Course Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide training to individuals or organizations on reptile and amphibian biology, ecology and survey methods to inform future survey work in the province of Ontario.
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Learning Objectives
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Ability to identify Ontario’s reptiles and amphibians.
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Understanding of reptile and amphibian ecology and phenology as it relates to detectability and survey timing.
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General understanding of reptile and amphibian habitat use, as well as species-specific habitat preferences.
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Knowledge of appropriate survey methods for Ontario’s reptile and amphibian species, including the advantages and limitations of each method.
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Understanding of key considerations for assessing the presence/absence of reptile and amphibian species, including search efforts.
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will be able to develop and conduct surveys for reptiles and amphibians.
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Participants will be able to review proposed survey methodologies for appropriateness.
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A certificate of completion is issued at the end of the course.
Accommodations
Accommodations are rustic but comfortable.
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Accommodations are being provided by Camp Kitchikewana, a YMCA camp on Beausoleil Island. The cabins have bunk beds which accommodate 3-4 people comfortably in the same room, with enough extra space for personal belongings. All beds have mattresses, but you will need to bring bedding/sleeping bag and a pillow.
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All cabins have electricity, porches, and storage space for personal items
Camp washrooms are separate buildings that have running water and flush toilets, and hot showers are also available in select washroom buildings on site.
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Camp Kitchikewana will provide meals and potable drinking water.
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Instructors
Steering Committee & Instructors
Joe Crowley, M.Sc.
Ontario Herpetologist
Ori Urquhart, M.Sc.
Principal
Blazing Star Environmental
Course Coordinator
Maureen Jackson
Administrator
Blazing Star Environmental
Course Instructors | Instructors vary from year to year, depending on course location and instructor availability
Josh Feltham
Professor, Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences;
Coordinator, Ecosystem Management Program;
School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences
Fleming College
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Photo Credit: Kevin Chan
Jeff Hathaway
Founder
Scales Nature Park
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Photo Credit: Amanda Bennett
Other Course Instructors (past and present)
Kelsey Moxley
Field Projects Manager
Scales Nature Park
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Ali Argue
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Karine Beriault
Management Biologist
Parry Sound District
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Graham Cameron
Management Biologist
Bancroft District
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
James Paterson
Research Scientist
Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Megan Rasmussen
Terrestrial Ecosystems Science Specialist
Resource Advisory Team
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Jeremy Rouse
Management Biologist
Parry Sound District
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Dave Seburn
Freshwater Turtle Specialist
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Shaun Thompson
District Ecologist (retired)
Kemptville District
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry