Thursday, August 26, 2004

Recorded ocurrence of purple loosestrife

I received a Purple Loosestrife Survey Form in the mail and completed and mailed it today. This lot may be considered as a potential Galerucella beetle release site.

Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Forest Management Plan sent

The Forest Management plan is completed and sent to the Provincial Ministry of Natural resources.

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Joined OFAH

Joined OFAH.

Joined the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), in response to their impressive and proactive approach to habitat conservation initiatives. It is largely because of OFAH efforts that I have been alerted of the Purple Loosestrife control program.

August 17, 2004.

Monday, August 09, 2004

Joined Ducks Unlimited Today

Signed up with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), in response to their proactive approach to wetlands preservation and their proactive role in the loosestrife program.

“Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.”

Sunday, August 08, 2004

A Real Purple Loosestrife Solution !!!

After much persistent internet hunting found a solution to the purple loosestrife (pls) invasion problem It originates right here in Ontario. Carroll finds the purple field very beautiful, but then I figure less purple will look nice too. We just have so much of it. It takes hold very well on disturbed soil and since our driveway and property around the house has been newly build it has spread profusely. And this is in addition to the pls monoculture in our open field as well as in the wetland area.

The University of Guelph http://www.uoguelph.ca/mediarel/96-07-19/purple.html has successfully tested two species of beetle over an extended 8 year period that eats pls to 90%. The test was in a controlled environment to examine its affect on other plants. This is exciting news. The beetle does not eliminate pls. As pls dies off so does the beetle and as it grows the beetle follows. So pls will again become just a nice wild (sic) flower again. The program was sponsored and operated as a joint effort of Ducks Unlimited, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Beetles Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Wetland Habitat Fund.

I have applied for the beetle release program on this property, and plan to do the required work in monitoring the progress of the beetle as required of the program.

I have applied for the beetle release program on this property, and will gladly do the required work in monitoring the progress of the beetle as required.

Saturday, August 07, 2004

Of Frogs, Flowers, and Weeds.

Spotted several dozen (many) leopard frogs of various sizes, green and brown (yellow) variety.

Wild flora identified:

Black Currant [Ribes americanum] found among the remains of an old drive shed before the house.
Spotted touch-me-not aka Spotted Jewelweed [Impatiens capensis] along east side of driveway.
Tall enchanter’s nightshade [Circaea Lutetiana]
Harebell [Campanula rotudiflora]
Yarrow [Achillea millefolium] has a white flower.
Field is full of purple loosestrife [Lythrum salcaria L.] also along driveway and many other places.
Wild Cucumber [Echinocystis lobata] in field of Area G clearing and along driveway.
Cattails [Typhalatifolia L] in a pond in field of Area I.
Cow vetch [Vicia Cracca] in residential acre before the house.

Friday, August 06, 2004

Frogs and Snakes.

Sighted many small (3 cm.) leopard frogs as well as full grown leopard frogs in the tall grass areas around the residential acre. There are two colour phases observed. A green frog with gold spots and a more yellowing variety with gold and black spots. My nearest neighbour has seen large frogs eating the smaller frogs.

Sighted a green and black 50 cm. garter snake. They can be found sunning in open areas and on rocks. The snake is harmless to us, probably not to frogs.

Monday, August 02, 2004

A few Sugar Maple Trees

Examined trees for identification. Found 3 sugar maple trees along the southern border fence line among the basswood, along the road allowance between lots. It is not a Norway Maple since the buds are too small.