Seventeen CSLT members and friends gathered on December 1, 2005 for a supper and presentation at the Essex Civic Centre. The menu featured homemade pasta dishes including Cannelloni with Tomato Eggplant Sauce, Mushroom & Artichoke Lasagna, Tomato Mushroom Lasagna, and Rigatoni & Cheese. Salads were chilled Moors and Christians (a rice salad) and Greek Salad. David's Incredible Organic Bread was freshly sliced and enjoyed by all. Desserts included David's Homemade Cookies, Cranberry Pecan Tarts, White Chocolate Apricot Squares and Carrot Cake with Creamy Cheese Icing. Juices, water and coffee were available.
CSLT directors David Ainslie, Terry Anderson, and Patricia Rhoads arranged to make presentations at the supper. Patricia Rhoads and David Ainslie made a special presentation to CSLT members Cathy and Tom Ayles for their contribution as volunteers to the Land Trust. As well, CSLT Treasurer Tom Hurst, and President Betty Learmouth were recognized for their contributions towards the Land Trust. CSLT director Bill Balkwill was recognized for his work with the Land Trust and as the first donor of a conservation easement to the Land Trust. All received a copy of John Vaillant's The Golden Spruce: a True Story of Myth, Madness and Greed published by Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 2005.
Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority was our guest speaker. Scott is now in his thirteenth year of field research with reptiles. Scott stated that not a lot has been done for reptiles when contrasted with work done for other species. We are just now beginning to hear more about the status of certain reptiles, such as the Blue Racer.
There are a large number of reptiles in Ontario and many are in serious trouble. Of twenty-six reptile species found in Ontario, eighteen are listed on Canada's Endangered Species list.
Scott discussed a number of reptile species and the difficulties of each species in his presentation which included Queen Snake, Spotted Turtle, Snapping Turtle, Blanding's Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Wood Turtle, Hog-nosed Snake, and Spiny Softshell Turtle.
As the Chair of the Spiny Softshell Turtle Recovery Team, Scott has done much of his reptile work with this species which is designated as threatened in Canada. The Thames River contains one of three large nesting sites in Canada. This species is known for its huge treks between its communal nesting sites and its hibernation sites. The speed demonstrated by this species on land is unparalleled, hence the name "flying turtle."
The Fanshaw Dam has created a problem for Spiny Softshell Turtle nests down stream from the dam. Storms create a rush of water which means that eggs may drown as occurred to three hundred eggs recently. As well, the Fanshaw reservoir is polluted with bacteria.
Current threats to many turtle species include road mortality (especially for Spotted and Blanding's Turtles), pollution, human persecution, predation and collection for the pet trade. Scott showed us a map of Southern Ontario with its network of roads which are death traps for our turtles and snakes.
What is being done to assist the Spiny Softshell Turtle? Tracking of Spiny Softshell Turtles has been undertaken by telemetry. A recapture study is underway using micro chips. Nest predation research, nest protection studies, nest site creation and maintenance, habitat research and management are other ways to discover more information about means that will aid in the recovery of the Spiny Softshell Turtle.
Reptile education is important such as talks and displays for the public, volunteers who help the recovery team efforts, and fact sheets and forms to report sightings. A recent guide, Stewardship of the Spiny Softshell Turtle, which raises awareness of the Spiny Softshell Turtle is available for a fee of $5.00. The guide is published by The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, 1424 Clarke Road, London, Ontario N5V 5V9, telephone (519-451-2800).
Scott emphasized that the habitat of the endangered Spiny Softshell Turtle needs to be protected. Our youth need to be introduced to our reptile population at a young age.
Many thanks to Scott for a fine presentation which introduced our members to the plight of many turtles here in Southwestern Ontario.
Thank you to everyone who attended this event. Special mention to Helen Moore and Patricia Rhoads who assisted with the buffet supper set up and to Adam and Curtis Rhoads who set up the screen, projection table and chairs for Scott's presentation. Thank you to everyone who helped tidy the cafeteria upon the conclusion of the evening.