Interested volunteers can learn how to identify local wetland wildlife at a workshop being held at the Quinte Conservation office (at the corner of Wallbridge-Loyalist Road and Old Highway 2 in Belleville) on Monday, March 8th at 7:00pm. This training workshop will offer information on the Community Wildlife Monitoring Program (CWMP) and teach volunteers how to identify various local bird and frog species.

Quinte Conservation Field Naturalist, Terry Sprague, will be leading the workshop and encourages residents to come and take part in the program. He says "These monitoring programs are all user friendly and even inexperienced volunteers will feel comfortable taking part." He adds, "Some of these animals are on the decline in North America and we want to know what's happening here in the Quinte Area." Sprague has been coordinating the program since 2002.

He adds there is a program for everyone. "FrogWatch is a family-friendly activity while the Marsh Monitoring Program is more structured." The Marsh Monitoring Program records wetland birds twice during the year for 15 minutes each between May and July, and FrogWatch volunteers record the amphibians present once a week from April through June. Sprague says, "These programs are a powerful monitoring opportunity that establishes baseline assessments of bird and amphibian populations over the long term."

Any residents who are interested in the health of the environment may volunteer with the CWMP. Quinte Conservation is partnered with the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan, Bird Studies Canada, and Environment Canada to provide this program in an effort to evaluate the condition of local wetlands.

The Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan's Restoration Council carries out actions with local partners in its efforts to restore the Bay and its drainage area. Wildlife monitoring is part of the process as their overall populations tell us about our progress. As part of the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan, 32 wetlands have been identified as requiring monitoring efforts to assist in the evaluation of wildlife populations and their habitats within the Bay of Quinte.

Those interested should contact Terry Sprague at his home office at 613-476-5072. Napanee area residents may call 613-354-3312 (111) and leave a message. There is no cost to the volunteer to attend. Refreshments will be available at this training session.

For more information conntact:

CWMP Coordinator and Quinte Conservation Field Naturalist
613-476-5072