Kids `n Nature A Guide to Visiting Presqu`ile Provincial Park

Kids ‘n Nature
A Guide to Visiting
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Friends of Presqu’ile Park ......................................................... 2
Vision ................................................................................ 2
Kids ‘n Nature Program ............................................................... 2
Program Delivery............................................................ 2
Range of Topics............................................................... 3
Booking a Program......................................................... 3
A Day at the Park ........................................................... 3
Custom Programs ........................................................... 4
Safety Concerns ............................................................................ 4
Ticks ................................................................................... 4
Poison Ivy .......................................................................... 5
Fall Waterfowl Hunting ................................................. 5
Liability Insurance ........................................................... 5
Preparing for a Visit .................................................................... 6
What to Bring .................................................................. 6
Supervision ....................................................................... 6
Rules .................................................................................. 6
Respecting nature ........................................................... 6
Washrooms ...................................................................... 6
Lunch facilities .................................................................. 7
Transportation ................................................................. 7
Rain dates/cancellation policy ..................................... 7
Self-use facilities .......................................................................... 7
More Information .......................................................................... 7
Directions to Presqu’ile Provincial Park .................................... 8
Finding your way in Presqu’ile Provincial Park ....................... 9
Walking Trails Map ................................................................... 10
Walking Trails Guide ................................................................ 11
Jobes’ Woods Trail Guide ................................................. 12, 13
Owen Point Trail Guide...................................................... 14, 15
1
Friends of Presqu’ile Park
VISION
WHERE PEOPLE AND NATURE INTERACT
The Friends of Presqu’ile Park view Presqu’ile Provincial Park as a valued and irreplaceable asset
that should provide learning, recreational, and conservation opportunities for all. We are an
organization that believes above all that the natural heritage of this unique area must be
preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy.
Kids ‘N Nature Program
Kids 'n Nature is an exciting new approach to educational programming that will encourage
children to understand and care for our region’s rich biodiversity – investigating how ecology
works, why biodiversity is important, and why its preservation affects humans individually and
collectively.
A key element to this program is problem-solving – a hands-on teaching approach to address the
Ontario Science and Technology curriculum focused on Science, Technology, Society, and the
Environment.
The Kids 'n Nature program has been developed and funded by The Friends of Presqu’ile Park, in
cooperation with Presqu'ile Provincial Park. The program was launched in 2010, the United
Nations’ International Year of Biodiversity, and it coincided with the completion of the Marsh
Boardwalk project. Our programming covers all five habitats that are found in Presqu’ile
Provincial Park: the marsh, the forest, the dunes/tombolo/pannes, the meadowlands, and the
lake/beach.
Using these habitats we explore: food chains, habitat health and interconnectedness, species and
habitat sustainability, human benefit, and stewardship.
PROGRAM DELIVERY
The Kids 'n Nature program aims to create an understanding of biodiversity through a rich
problem-based learning experience for students in Grades 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 using two key
elements.
First, an interpreter will visit the class during the in-school portion, to discover students' current
knowledge and to introduce them to specific content with respect to biodiversity and Presqu'ile
Park's habitats. Students will then be given a 'mission' to complete on their field trip to the Park.
Second, the in-park portion of the program lasts for approximately half a day.
Groups may choose to participate in the in-park and/or the in-school portion. Students will be
provided with worksheets to help them with their mission during their visit to the Park.
2
The range of in-park programs will take place in the appropriate habitat chosen by the teacher.
Each individual program is tailored to the specific expectations of grade-related Ontario
Curriculum.
Through the authentic, problem-based learning experience, students will take away a connection
to nature and an optimistic outlook on the relationship between humans and the environment.
Teachers may want to incorporate these into an assessment for their students. Pre-visit and postvisit activity sheets are also available for groups to use in their classroom.
RANGE OF PROGRAM TOPICS
The Kids ’n Nature program concentrates on the biodiversity of Presqu'ile Park, using one of its
five habitats as a teaching platform.
Each visit will cover one of the following habitat study areas:
 the marsh
 the forest
 the dunes/tombolo/pannes
 the meadowlands
 the lake/beach habitats
Also, repeat visits can be accommodated to cover more than one habitat.
