Well, finally, here it is:
Barring major unforseen circumstances, this year's Pelee Island trip is a go for May 22-24.
We'll be doing various habitat restoration projects related to herps, and spending time in the field looking for them! In previous years, we've built hibernation sites, basking & nesting sites, ponds, removed exotic vegetation, collected seeds, planted trees/shrubs/wildflowers, counted/measured/weighed/PIT-tagged snakes, modified buildings, and various other projects. We've also toured nature reserves such as Stone Road Alvar, Fish Point, and Lighthouse Point. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages to going with us- we have access to some private properties which are excellent habitat for some great herps!
In the past, we've seen virtually every species to be found on the island; usually most of them in a single trip. We've never failed to find four of the five snake species (garters (including melanistics), browns, Lake Erie waters, Eastern fox snakes) and two out of three years, at least some of the group has seen a Blue Racer or two. Smallmouth salamanders and various other herps are quite common. It wouldn't be unreasonable to see 100+ herps (even 100+ snakes) over the weekend of 10 or 11 species.
We get lots of work done, but I think anyone who has gone can attest that we spend lots of time herping! Be prepared to work hard and get dirty, though.
We camp at the Wilds of Pelee Outdoor Centre for Conservation (
www.wildsofpelee.ca). I have some extra camping gear available if anyone needs it; just let me know. All meals are provided, so that everything can be reasonably co-ordinated. If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or serious dislikes, we'll find a way to accommodate you. However, we tend to frown on simple 'pickiness'.
Trip reports from two years ago can be found at
www.mcwetboy.net/pelee2002. I believe there should be some posts in the Field Herping forum about last year's trip.
This year's trip should be similar to those of the last three years. Final costs will be determined once we know exactly how many people are coming, etc. Last year, people who met us at the ferry dock paid $60, and those who rode in the van with me paid $85.
I have some space in the van for people who need a ride. Please let me know ASAP if you would like a seat. Other car pooling possibilities are likely as well.
Please let me know if you are planning to come, and if you know of anyone else who might be interested, feel free to let them know.
If possible, please do all communications by email rather than PMs. Much easier for me to manage.
On a related note, I'm planning for a volunteer weekend here in Orillia for the last weekend in April, the 24th/25th. More info will follow once I get things nailed down.
Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!
Wish I was in Canada!
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