Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) are organizing a Bioblitz at Ostrander Point Aug 9-10.  It will establish the presence of broad range of species on the site mid-summer.  Possible foci: Birds, flowering plants, grasses and sedges, ferns & fungi, bats, moths, dragonflies, amphibians, mammals, butterflies, invertebrates.  (Ostrander Point was the subject of an Environmental Review Tribunal appeal by PECFN of the construction of a turbine project.  During the appeal it became clear that much was unknown about the flora and fauna of the site.)

PURPOSE? Do a biological inventory of the site and introduce people to the significant habitats and biota that call this area “home”. 

WHEN? 12 PM August 9, 2014 until 12 PM August 10, 2014 (24 hours)

WHERE? The biologically significant Ostrander Point crown land block in the South Shore Important Bird Area, South Marysburgh. Base Camp at 2763 County Rd 13, Prince Edward County, near Babylon Rd and Helmer Rd  -- see map.

WHO SHOULD COME?  County residents, families, students, vacationers:   anyone who wants to see and learn about the plants, birds, butterflies, moths, other insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals of this special area.

WHAT EXPERIENCE SHOULD I HAVE?  None except an interest in natural history.  If you have a special interest in birds, plants, butterflies, etc. then you probably wouldn’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

ACTIVITIES:

• an introductory walk at 12 PM Saturday for an overview of the site and the habitats present  
  
• ongoing programs through the day and evening investigating and searching for butterflies, moths, etc.
  
• an early morning birding walk on Sunday led by Terry Sprague
  
• a chance for independent observations and  reporting to base camp
  
• come hear the whip-poor-wills on Saturday evening  [final full moon of summer]
  

EXPERTS WILL BE PRESENT TO LEAD WALKS AND HELP IDENTIFY PLANTS AND ANIMALS.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO BE INVOLVED?  Come for an hour, an afternoon, an evening, a day or for both days but be sure to come to the “Wrap-up” on Sunday afternoon  at 12 PM when the highlights of the Bioblitz will be summarized and everyone can compare notes on what they saw.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?  A camera if you have one.  Binoculars if you have them.  A butterfly net if you have one but a camera can be used as well.  If you can’t identify a butterfly or bird, one of the experts may be able to help at the “site camp” where there will be plenty of reference guides for you to use for identification.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?  Since poison ivy and ticks are endemic in County wildlands, everyone should wear closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

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See the newsletter here. In this Newsletter, you'll find:

• Local Wood Initiative
• Hastings County Plowing Match and Farm Show
• Haliburton Forest Tour
• Marmora (Crowe Valley) and Trent Watershed Update
• 25th Annual Trenton Woodlot Conference