The following is a list of grades and topic areas to choose from:
 Grade 2:
Growth and Changes in Animals
 Grade 3:
Growth and Changes in Plants
 Grade 4:
Habitats and Communities
 Grade 6:
Biodiversity
 Grade 7:
Interactions in the Environment
BOOKING A PROGRAM
To book a Kids ’n Nature School Group Program, and/or to arrange for our Nature Interpreter to
visit your school, please contact:
(NOVEMBER — APRIL)
Natural Heritage Education Leader, Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Telephone 613 475 4324, Ext 225
(MAY — OCTOBER)
Nature Interpreter, Friends of Presqu'ile Park
Telephone 613 475 1688, Ext 3
Fax 613 475 2209
E-mail: [email protected]
A DAY AT THE PARK
A single class visiting the park can choose to experience a program with our interpreter in the
morning or afternoon. Please allow 2 hours for a program. If the group would like to spend the
3
entire day at the park, students can enjoy their lunch in the park before or after the program and
participate in a self-guided activity.
Schools sending multiple classes to the park on the same day should arrange for one class to
experience a program in the morning while the other participates in a self-guided activity.
Classes can then switch in the afternoon. We cannot guarantee the availability of an extra
interpreter to accommodate both classes at the same time, especially on the same trail.
CUSTOM PROGRAMS
If you are unable to visit the park, or you would like a program designed to meet your specific
requirements, please contact us. We will attempt to accommodate your request and classroom
visits can be arranged.
Safety Concerns
Principals and teachers sometimes have questions about the following safety concerns, so we have
provided you with the following to keep you and your group informed.
TICKS
Please be advised that ticks have been found at
Presqu’ile Provincial Park. There are many different
species of ticks and not all of them carry Lyme disease.
The most common tick you may encounter is the American
Dog Tick, which does NOT carry the disease. The only tick
that carries the disease in Ontario is the Black-legged (or
Deer) Tick. Both ticks can be found in wooded areas or
tall grass habitats.
Black-legged Tick
When you are out in tick habitat, you can better protect yourself by taking a few precautions:
 Wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks
 Wear light-coloured clothing so you can detect ticks before they attach
 Use insect repellant containing “DEET” – use manufacturer’s instructions
 Conduct a tick check. Look on your clothes and body. Pay close attention to your neck
and scalp region.
If you find a tick, follow these steps:
 Use fine point tweezers
 Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible
 Gently pull straight out
 Disinfect the bite area
 Save the live (alive if possible) in a jar with a piece of wet paper towel and bring it to
your local Health Unit
 Watch for symptoms (fever, headaches, stiff neck, jaw pain, sore muscles, bulls-eye rash)
and seek medical attention if you feel unwell or if you cannot safely remove the tick
4
Do not:
 Grasp tick around bloated belly
 Use a match, heat or chemicals
 Twist when pulling out the tick
Following these simple suggestions you can have a safe and enjoyable time exploring Presqu’ile.
For more information, please consult the following websites:
www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/disease/lyme.aspx
www.ontario.ca/lyme
POISON IVY
Poison Ivy is a natural part of the ecosystem at Presqu’ile, providing
food for animals and stabilizing soil in open areas. It typically grows
along the edges of trails and for that reason we urge visitors to stay on
the trails.
Learning to recognize Poison Ivy can save you from a lot of discomfort.
Each leaf has three leaflets, the centre one with a longer stalk. It tends
to have shiny, droopy looking leaves and can be a small plant or a
vine. Leaves can be reddish in colour in spring and fall. It doesn’t
always have berries, but when it does they are cream-coloured, waxy
looking and in dense clusters along the stem. All parts of the plant
contain oil that if it comes in contact with skin can result in a very itchy
rash. This oil can be transmitted to you from shoes and clothing.
If you think you have come in contact with Poison Ivy:
 Wash the infected area with soapy cold water. Do this as soon as possible to prevent the
oils from soaking in the skin any farther than they may have already.
 Do not rub/scratch the skin or infected area too hard. This can cause secondary infection.
 You can use a towel with ice cubes wrapped in it on the area. The coolness will help
reduce the pain and itching. Then let the area air dry.
 Use calamine lotion to reduce itching and redness.
For more information, please consult the following website:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/99-015.htm
FALL WATERFOWL HUNT
Controlled waterfowl hunting occurs at Presqu’ile from late September to late December on
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Hunting occurs in specified areas along the
marsh and High Bluff and Gull Islands. Hunters must stay in their hunting blinds. The park is still
open to visitors on these days and school groups stay well away from hunting activities. If this is
an issue for your school, please schedule your visit for a Tuesday or Thursday. In-class visits from
our interpreter can be made on hunt days.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Please contact us if you require proof of the Friends of Presqu’ile’s liability insurance.
