Welcome to the Sydenham
The Sydenham River in southwestern Ontario is the only major watershed which lies completely in the Carolinian Life Zone and is relatively undisturbed by industrial development. This has made the river a biological treasure. The Sydenham River supports an incredible variety of aquatic life, or what we call biodiversity. At least 82 species of fish and 34 species of freshwater mussels have been found here, making it one of the most species-rich watersheds in all of Canada. Several species in the Sydenham River are found nowhere else in Canada, and some remain at only a few locations globally. Twenty-three species of fish, mussels and reptiles which live in and around the Sydenham River are nationally or provincially Species at Risk.
Artificial Winter Home for Rare Eastern Foxsnake
The eastern foxsnake has a very restricted global distribution, with about 70 percent of their entire range occurring in Ontario. Nonetheless, in southwestern Ontario where the majority of these snakes reside, they are a rare find.
In an effort to boost local populations, the Conservation Authority is working to increase the quality and variety of habitat available for this rare snake. Eastern foxsnakes require a variety of habitat types that include open feeding habitat, egg-laying sites, natural corridors and suitable hibernation sites.
This year, in addition to construction of several snake nesting boxes, which provide a safe place for snakes lay eggs in the summer, St. Clair Conservation built a large hibernaculum. A hibernaculum is an area of space underground where snakes hibernate in winter months, providing a safe shelter from the cold. As we are turning on our furnaces, snakes will be searching for warmth as well. This project was funded by the Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk Fund and by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
layering of snake-friendly material
