Plugs for the Prairie

Historically, the Rice Lake Plains were covered with tallgrass prairies and oak savanna, which were dominated by massive black and white oak, grasses like big bluestem and switchgrass thrived and a diverse range of wildflowers blossomed. Help give this globally rare habitat a comeback by planting native prairie species plugs on our Hazel Bird Nature Reserve.

Provisions and equipment list

• Moderate fitness level is required.
• Planting will involve bending and using trowels to dig holes for the seedlings
• There is a 2 km walk over moderate to rough terrain to reach the planting siteThere are no toilets on site.
• Portable washroom and a supply of hand sanitizer will be available for volunteers to use throughout the day
• All tools will be provided by NCC, participants are encouraged to bring their own if they have them
• Water and snacks will be provided

Items the volunteer needs to bring

• rubber boots or sturdy close-toed shoes you don’t mind getting muddy
• gardening/work gloves and trowels if you have them
• long pants
• light layers
• hat with a brim
• Raincoat and rain pants (just in case)
• water bottle
• lunch
• sunscreen/bug spray
• any necessary medications

Please Note

Additional event details, including directions and parking instructions, will be provided after registration. Please look for three emails with event information; they will be sent immediately after registration (scroll to the bottom of the email for the participant package), then reminders one week, and then one day before the event. The emails may get filtered into your spam or junk folders. If you do not receive the correspondence with the event details, please contact on.volunteers@natureconservancy.ca.

No previous experience is required. This event will proceed rain or shine, so please dress for the conditions: rubber boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, long layers of comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, a hat, and a change of dry clothes (just in case).

To allow us to plan for a safe, successful, and enjoyable day in the field together, all participants must register in advance of the event. Space is limited and spots fill up fast, register today to confirm your attendance.

Questions?

Please email on.volunteers@natureconservancy.ca.

Sponsors

Society for Ecological Restoration – Trent Chapter

Information for visitors to NCC properties

When accessing Nature Conservancy of Canada Properties, please note:

1. You may be hiking/walking on terrain that may be steep, uneven, slippery, or jagged, or where solid footing is obscured by vegetation. Be sure to have good walking shoes with ankle support and treads.

2. Since you will be visiting rich natural areas, you will encounter many types of plants, and animals, on land and in the water, some of which may be dangerous or poisonous to humans. It is your responsibility to learn about the environment you’ll be visiting, and how to avoid natural threats, especially in areas inhabited by large carnivores.

3. You must help keep these areas beautiful by packing out everything you bring in, including garbage.

4. You will be enjoying the outdoors in all kinds of weather, from bright sun to snowy conditions. Be sure to check the weather before heading out and dress appropriately for the conditions.

5. Black flies/mosquitoes and other biting/stinging insects may pose a problem at certain times of the year.

6. Many of the habitats on Nature Conservancy of Canada property are ecologically sensitive, be aware of your impact, do not pick flowers, avoid crushing plants and do not feed or harass wildlife.

7. Some NCC properties are fenced and use cattle or other livestock for grazing. These animals may be unpredictable, refrain from approaching or harassing.

8. Some NCC properties contain abandoned buildings and/or mine shafts. If encountered, do no enter or approach any of these structures due to unknown hazards and risks.

9. Fires of any sort are absolutely prohibited on NCC property.

10. Even with appropriate precautions, accidents can happen. The Nature Conservancy of Canada does not provide trained medical professionals.