5
Preparing for Your Visit
WHAT TO BRING
Please advise students and volunteers to come prepared with clothing and footwear suitable for
outdoor activity. Inevitably, there is at least one student per trip who will wear their indoor shoes
and walk right into water or mud! Below are some suggestions:

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Rubber boots – to protect feet from water and mud on trails
Extra socks – in case water and/or mud is encountered
Long pants and long-sleeved shirt – to protect against insects and sharp vegetation
Windproof outer jacket or rainwear
Hat – to protect against the sun, rain and insects
Sunscreen (apply at home)
SUPERVISION
Teachers and volunteers are expected to supervise all members of their group and enforce rules
during the park visit.
RULES
While at the park, students, teachers and parents are requested to:
 Stay on the trails – avoid walking through long grass
 Not remove any natural objects from the park – eg. rocks, fossils, plant parts, wildlife
 Not pick any plants
 Not disturb the wildlife
 Not litter – put recycling and garbage in appropriate containers
 Respect other park users
 Refrain from smoking during program
RESPECTING NATURE
At Presqu’ile, we show respect for the natural world by not picking plants, not stepping on
animals, handling live specimens gently and returning them to where they were found and being
quiet around animals. Visitors that cannot show respect for nature will be asked to sit out of
activities.
WASHROOMS
There are NO permanent washrooms or hand washing facilities located at the Marsh Boardwalk
or Jobes’ Woods Trail. You may want to schedule a stop at a comfort station before or after you
arrive at the trail. Check when booking your trip which comfort stations are open or whether
there is a portable washroom currently on site.
Between fall and spring, running water is shut off to the comfort stations, so they may not be
available for your use. Please remember to respect the campers in the park by using the comfort
stations in an orderly manner.
6
LUNCH FACILITIES
The Marsh Boardwalk has space at the first lookout tower for snack time before you start your
hike.
If you wish to spend lunch time in the park, there are a few locations you might consider using:
 In the campgrounds, there is the Amphitheatre, which has a covered area with benches
and is located very close to the Maples comfort station.
 In the two Day Use areas along the south shore of the park there are scattered picnic
tables and vault toilets. There is lots of space for students to run around in.
 In Day Use 2, there is a picnic shelter. There is a $75 fee to book it ahead of time,
but if it is not reserved when you arrive, you are welcome to use it. Vault toilets are
located nearby.
 There are limited picnic tables outside the Park Store. The store is typically not open
during spring and fall.
TRANSPORTATION
Please plan for your bus/vehicles to remain in the park during your entire visit. Distances
between program/washroom/lunch facilities are too far for walking.
Directions and maps to the park as well as within the park are available.
RAIN DATES/CANCELLATION POLICY
When booking your trip to Presqu’ile, ask whether we have availability for rain dates. Typically
there is no room for rain dates in June, when we have a lot of bookings. We are prepared for
your group’s visit rain or shine, unless there is lightning. If you wish to cancel due to rain, please
advise us immediately.
Self-Use Facilities
While on their own time, groups are welcome to utilize the self-use facilities in the park, including:
Walking Trails – see map in appendix
 Marsh Boardwalk – interpretive signs are posted along the trail
 Jobes’ Woods Trail – see trail guide in appendix
 Owen Point Trail – see trail guide in appendix
 Pioneer and Newcastle Trails
Beach – please be advised there are no lifeguards on duty
More Information
For more information on Presqu’ile Provincial Park and the Friends of Presqu’ile Park, check out
the following resources:
www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca
www.ontarioparks.com/english/pres.html
7
Directions to Presqu’ile Provincial Park
328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton, ON K0K 1H0
From Eastbound or Westbound Highway 401:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Take Exit 509 Northumberland County Road 30 to Brighton/Campbellford
Turn south on Northumberland County Road 30 and follow for 8 km to Brighton
Turn west at stoplight onto Main Street (Highway 2) and follow for 1 km
Turn south at Ontario Street (look for the blue Ontario Parks sign) and follow for 4 km.
Follow the road as it curves west and then south.
5. You will then enter the gates for Presqu’ile Provincial Park and soon arrive at a stop sign
by the main gatehouse.
