The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) in partnership with the Niagara Falls Illumination Board is pleased to once again announce its participation in the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) global Earth Hour initiative by switching off the evening Illumination of the Falls on Saturday, March 23 from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

According to NPC Chair Janice Thomson, “environmental stewardship over the lands we protect is an important hallmark of our organization and it is the reason why we are working closely with the Niagara Falls Illumination Board to be part of this worthy global initiative.”

During Earth Hour all non-essential lighting within the Parks will be turned off and as Chair Thomson explains, “we will also be ‘switching off’ our evening Illumination of the Falls during this time – as a symbol to help raise awareness and support for action on the issue of climate change.”

According to WWF, Earth Hour is the single, largest, symbolic mass participation event in the world. It has grown from a single event held in Sydney, Australia in 2007, to a world-wide initiative, reaching millions of people in over 7,000 cities across 152 countries and territories. Scheduled for late March, the date is planned to closely coincide with the equinox to ensure most cities are in darkness as it rolls out around the Earth.

For more information on Earth Hour, visit www.EarthHourCanada.org

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide.

Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.

There have been several snake sightings in the Niagara Glen, recently. The first question is always, “Is it a rattlesnake?”  From an ecology point of view, I would love to say that we do have rattlesnakes still living in the Glen; however, this is simply no longer the case.  To date, there has been no record of an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake sighting in the Niagara Glen or Gorge.  But, the Eastern Massasauga is only one of Ontario’s native poisonous snake species!  The Niagara Glen was once home to the little known Timber Rattlesnake.  Unfortunately, a lack of knowledge and the threat of being bit by one of these rattlesnakes resulted in the senseless killing of this species to the point that they are now extirpated in Ontario.  This means that they are no longer present in the province, but may be found in other parts of the world.

So what are these snakes that everyone has seen recently in the Niagara Glen?  Chances are, they are one of three species.  The easiest one to identify would be the Eastern Gartersnake (aka. Common Gartersnake) which is generally dark green to black with three yellow stripes – one down the back and one on each side.  This highly adaptable species can be found searching for food or catching some sun in almost all habitat types.

The second species of snake that can be found in the Niagara Glen is a little trickier to identify, but its identity is often given away by its choice of habitat: water.  The Northern Watersnake can be found in and around almost any permanent body of fresh water, including the Niagara River.  This species is typically brown or dark brown with faint alternating dark horizontal banding on the back and sides. Young snakes are generally greyish with distinct brown banding which can sometimes be confused with other species.  As they age, their skin becomes darker until the patterning can barely be seen.  While not poisonous or life threatening, the saliva of this feisty snake contains an anti-coagulant which causes bites to bleed more than you would expect!  So, better to just leave these snakes alone!

So, what species is resulting in these “rattlesnake” sightings?  That would likely be the Eastern Milksnake!  The colour patterns and size of this snake are often mistaken for that of an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake.  Fortunately, this snake is generally passive and harmless.  As a constrictor, the Milksnake will rarely bite and will avoid human contact whenever possible.  The Eastern Milksnake is currently a Species at Risk and is designated as being of Special Concern.

Even though the snakes we currently have in the Niagara Glen are not poisonous, a snake should never be picked up or taken as a pet.  We rely on these snakes to control populations of small rodents and insects, which would otherwise have detrimental effects to our native plant life.   But if you ever do come across a snake with a rattle in the Niagara Glen or Gorge, we want to hear about it!

A big “thank you” to the many members of the Friends of the Glen and Niagarafishing.net for helping us clean up the Niagara Glen and Whirlpool Forest.  On Saturday, July 28, several volunteers  covered up graffiti in the Glen and picked up garbage along the trails down to the Whirlpool.  The highly motivated members of Niagarafishing.net removed several bags of garbage along with over 13kg (30 lbs) of broken glass from the Niagara Gorge.  With the weather cooperating, it was a great day to be out in the gorge with those passionate about keeping our natural areas clean.

This event has helped us keep our natural areas beautiful and safe, hopefully encouraging more individuals to do the same!

Thanks again to all of the volunteers.  Your help is always greatly appreciated!