CONTENTS
October 1997
Big Creek Biota
Cyber Swamp
A World in Our Backyard
Environmental Entertainers
Rehabilitating Great Lakes Habitat
The Terrene Institute
Grant sources
Book Reviews
Coming Soon... Frogwatch-Ontario!
Coming Soon... Toadally Wetlands!
I-Ping Wong and Paul Morris have turned their love for the environment into a growing business in Walsingham, Ontario. In 1995, the couple established Big Creek Biota; a native wetland plant nursery. The 38 hectare tobacco farm may help to restore some of Ontario's diminishing wetlands. 140 species of indigenous wetland and riparian plants are offered for the 1997 season, including a wide variety of shoreline, emergent, floating-leaved, free-floating, submerged plants, shrubs and trees. The wetland plant catalogue put out by Big Creek Biota also provides planting tips and suggestions. With backgrounds in wetland ecology and conservation biology, owners Paul Morris and I-Ping Wong also offer services such as wetland delineation and assessment (Ontario Wetland Evaluation System), seedbank and wetland plant inventories, custom seed collection and growing, and aquatic macroinvertebrate surveys.
If you have decided to construct a pond of your own, or naturalize your schoolyard (or backyard), it is important to utilize appropriate plant species. Always use flora for restoration/naturalization that are grown from seed. The importance of collecting seeds from local sources cannot be over-stressed. Plants from your bioregion are better adapted to the climate, soil conditions, local pests and diseases. Exotic plants are not beneficial to our environment and can degrade wetlands by out-competing indigenous species. Native wetland plants stabilize the soil, provide wildlife habitat, purify, and detoxify water. These plants are excellent for use in storm water ponds, wastewater treatment, roadside revegetation, and other naturalization projects. Resist the temptation to simply remove your favourite plant from the wild. Aside from being notoriously difficult to transplant, some plant species are already under stress due to loss of habitat. Producing plants from custom grown seeds is a more responsible method of naturalization.
For further information contact:
Big Creek Biota
R.R. #1
Walsingham, Ontario N0E 1X0
(519) 586-2603
If you're a fair weather naturalist this is the tool for you. There will be no more excuses. Every day can be a field trip with "The Digital Field Trip to The Wetlands", by Digital Frog. This CD-ROM provides you with the unique opportunity to explore a wetland from the comfort of your own home or classroom.
Cloud Lake in Algonquin Park, Ontario, provides the setting for the initial "field trip". Here you are introduced to the spotted salamander, green frog, beaver, and the many plant and insect species within the bog. For those of you who are not fortunate enough to live near wetland communities, this is a close second. The digital field trip is also a great tool for those who lack the time, patience, or luck to observe all of these creatures and species first hand. Clear and complete descriptions of the wildlife are also included on an easy to use point and click system. Habitat, behaviour, diet, range and lifestages are explained through video clips, photographs or in written format.
You are then invited to examine the processes and issues involved in wetland formation as you explore day-to-day life in the Cloud Lake bog. Food webs, photosynthesis, as well as plant and animal adaptations are discussed. There is even a demonstration depicting the formation of a kettle bog and beaver pond over many centuries, more than any of us will observe over our whole lifetime!
Beautiful pictures help to illustrate the different types of wetlands that exist. You can then test your ability to recognize bogs, fens, marshes, carrs, and swamps with a fun "Wetlands Quiz".
As the field trip comes to an end you have the opportunity to confront the ways in which we are destroying our precious wetlands. The dangers of our individual and global actions are discussed, along with tangible solutions to be applied in our daily lives.
"The Digital Field Trip to the Wetlands" CD-ROM is both interesting and entertaining. This interactive approach to learning increases the potential for understanding while encouraging personal involvement on the part of the user.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
To explore The Digital Field Trip to The Wetlands, all you really need is
lots of curiosity and your computer mouse. There are a few technical
requirements for both Macintosh and IBM use. For further details consult
your local computer software dealer or call Digital Frog International at:
(519) 766-1097
Easy to follow installation instructions and a list of common problems and solutions are included.
A WORLD IN OUR BACKYARD - A Wetlands Educational and Stewardship Program
Wetlands enhance habitat and biological diversity. Unfortunately, there has been a rapid decline in the number, size and connectivity of wetlands. The solution? People who care enough about wetlands to protect and restore them.
Developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the video, "A World in our Backyard" provides a multidisciplinary course that will turn students on to wetlands and give hands on experience in protecting them. You do not need to be an expert, nor do you require any additional funds, as these wild laboratories are free and can be found in most communities, maybe even in your own backyard.
The video highlights three teachers from urban, rural and suburban schools and demonstrates the ease in teaching these units no matter what type of environment surrounds you. This hands on approach to environmental issues is an interesting and effective way of reaching students. Generating an appreciation for the environment, the students learn a greater sense of responsibility from learning by doing.