From Eastbound Highway 2:
1. In Brighton, turn south at Ontario Street (look for the blue Ontario Parks sign) and follow
for 4 km. Follow the road as it curves west and then south.
2. You will then enter the gates for Presqu’ile Provincial Park and soon arrive at a stop sign
by the main gatehouse.
From Westbound Highway 2:
1. In Brighton, turn south at the stoplight onto Prince Edward Street and follow past the
railroad tracks.
2. Turn west on Butler Street (look for the blue Ontario Parks sign).
3. After the first stop sign, continue west.
4. At the second stop sign, turn south onto Ontario Street. Follow the road as it curves west
and then south.
5. You will then enter the gates for Presqu’ile Provincial Park and soon arrive at a stop sign
by the main gatehouse.
8
Finding your way in Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Entering the park:

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

Stop at the main gatehouse to your left to check in with the gate attendant and
obtain a map, on the back of the park tabloid, if needed. If no one is at the
gatehouse, walk back to the main office on your right.
Continue down the main road (Presqu’ile Parkway) into the park.
Beaches 1, 2, 3, the Owen Point Trail, and the Park Store are to the west (on
your right).
The Marsh Boardwalk is to the east (on your left) after the turn off for Beach 3.
If you continue south along Presqu’ile Parkway, it curves to the east and soon after
there is a fork in the road. STAY TO YOUR RIGHT; do NOT enter the residential
road.
To the south (on your right) is the entrance to the campgrounds, where you will find
the Maples Comfort Station and the Amphitheatre.
Continuing east, past the campground entrance, you will find another fork in the
road. You must turn to the right (south) as this is a one-way loop road. This loop
will take you to the following places (in order): Day Use Area 1, Pioneer
Trail/Newcastle Trail parking lot, Day Use Area 2 (with Picnic Shelter), Nature
Centre, Lighthouse Interpretive Centre, lighthouse, Atkins Lane and Jobes’ Woods
Trail.
Exiting the park:


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
When leaving the southern portion of the park, follow the one way loop road past
Jobes’ Woods Trail, then turn to the west (right) to exit.
Follow the road as it passes the campground entrance and curves north (right).
At the stop sign, turn west (left) and follow the curve in the road.
You will then pass, in this order, the Park Store, Owen Point Trail, Marsh
Boardwalk, Beach 3, 2 and 1 turnoffs and the main gate.
Washrooms
Vault toilets (non-flushable) are available for use year round in both day use areas, the
Lighthouse Interpretive Centre parking lot and the Atkins Lane parking lot.
Comfort stations may be open, depending on the time of year, in the campgrounds.
Lunch Facilities
If you wish spend lunch time in the park, there are a few locations you might consider
using:
 In the campgrounds, there is the Amphitheatre, which has a covered area with
benches and is located very close to the Maples comfort station.
 In the two Day Use areas along the south shore of the park there are scattered
picnic tables and vault toilets. There is lots of space for students to run around in.
 In Day Use 2, there is a picnic shelter. There is a $75 fee to book it ahead of
time. If it is not reserved when you arrive, you are free to use it.
 There are limited picnic tables outside the Park Store. The Store is typically not
open during spring and fall.
9
The Walking Trails of
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Presqu’ile has over 16 kilometres of trails for your
walking or skiiing enjoyment. The trail lengths,
as well as access points and parking facilities, are
marked on the map pictured in this pamphlet.
While on the trails, please be considerate of other
users and always remain on the paths provided.
We remind you to “take nothing but pictures and
leave nothing but footprints.”
Bicycles are not permitted on these trails. Cyclists
and in-line skaters may use the paved shoulder of
Lighthouse Lane and Paxton Drive.
Marsh Boardwalk
Length: 1km wheelchair accessible loop
Time: 45 minutes
Parking: east of Presqu’ile Parkway , between
Beach 3 and Owen Point Trail
Description: This series of boardwalks and floating
bridges is the best way to experience Presqu’ile’s
cattail marsh, the largest protected wetland on the
north shore of Lake Ontario. Cattails support an
abundance of life, evident as you follow this trail.
Watch for songbirds in early summer, as well as
turtles, frogs, dragonflies, waterfowl and muskrats.
This trail is best enjoyed in the morning or evening.
Owen Point Trail
Length: 1.6 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Parking: west of Presqu’ile Parkway, between
Beach 3 and the Park Store.
