The Dahl Forest, which is under the stewardship of the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust, is an attraction for education and for outdoor pursuits, as seen with this group of hikers during the Bioblitz event to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary four years ago. /FILE photo The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust has been awarded a Species at Risk Stewardship Program grant of $28,715 from Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
The grant will be used to further the knowledge of species at risk on HHLT properties and other lands of high conservation value in the county. Priorities will be on a rare wetland plant and two of Ontario’s “lost” native ladybugs : the nine-spotted and transverse lady beetles.
“We will engage targeted audiences and the general public through media campaigns, presentations and citizen science initiatives to survey and submit observations in targeted areas within Haliburton County,” said land trust chair Shelley Hunt. “As well as increase awareness and promote stewardship of these species at risk.”
The two “lost” lady beetle species were common and abundant in Ontario in the past, but have not been seen for decades. Targeted areas within HHLT properties and high conservation value lands will be surveyed over the coming summer, to gain a greater understanding of the distribution within Ontario of these rare species.
Watch throughout the coming weeks for more information, including how citizen scientists can help HHLT in this research project. Visit www.haliburtonlandtrust.ca for more details and resources.
– Staff