Following the 16 minute teacher background unit, a 7 minute student video serves a fabulous introduction to wetland issues. Bill Nye, "The Science Guy" presents wetlands in a fashion that is interesting and humorous to students from grades 5 through 8.
Included with the video is a 144 page teacher guide available at $39.99 US, or you may purchase the video alone for $29.95. It is an excellent and worthwhile addition to any teachers "wetland" library.
To order your copy, contact:
Environmental Media Corporation
Box 99, Beaufort, SC 29901
1-800-368-3382 or (803) 986-9034
Recently the Adopt-A-Pond programme has acquired two copies of this video, which are available on loan. If you wish to borrow a copy, please contact us at our mailing address or by fax at (416) 392-4979.
A BEAUTIFUL WORLD
Markus offers interactive musical programs for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students and staff. One of his shows, "It's A Big Beautiful World", addresses environmental issues children can understand and solutions they can apply. This 45 minute show is available to classes from Kindergarten through grade 4. If you are looking for a creative way to get your young students involved in the environmental programs at your school, this could be for you. For more information contact Markus at (416) 236-1705 or (416) 545-3443.
AN AWESOME ENVIRONMENT
David Archibald and James Gordon are two accomplished musicians that have some awesome environmental shows to share with children. The target age for these up-beat musical shows is from 8 to 14 years. The 50 minute shows address tough issues such as extinction, acid rain and pollution. However, audiences are left with concrete solutions that can be applied both at home and at school. This is a great way to encourage and engage students in environmental action. These COOL guys use humor, music, and familiar experiences to really hit the message home. For more information regarding any of Jim and Dave's awesome shows, call Sue Richards at (519) 767-0142 or fax at (519) 824-9289.
REHABIliTATING GREAT LAKES HABITAT-A RESOURCE MANUAL
Environment Canada prepared, compiled and gathered information for the past two years to complete a Resource Manual. By supplying information on several techniques and requirements the Resource Manual supports a growing concern in habitat rehabilitation projects throughout the Great-Lakes basin.
The distribution of the manual is targeted at Remedial Action Plan Coordinators and habitat project managers.
For more information contact:
Conservation Strategies Division
Environmental Conservation Branch
Environment Canada
4905 Dufferin Street
Downsview, Ontario
M3H 5T4
Phone- (416)739-5829
[email protected]
The Terrene Institute is a non-profit, nonadvocacy organization dedicated to education and public outreach. This organization links business, governmental, academic and community groups in an attempt to improve the total human environment.
The Terrene Institute has recently developed several new resources that may interest educators and wetland enthusiasts alike. The most comprehensive of these are teacher and community kits focusing on various environmental issues such as Watershed and Wetlands and Water Quality. Specific environmental areas such as rural, lake, and urban Communities are also addressed. These kits provide information through a variety of educational books, posters, newsletters, fact sheets, activity packs, and brochures.
There are also a number of models and games available through the Terrene Institute. These dynamic 3-D landscapes provide a unique, hands-on demonstration of water pollution and pollution prevention.
To obtain a copy of the Terrene Institute Environmental Products Catalog contact:
Terrene Institute
4 Herbert Street
Alexandria, VA
22305
USA
Special quantity discounts are available to schools and organizations, call Kathleen Hughes at (705) 661-1582.
As you prepare your habitat protection, conservation, and creation projects for the upcoming year, finances may be a source of concern. However, several agencies exist to provide funding for habitat development or environmental stewardship. Here is a brief list of organizations that offer assistance toward projects of an environmental nature:
CANADIAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION - HABITAT 2000
Funding is provided to individuals or groups involved in local habitat improvement. School based projects are often funded. A typical request is for $200 per class or $500 per school. Call: (613) 721-2286
THE SHELL HELPS
The Shell Environmental Fund channels corporate dollars to local initiatives addressing environmental concerns. Grant amounts may be up to $5,000. Long-term care, education, and community benefits should be demonstrated in all grant applications. Call: 1-800-661-1600
GLOBAL RELEAF
Corporate dollars are channeled toward local initiatives targeting tree planting for wildlife, erosion, shading, air quality, etc...You must join the organization ($10 fee) before being eligible to apply for their sizable grants. Call: (613) 230-3352.
CANADA trUST FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT FUND
Canada Trust patrons may choose to designate their accounts "green", whereby one per cent of interest earned goes into this fund. In turn, the bank matches all patron contributions. You may request funds for local projects at a Canada Trust branch, whether you bank at Canada Trust or not. A typical grant is of $1,000 to $2,000. Call: 1-800-668-8888.
THE EVERGREEN FOUNDATION
A commitment to raising public awareness regarding the importance of trees and a healthy environment has resulted in this organizations collective action toward the planting of trees. They will often provide mature trees for planting. Contact: The Evergreen Foundation, P.O. Box 1177, Station F, Toronto Ontario, M4Y 2T8.
trEES ONTARIO
Trees Ontario is a program of the Ontario Forestry Association in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Trees Ontario arranges tree establishment projects. If you have a large project in mind, this may be the tree funding source for you. Call Hollie Maxfield: (416) 493-4565.
ACTION 21
The ACTION 21 NETWORK is a division of Environment Canada that strives to increase public awareness and fund community programs related to the environment. As participants in the Adopt-A-Pond programme your success stories would be of great interest to ACTION 21.
When you submit a success story you receive recognition as one of Canada's environmental heroes and you become a member of the ACTION 21 NETWORK. Membership includes a signed certificate, and periodic bulletins from ACTION 21. Children who submit stories also become members of the ACTION 21 KIDS NETWORK, and receive an official membership card.
By getting the word out others may be inspired to get involved in environmental projects and take initiative in their own communities. The deadlines for story submission are May 1, October 1 and February 1. To obtain more information regarding ACTION 21 or to obtain a submission form call: 1-800-667-6767
FUNDING BY ACTION 21
The Community Funding Program supports organizations in taking environmental action in their communities.
Some priority issues include the conservation or rehabilitation of natural areas, such as wetlands, rivers, lakes, or land. Encouraging natural diversity by the protection of wild animals, plants, and their habitats, is also a priority.
If you require further information regarding funding contact your Environment Canada Regional Office, for Ontario:
Environment Canada
Action 21
4905 Dufferin Street
Downsview, Ontario
M3H 5T4
Phone 1-800-661-7785 (toll free) or (416) 739-4768
Fax: (416) 739-4781
Here are a few book reviews selected from the Adopt-A-Pond wetland library. Some of these titles may be of assistance to your class, as you continue to learn about wetlands together. Amphibians are colorful, unique, and engaging creatures - at any age.
Wetlands
by Pamela Hickman
Kids Can Press Ltd. c 1993
Recommended for children ages 8 to 12.
A full investigation of the multiple components that form Swamps, Bogs, Fens, and Marshes. This book is very informative and provides easy-to-follow instructions for projects and experiments related to wetlands. I would recommend this book to teachers and parents interested in a hands on approach to learning.
The Frog
by Ted Robertson and Jean Echols
RDR Books c 1995
Recommended for children ages 5 and up.
This is a small fold out book that provides some basic information regarding frogs and toads from around the world. A good starter book that presents amphibians in a fun and interesting way. This book also features a unique auditory component that allows you to hear the call of the Pacific tree frog.
Amphibians
by Dr. Barry Clarke
Alfred A. Knopf c 1993
Recommended for all ages
This book covers all types of amphibians from the inside out, using an abundance of exquisite photographs. A great deal of information is provided, but it is less structured than a standard reference book. This would be a beautiful addition to any amphibian or wetland library collection and is well worth asking for at your public library. A table of contents and an index help guide you through this beautiful maze of photographs.
Salamanders
by Cherie Winner
Carolrhoda Books, Inc. c 1993
Recommended for ages 8-12
This book offers a comprehensive look at tailed amphibians. Bold print and several colorful photographs enhance the informative nature of this book. This document is lengthy, but it would be a great resource for a primary school project. A glossary and index help to clarify some of the more difficult concepts and words present in this text.
THE GREEN TEACHER
The Canadian magazine provides a comprehensive source of teaching ideas, resources, events, reviews, and commentary on a complete spectrum of environmental topics. There are five issues of this magazine release per year and it is considered to be suitable for grades Junior Kindergarten through OAC. Recent issues have covered topics such as: Exploring Waterworlds; Teaching Human Rights; School Gardening; and Biodiversity. For more information or to subscribe to Green Teacher, call (416) 960-1244.
Familiar Amphibians and Reptiles of Ontario
By Bob Johnson
Natural Heritage/Natural History Inc c 1989
Recommended for ages 13 and up
This book highlights the description, habitats and the natural history of over 20 common Ontario amphibians, as well as many types of reptiles. It will enlighten the reader on the identification and the appreciation of local amphibians. This informative piece of literature is a great guide and an interesting book.
COMING SOON....FROGWATCH ONTARIO!
"Peep...Peep..."
If your backyard, schoolyard, park, or local wetland sounds like this then you
are most probably hearing the call of a spring peeper. All Ontario
frogs/toads have their very own call, so you can easily distinguish one
frog/toad species from another. Starting in the spring of 1998 Adopt-A-Pond
will be launching a new project called "Frogwatch Ontario".
This fun-filled activity will allow people of all ages to locate and identify Ontario's calling amphibians. It will also educate participants on the calls of different species of frogs/toads, their mating seasons and the species found in that area.