Description: This trail meanders through
tall grasses and stands of young willow and
cottonwood trees. Side trails lead to lookout
stations, where you can view shorebirds and other
wildlife along the natural beach. Gull Island
and High Bluff Island can be viewed from Owen
Point, but access is not permitted from March 10
to September 10. To protect birds as they feed and
rest here, visitors are reminded to stay behind the
barriers provided and to respect this pet-free zone.
Pioneer Trail
Length: 3.8 km loop
Time: 2.5 hours
Parking: lot opposite Group Camp entrance on
Lighthouse Lane
Description: Follow the yellow arrows to enjoy
a walk through the hidden forests and fields that
make up the heart of the Presqu’ile peninsula. Old
fields, once cleared by settlers for their farms, are
now full of wildflowers and make excellent habitat
for butterflies. Some of these fields were reforested
with Norway Spruce, White and Red Pine. These
trees attract seed-eating birds and Red Squirrels.
Newcastle Trail
Length: 4.3 km loop
Time: 2 hours
Parking: lot opposite Group Camp entrance on
Lighthouse Lane
Description: Follow the orange arrows to explore
the forest, plantations and old fields in the eastern
half of Presqu’ile’s lower peninsula. Look for the
mature Beech-Maple forest, White-tailed deer,
mushrooms and ferns. The uneven nature of the
forest floor results in temporary pools of water in
spring, home to Spring Peepers, Wood Frogs and
salamanders.
Jobes Woods Trail
Length: 1 km wheelchair accessible loop
Time: 45 minutes
Parking: opposite trail entrance on Paxton Drive
Description: Towering Sugar Maple trees
dominate the old growth forest, the first of four
habitats you encounter on this trail. A boardwalk
takes you through Black Ash swamp and an old
field, cleared for farmland many years ago. Watch
for White-tailed Deer that like to browse on the
young trees or bed down in the tall grasses. You
will pass through a conifer tree plantation before
returning to the grandeur of the mature BeechMaple forest.
denotes suitable cross-country skiing trail
Marsh
Boardwalk
Trail
Jobes'
Woods Trail
Presqu’ile
Owen
Point
Trail
nd
Nature
Centre
sla
I
ull
G
High Bluff Island
Parking for
trail users
Lighthouse
Interpretive
Centre
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
is located on the north shore of Lake
Ontario, five minutes south of the town
of Brighton. For more information
about Presqu’ile or its programs,
contact:
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
R.R. #4
Brighton, Ontario
KOK 1H0
Telephone- (613) 475-4324
Fax- (613) 475-2209
www.ontarioparks.com
www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca
Presqu’ile’s interpretive
programs and publications
are supported by:
A Guide to the
Walking Trails
Walking Trails of Presqu’ile Provincial Park
es
qu
ay
Presqu’ile Bay
Marsh
Boardwalk
1 km
ins
469m
9m
39
Atk
Beach
3
29
1
1.6 km
m
914
on
Group
Camping
xt
61
Park
Store
142m
Pa
243m
830m
Ligh
91
4m
8m
708m
438m
se L
ane
5
76m
750m
m
158
m
thou
Camp
Office
777
Newcastle Trail
m
718
Owen
Point
Trail
Parking
1046
m
Gull Island
Access is prohibited to Gull Island,
High Bluff Island and the waters
200 metres from their shorelines
from March 10 to September 10
High Bluff Island
Pioneer Trail
yellow arrows
Lake Ontario
3.8 km
44
1325m
Dr
39
8m
3m
44
8m
45
ive
2m
Owen Point
Trail
712m
311m
536m
436m
m
4m
207m
m
133
357
266m
m
480m
252
1 km
blue arrows
100m
Beach
2
Jobes' Woods Trail
Lane
Beach
1
Popham
Bay
N
'ile
w
rk
Pa
Park
Office
Pr
orange arrows
4.3 km
Legend
Trail Access Point
Vault Toilet
Parking
Picnic Area
Nature Centre
Pay Telephone
Lighthouse
Interpretive Centre
Private Property
6. Send in the Pioneers
In front of you was once a farm field.
Thomas and Ezekiel Jobe may have
grown crops or pastured livestock
here. Just as the Jobes were pioneers,
old growth forest has its pioneers too.
