The Enriching Benefits of Natural Trail Systems
Frogs, Toads and Salamanders
Several species of amphibians inhabit the fen. Both frogs (Ranidae) and toads (Bufonidae) are numerous, visible and audible, but often we are not aware of the salamanders (Salamandridae) – including newts and mud puppies. They are seldom seen or heard as they are active mainly at night.
Ticks: A Guide for Trail Enthusiasts
43 species of ticks are now found in Ontario.
NEW TO GEOCACHING?
Have you ever heard of geocaching?
Are you interested in trying this fun family adventure?
Before starting, please ensure you have a GPS or a smartphone. We recommend downloading the Geocaching® app and then signing up on Geocaching.com to gain access to various fun tools and maps to help you select and find your cache on the trails.
AMPHIBIANS
Frogs, Toads and Salamanders
Several species of amphibians inhabit the fen. Both frogs (Ranidae) and toads (Bufonidae) are numerous, visible and audible, but often we are not aware of the salamanders (Salamandridae) – including newts and mud puppies. They are seldom seen or heard as they are active mainly at night.
TREES
Trees As you walk the trails, look for several varieties of large trees, including hemlock, cedar, paper birch and white pine. Trees are a prominent and defining feature of a landscape and ecosystem. As you walk look for differences among the trees in the woodland. On the higher, drier ground there are mainly hardwoods: sugar […]
ORCHIDS
ORCHIDS Orchids are rare and highly sensitive to environmental disturbances. Some orchids may take over a decade to produce a flower. Orchids require our protection. PLEASE DO NOT PICK OR DIG UP THE ORCHIDS. Look in this area for a variety of orchids including the rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides) and the grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus). […]
DO NOT TOUCH!
Do Not Touch Poison Ivy (Leaves of Three – Let it Be!) Each leaf of poison ivy consists of three leaflets. These compound leaves change seasonally from dark green to yellow, purple or red. The perennial plant may carpet the ground or stand upright 60-90 cm tall. It can also climb nearby trees as a […]
CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
Carnivorous Plants Carnivorous plants are sensitive to disturbances in their habitat. Please do not walk on, pick or dig these plants. Can you spot the carnivorous plants? Beside the boardwalk, you may see some varieties of carnivorous plants. Carnivorous plants have an advantage over other plants in nutrient-poor soils like these in the fen. They […]
