Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
Indoor Presentation and Guided Hikes
The following Zoom presentations are available. Most presentations average 45 minutes in length with 15 minutes for questions and answers. These are available as Zoom presentations only.
POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS
The Big Freeze: We see wildflowers bloom in spring, insects start to buzz at the first hint of warmth, birds arriving from somewhere in large numbers, and reptiles and amphibians on the move again. But, did you ever wonder how these plants and animals prepare for the winter, much less survive it? This Power Point presentation looks at the process and reminds us that we really don’t have to worry much about their survival.
The Millennium Trail – a trail for all seasons: This new Power Point presentation takes a detailed look at this former CN railway line, running 52 km from Picton to Carrying Place. Both the human history and natural history are dealt with in this presentation, along with how it all came about. Meet some of the people who use the trail, and discover their fascination for this now popular cross county route. This presentation is now available. A brochure will also be available outlining the route and detailing the distances between the various access points, and where one can park.
Beyond the Beech – a look at Woodlot Critters: This has become a popular presentation for owners of woodlots. What does your forest or woodlot contain besides beech, maples, oaks and conifers? You will be surprised after viewing this presentation as we look at everything from the larger, more obious mammals, right down to the smallest mammal in North America – the pigmy shrew. Learn about millipedes, pill bugs, fungi, ferns and wildflowers, and see what birds either nest in your woodlot, or use it as a feeding ground during migration.
The County Is Hopping – But It’s For the Birds: Prince Edward County is strategically located in eastern Lake Ontario, and lends itself well to being a popular staging area for migrating birds in the spring. The County now has an impressive list of 345 species of birds that have been known to occur within the boundaries of Prince Edward County. It is our little Point Pelee of eastern Lake Ontario, the site of a popular Birding Festival every May, and a destination now for avid birders.
Nearby and Natural: This presentation takes a look at many of the natural areas within easy driving distance of Belleville. We look at provincial parks, conservation areas, nature reserves, hiking trails, cemeteries, and some of those nooks and crannies that you may not have been aware of in your quest for nature. Learn about the Menzel Nature Reserve, Sandbanks, the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, Sheffield Conservation Area, and the Scuttleholes, just to name a few. You will be surprised what’s out there.
Keep It Natural – And They Will Come: How do I enhance my backyard to attract wildlife? This Power Point presentation offers a few hints on what shrubs and trees to plant, bird feeders and nest boxes, and looks at the basic needs of wildlife. The presentation also looks briefly at how to preserve shorelines (show can be adapted to concentrate on shorelines only). Nesting boxes on display and plenty of handouts.
The Sunflower Cult: The popularity of bird feeding is at an all time high. Learn how to get the most out of this popular hobby. Is birdfeeding wrong? Will birdfeeding upset normal migratory habits? Will birds learn to depend on me and starve if I forget to feed them? You will be surprised at the myths that the soothsayers have generated over the years, and how safe and rewarding this hobby really is. The presentation also looks at bird feeders and bird feed, and what to consider when making your purchase. Plenty of handouts on the subject.
Backyard Magic – Getting the most from compost: The cost of garbage disposal keeps going up. One of the ways we can save, in addition to recycling, is by composting. Learn how easy it is to set up a composter in your backyard. If done properly, composters are odourless, and the resulting black earth is great for gardens, flower beds, potted plants, lawn dressing…..you name it. Learn all the different things that you can compost, and find out what you should avoid adding to the composter, and how to deal with composter rejects. All the bad things you have heard about composters are just myths. Learn how to have fun with cores and peelings.
Thoughts from the Pied Piper of Nature: For almost 25 years, Terry Sprague has seldom been on a hike without instinctively glancing over his shoulder to make sure everyone is okay. Learn about some of the cool places he has taken people, and the topics they discuss – everything from natural history to human history. His hikes are about more than just birds – its stories about mammals, herptiles, insects, wildflowers, sawmills, logging camps, agriculture, and the people who shaped these areas.
The Fall and Rise of the Bald Eagle – a success story in Prince Edward County: The disappearance of the bald eagle from Prince Edward County in the 1950s is a sad story. Today, the majestic bald eagle has returned to the County with up to 20 individuals being present every winter as they venture south in search of better feeding areas. In 2016, they nested in the County for the first time in over half a century, and have returned to nest every year since. Find out where – you will be surprised! Learn what contributed to the eagle’s disappearance, where they nested historically, some of their habits, and what we have done to encourage the bald eagle to return as a nesting species in Prince Edward County.