Look around the field and you will
see them. Can you spot the papery
bark of the White Birch and the corky
bark of the Red Ash? These species
are aggressive colonizers but cannot White Birch
maintain their dominance over the
landscape. As young pioneer trees grow, they make
conditions unfavourable for their own kind, requiring
full sun. Later arrivals fail to grow because of the
shade produced by the original “pioneers.” In time,
new shade-tolerant species arrive. An open field is
thus transformed into a “young” forest. If allowed
to remain for several hundred years, a young forest
such as you see now will transform itself into an old
growth forest.
7. Plain Plantations
You are standing in an artificial
forest called a plantation. The trees
here were originally planted in neat
rows. Plantations are common at
Presqu’ile. Originally they were
established as windbreaks to keep
Presqu’ile Bay a calm haven for
boat traffic. Now they’ve matured
but their simple nature allows for
little structural diversity. If the
park were a giant plantation, this
would present many problems for
Pileated
many creatures.
Woodpecker Consider the Pileated Woodpecker
found at Presqu’ile. Without large,
partly rotten trees to feed and nest in, the species
would have to live elsewhere.
Consider, too, the Redback Salamanders we discussed
earlier. These tiny, moisture-dependent creatures
could not survive without dead logs lying
on the ground in which they hunt and feed. In time,
nature has a way of putting things back in order.
This is currently happening in the small plantation.
The planted conifers are dying and the deciduous
seedlings that are growing will eventually outcompete them. Just as the old farm fields seen earlier
are being reclaimed, so too is this artificial forest.
Presqu’ile
8. There’s More Than Meets the Eye
Now that we’ve learned how
to spy out some of the visible
features of an old growth
forest, let’s take a moment to
consider that there are many
more hidden but equally
important aspects awaiting
our discovery. Indeed there
are many partnerships in old
Inky Cap
growth forests that are not
immediately apparent. Take,
for example, the huge knobby maple tree in front of
you. This massive tree has an invisible, underground
partner, a fungus, whose strands of ‘hairs’ form a
root-like mat that probes the soil, collecting nutrients
and water. The fungus shares these resources with
the tree, which in turn provides sugars to the fungus.
Without this partnership, this magnificent tree would
never have become the giant you see!
This relationship is just one of the mysteries of
old growth awaiting discovery. We are fortunate
to have such a fine example of old growth forest
here at Presqu’ile Provincial Park. As you walk
the remainder of the trail, think of how uniquely
special this forest is and imagine how many more
discoveries there are to be made.
For more information about Presqu’ile or its programs, contact:
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
RR#4 Brighton, Ontario, KOK 1H0
Telephone: (613) 475-4324 www.ontarioparks.com
Fascimile: (613) 475-2209
www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca
Presqu’ile’s
interpretive programs
are supported by:
An Interpretive Guide to the
Jobes’ Woods Trail
Jobes’ Woods Trail
Soon you will be walking on land settled by Thomas
and Ezekiel Jobe in 1835. The Jobe family cleared and
farmed some of the land but also left portions largely
untouched.
For the next kilometre, Jobes’ Woods Trail passes
through ancient upland forests, swamp forests
and old farm fields in the process of converting
themselves back into forests. Numbered posts along
the way correspond with this guide. Each stop will
help you understand some of the unique features of
an old growth forest.
1. Mighty Monarch of the East
You are standing at
the base of a Sugar
Maple, a tree that
dominates the eastern
North
American
forest
ecosystem.
The canopy of Sugar
Maple leaves above
you produces very
shady conditions on
the forest floor. Most
tree seedlings die
quickly after only
a short time in the
shade. Sugar Maples,
however, are amongst
Sugar Maple
the
most
shade
tolerant of trees, able
to persist for 150 years as seedlings. After a large
tree falls, a young tree in the newly available patch of
light will grow rapidly to take its place in the canopy.
Once mature, a maple can produce thousands of
seeds each year for 200 years or more! These seeds
contain extra large amounts of stored energy, giving
young maples a month or two of extra growing time
over other tree seedlings competing for resources on
the forest floor. These and other traits have helped
the Sugar Maple assume the role of the “Monarch” of
the eastern woodlands.
