Small Streams: Time for Some Respect
Lewis Yeager, General Manager, Rouge Park
Small watercourses have long resembled Rodney Dangerfield in land use planning and development, but the time has come to modernize this view, for the survival of watersheds such as the Rouge. Scientists who study rivers refer to small tributaries as first- or second-order streams. In a natural watershed setting, these make up about two-thirds of the total stream and river length. These small watercourses are not simply lesser versions of large river channels. They have very important and unique roles to play in the ecology of healthy running water environments.
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Can You See the Forest Through the Trees?
Bob Clay, Natural Heritage Manager, Rouge Park
When we look at the forests of today, we are looking back in time. We see the product of weather, soil and ecological conditions that occurred decades, perhaps even a century ago. We see all of the natural and human processes that have shaped those natural areas over time. Those processes include climate change, species competition, plant aging and decay, human and wildlife use. As most of the great forests in southern Ontario, including Rouge Park lands, were cleared in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the forests of today have a relatively short history.
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Take Only Photographs
Vicki MacDonald, Biologist, Rouge Park
Every year, thousands of people explore the trails of Rouge Park. Can you imagine how the Park would look if each of those visitors picked one flower, or left one piece of trash?
Rouge Park's vision includes the need for human activity to exist in harmony with our natural values. To maintain this delicate balance, it's important for visitors to consider proper and improper uses of the Park. Compatible park use will help us preserve this natural sanctuary, yet there seems to be a rise in inappropriate park use.
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The King of Rouge Park
Lewis Yeager, General Manager, Rouge Park
In summer of 2006, we enjoyed the widespread abundance of a striking large orange and black butterfly, the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), in Rouge Park and throughout southwestern Ontario. Early settlers called them "King Billys" after William of Orange, a 17th century King of England. Noted Canadian butterfly researcher Phil Schappert calls the Monarch the King of North America. When you know a little more about this magnificent insect, you might just agree!
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