Our Natural Heritage – Prince Edward County, a natural gem: Our latest endeavour, this presentation draws our attention to the wealth of both natural and human history in Prince Edward County. We look at the County’s foundation, and how limestone rock, from the finely ground sand at Sandbanks to the impressive limestone shelves along the shore, and how limestone has played a role in the formation of islands, spectacular cliffs as well as collapse dolines such as Lake on the Mountain. Learn the story of the famous Ameliasburgh Inlier, the mesa at McMahon Bluff, cattail marshes, wooded swamps, Sandbanks Provincial Park, shipwrecks, waterfalls, and the colourful history of Main Duck Island. We will also look at the South Shore Important Bird Area and the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Learn how these areas have all contributed to shape the county we know as Prince Edward. You will leave with a better understanding of why Prince Edward County has become such a tourist Mecca. Customized presentations are available.
The Toxic and the Invasive In Our Midst: Do you know how to recognize poison ivy – giant hogweed – baneberry? Do you know why common buckthorn, purple loosestrife, and dog strangling vine are considered “invasive”? What about the knotweed, goutweed and periwinkle in your garden. Learn about these invasive and sometimes toxic plants that we have around us here in Prince Edward County.
Exploring the Frontenac Arch: The Frontenac Arch is a geological feature ridge of ancient granite, the backbone of eastern North America, that joins the Adirondack Mountains to the Canadian Shield at Algonquin Park. In this presentation, we look at some of the natural features in places like Algonquin, Depot Lakes, Rock Dunder, Charleston Lake, and Frontenac Park.
Nature West in Quinte West, and Beyond: For 15 years, Terry Sprague operated an outdoor hiking program for Quinte Conservation, but during that time was required to operate within the 6,200 sq km Quinte watershed. Two years ago, he began operating the same program through his business NatureStuff Tours which allowed him to expand his coverage area. His presentation “Nature West in Quinte West, and Beyond”, looks at some of the natural areas west of Belleville, like Ferris Provincial Park, the Lower Trent Trail, Bata Island, and conservation areas like Goodrich-Loomis, Sager, Seymour and the famous Bleasdell Boulder. He will also take us to the Castleton area to explore Peter’s Woods and Red Cloud Cemetery and back to Trenton as we hike the Jack Lange Memorial Trail and Hanna Park.
Fifty Years A Naturalist: When Terry Sprague sold the family farm in 1976, he entertained thoughts of driving a tour bus for a living. However, a chance meeting with the late Jack Christie of Glenora Fisheries set him off on a different course. He began a career of working with wildlife, ultimately becoming a park naturalist and enjoying almost 40 years of interpreting nature through hikes, eventually developing an outdoor program for Quinte Conservation. During that time, he has been the pied piper of nature from Kingston, west to Cobourg, has done indoor presentations, workshops, seminars, boat tours, kayak tours, aerial tours, and even tried caving. He did realize his earlier dream though of being involved with tour buses, but now as a step on guide for local bus companies. As he reflects on his career, he has amassed an enormous collection of stories and misadventures, some of which he will share with you in this presentation.
N E W P R E S E N T A T I O N S ! !
BATS – Myth and Mayhem: How well do you know the bats of Prince Edward County? Terry Sprague looks at the six species that have been identified in our County as well as two other species that have been found in the Bay of Quinte area. As well, he explores the world of “myth-conceptions” about bats getting into your hair, loving the taste of blood and being blind (as a bat). The presentation is full of fun, facts and flights of bats and some of the challenges they face today, and how we can help in their survival.
MAIN DUCK ISLAND – The History, The Appeal: Learn about the history of this fascinating island, located out in Lake Ontario, 19 km from the tip of Prince Edward County. Everything from the days of rum running, the presence of a thriving commercial fishing community to the days when John Foster Dulles once owned the island, and Queen Elizabeth once enjoyed a private picnic there. Also learn the natural history of this enchanting location as I recall the days when I used to host boat tours and interpretive walks on the island for almost a decade.
THE GARDEN COUNTY OF CANADA – Prince Edward County is famous for its sandy beaches, wineries, and recreational fishing opportunities. There is another milestone though in Prince Edward County’s history. This island community along the north shore of Lake Ontario, in south-eastern Ontario, Canada, is recognized as the birthplace of the canning industry in Canada as we know it today. Learn about its founder, canning giant Wellington Boulter, and how the industry expanded from his first canning factory in Picton, to more than 100 across Prince Edward County, and the eventual demise of this once flourishing industry.
New Presentations Being Planned: “Forest Bathing”
For more information and to contact us about these events, click here
Be sure to join in a few minutes before 11:30 a.m. in order to catch my preamble to the topic.