2. Big Trees = Old Growth?
4. An Odd Couple
In some people’s minds the
equation “big trees = old growth”
rings true. While there’s no
doubt that they are an essential
component of an old growth
forest, big trees are just part of
the picture. A mature forest will
also feature “stratification” or
Trillium
layering. At this location there are
four distinct layers: a wildflower
and fern layer at your feet; shrubs and young trees
at eye-level; the “understorey” of immature trees
and small tree species; and, far above your head,
the canopy. Keep walking down the trail and look
carefully because there are additional features of old
growth forest besides big trees and stratification - try
to discover what they are!
Just in front of you is an
odd pair of trees. The one
on the left, with its dark
bark and fine needles, is
the Eastern Hemlock. The
one on the right, sporting
flaky bark, is the Yellow
Birch. If you look closely,
you can see a small mound
where these trees merge
together at ground level.
Mounds like this are
vitally important for both
species. Of the thousands
of seeds produced by these
Eastern Hemlock
trees, the few that actually
survive are usually found
growing on the remains of rotting logs. In such a
“nursery”, tiny seedlings find a secure place to start
their growth. Years later, the nursery log may have
rotted completely from beneath its tenants, making
the mature trees appear to have legs!
3. Something Lost, Something Gained
We humans often tend to
associate beauty with youth
and the loss of beauty
with old age. Sometimes
we apply this view to the
natural world. From this
location you can see trees
that have died and left
behind branch-less, rotting
trunks called “snags.” As
well, you can see trees that
have been blown over,
Striped Maple
leaving gaping holes in the
forest floor. As the downed
trees rot, they produce lumpy mounds of soil. This
is known as “pit and mound” topography. Some
people feel that cleaning this stuff up would produce
a more aesthetically pleasing forest. Snags, rotting
wood and pit and mound topography are essential
aspects of old growth - but what are they good for?
At the next several stops you’ll see that there is a rich
and interesting community of plants and animals
that thrive best in a messy forest.
5. Breathing Without Lungs
Slinking under logs and fallen leaves prowls a
bizarre, worm-like animal. Close inspection of this
bright red, 3-inch long creature reveals four tiny
legs, smooth shiny skin and a beautiful
rusty red streak down its back. This
is the Eastern Redback Salamander, a
creature extremely specialized in its
habitat requirements. A constantly
moist environment is needed to allow
this tiny animal to “breathe” through
its skin. It has no lungs! The old
growth forest’s abundance of fallen logs
and leaf litter provides salamanders
with excellent hunting grounds and
a uniquely stable moisture regime.
Without the old growth forest floor’s
special environment, the Redback Redback
Salamander would be just one of many Salamander
unique things that would disappear.
Stop 7
“Anteaters”
Although the shoreline in the Owen Point Trail
area is unsuitable for most traditional summer
beach activities, the vegetation found in this area
stabilizes the sand and provides a variety of habitats
through succession, from willow thickets, to a marsh,
to Cottonwood groves. The area is also of major
significance in the spring and fall to as many as thirty
species of shorebirds, including Red Knots, Dunlin
and Whimbrel.
In contrast, if left unmanaged, Presqu’ile’s other
beaches would be vegetated and resemble the Owen
Point Trail. Only through active management does
the beach remain appealing for recreational uses
such as swimming. In this way Presqu'ile provides
both excellent wildlife habitat and great recreational
opportunities.
Presqu’ile
Legend
Trail Guide
Numbered Posts
Lookout
Owen Point Trail
Other Trails
Park Roads
*Length:
Trailhead Sign
Allow:
30 - 40 minutes
Terrain:
Flat, may be areas
of water/wet sand
1.5 km loop
The Owen Point Trail begins at the
Owen Point Trail parking lot and
meanders through the natural beach
area. The trail is approximately 1.5 km
long and will take 30 - 40 minutes to
complete. It can be seasonally wet in
places. Viewing pods provide access for
bird-watching along the shoreline. Dogs
are not permitted on the trail or in the
beach area at any time.
Photo: Sue Careless
Stop 8
Conclusion
Algae
*
Cottonwood trees provide nesting habitat for
Presqu’ile’s
“feathered
Northern Flicker
anteater”,
the Northern
Flicker. The
Northern
Flicker is a
species of
woodpecker
that prefers eating ants and other insects off the
ground rather than foraging about tree bark in search
of a meal. Flickers have been recorded eating up to
5000 ants in a single feeding!
*
Sixty years ago, you would have been knee-deep in
water at this location. This is the oldest portion of the
Owen Point Trail. It has progressed through the early
stages of succession and now contains mature Eastern
Cottonwood trees.
Algae
For more information about Presqu’ile or its programs,
contact::
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
328 Presqu'ile Parkway
Brighton, Ontario, KOK 1H0
Telephone: (613) 475-4324
www.ontarioparks.com
Facsimile: (613) 475-2209 www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca
Presqu’ile’s
interpretive programs
are supported by:
An Interpretive Guide to the
Owen Point Trail
Owen Point Trail
Welcome to the Owen Point Trail. This 1.5 km trail is
accessible from the Owen Point Trail parking lot and
provides access to the natural beach. The trail provides
visitors an opportunity to observe beach succession
and a wide variety of bird life, particularly shorebirds
during spring and fall migration. Numbered posts
along the trail correspond with information in this
guide.
The Owen Point Trail is characterized by sandy
soil that supports a healthy population of Stinging
Nettle. Please stay on the trail to avoid coming into
contact with this plant. To prevent disturbance to bird
colonies, Gull and High Bluff Islands are closed to the
public between Mar. 10 and Sept. 10 inclusive.
Stop 1
Worlds Apart
Presqu’ile’s sand beach is divided into two distinct
sections. Beaches 1, 2 and 3 to the north are actively
managed. In the summer, they are raked daily to
ensure that the algae and other debris is removed
and that the beach does not become vegetated. The
vegetated beach to the south was maintained until the
early 1990’s. At that time, raking was stopped and the
beach was allowed to regenerate naturally.
The resulting natural beach is the home of Sandbar
Willow, dogwood shrubs, Eastern Cottonwood trees,
horsetails and dune plants. This densely vegetated
area provides habitat for a variety of bird species.
Stop 2
Happy Campers
This section of the trail with its thick willow growth
is the preferred breeding
location of Yellow Warblers.
These small birds can be
identified by their bright
yellow plumage. The males
can often be heard defending
their territory with their rapid,
high-pitched song. As beach
Yellow Warbler succession continues and
the willows are replaced by
Cottonwood trees, the Yellow
Warblers will no longer be attracted to this area.
Stop 3
Living on the Edge
Presqu’ile’s beach
can
expand
Canada Goose
lakeward up to
two metres each
year. The viewing
stations are moved
regularly in order
to prevent them
from becoming
overgrown and
from losing sight of the shoreline. This area is ideal
habitat for Canada Geese, which forage on the new
growth. They prefer this low ground cover as they
can watch for potential predators such as Red Foxes.
In June and July, parents and goslings will form
groups of over 100 birds that graze on the vegetation
near the shoreline.
Stop 4
Algae: A Second Look
Since raking was stopped on the natural beach,
large accumulations of algae often build up in this
Whimbrel
area. Although
unpleasant to
some humans,
these algae
deposits are
important to
the survival of
many shorebird
species.
W r i g g l i n g
through the algae
are many aquatic invertebrates, such as midge larvae,
also known as bloodworms. Bloodworms are an
important food item for migrating shorebirds at
Presqu’ile. For these birds, Presqu’ile is a service
station on the intercontinental migration highway
between the Arctic and South America. Without the
large invertebrate-infested algae mats, many of these
shorebird species would be unable to refuel and would
possibly die of starvation during their migration.
Stop 5
The Islands
Ring-billed Gull
Located south of the
trail are two islands
that are the home of
over 250,000 colonial
waterbirds, including
gulls, terns, herons
and cormorants.
The closest island to
Owen Point is known
as Gull Island and is appropriately named since
it is the location of over 20,000 Ring-billed Gull
nests along with a lesser number of Herring Gull,
Caspian Tern and Common Tern nests. High Bluff
Island is the partially forested island located beyond
Gull Island and is the nesting grounds for Doublecrested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Blackcrowned Night-herons, Great Egrets and more gulls.
Taken together the two islands are the most diverse
waterbird nesting colony on the Great Lakes.
Stop 6
The Old Channel
The marsh in front of you used to be the channel
between the mainland and Gull Island in the 1960s.
The growing beach cut it off from the lake but didn't
fill it in and a new marsh was born.
Various bird species, including Marsh Wrens,
Common Yellowthroats, Virginia Rails and Redwinged Blackbirds nest in the Owen Point marsh.
In addition frog monitoring surveys in spring have
indicated that this is an important breeding pool for
Wood Frogs, Spring Peepers and Grey Tree Frogs.
Red-winged
Blackbird