Latest news with #environmentalConservation
CBC
23-05-2025
- General
- CBC
It's World Turtle Day! Here's why they matter
Friday is World Turtle Day. It's a yearly reminder to protect turtles and their disappearing natural habitats. Terre Chartrand is a land-based educator from Red Osier Guild, a Kitchener-based collective focused on environmental conservation and survival. Chartrand told CBC K-W's Aastha Shetty about why turtles are important to parks and natural spaces in Waterloo region.
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
Habitat loss and climate change make it tough to be an amphibian. Some humans are helping
HONEOYE, N.Y. (AP) — On a rainy March evening, John Bateman puts on his boots and a headlamp and heads to a wetland cut through by a busy road. As he walks, he scans the pavement for spring peepers, toads, salamanders and newts making their slow way as they migrate to new habitat each spring, and leans down occasionally to help guide one across. It's a small act that makes a big difference for these amphibians, who need different habitats for different stages of their life cycle — sometimes wetlands, sometimes drier uplands. Roads often separate these habitats, and migrating amphibians can get squished. They already face challenges from habitat lost to development. That's especially true for vernal pools, the small pools that show up each spring in forested ecosystems as snow melt and rainwater collect at low points on the ground. These pools hold water as late as July, and provide essential breeding habitat for amphibians like salamanders and frogs. Larger wetlands can enjoy federal protections, but not the vernal pools, which are too small and temporary. 'Unfortunately, with urban sprawl and development, a lot of the forests are being cleared for new housing developments as people move out of the cities and into the suburbs,' said Bateman, a professor of environmental conservation and horticulture at Finger Lakes Community College. 'When they clear these forest habitats, vernal pools are going to be buried and become new houses, condominiums, and neighborhoods.' ___ EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is a collaboration between Rochester Institute of Technology and The Associated Press. ___ The U.S. Geological Survey calls amphibian declines 'a global phenomenon' and one that's been underway in the U.S. since at least the 1960s. The agency said populations are dropping almost 4% each year in the U.S. Development isn't the only threat. Amphibians are being affected by Earth's changing climate. The Appalachian region is particularly rich in salamander species, and with temperatures rising, their range is shifting northward, Bateman said. That concerns him. 'At one point you hit the top and there is nowhere else to go,' Bateman said. A warming climate also requires cold-blooded amphibians to spend more time hunting to get the food they need to maintain their metabolism, said Karen Lips, a University of Maryland biology professor whose research found salamanders becoming smaller as a result. Bateman isn't the only conservationist working to help amphibians. Margot Fass owns A Frog House, a center for frog advocacy in Pittsford, New York. In April, she raised money and worked with 70 volunteers to build three vernal pools as part of Save the Frogs Day. The pools should help amphibians, but will also be a source of water for birds and other wildlife. Fass grows animated as she talks about chemical-free gardens and their importance to amphibians: 'One spray of pesticides can kill a frog within an hour. It's just horrible.' Both she and Bateman are strong believers in educating their communities to help amphibians. They often give talks in schools, libraries and to various groups. 'It's amazing how few people really know that frogs are endangered or that a third of them have gone extinct,' Fass said. The Genesee Land Trust, a not-for-profit conservation organization, is another active member in preserving and protecting land in the greater Rochester region. It owns Cornwall Preserve in Pultneyville, New York, on the edge of Lake Ontario. The trust bought the 77-acre property in 2016, becoming the first non-farmers to own the land in 200 years. They're preserving the historical farmland and in doing so have restored some wetlands and vernal pools. 'The wetland immediately served a population of birds after we first started digging,' said Elliotte Bowerman, the trust's director of communications. Catching amphibians may just be a nostalgic childhood memory for most, but for Bateman it never lost its magic. He believes preserving wetlands and vernal pools is critical not only for the amphibians and the environment, but for the next generation to experience the childlike wonder of discovering these hidden creatures. 'I think that the future generations are absolutely going to be at a loss to not have those experiences that I did as a child, to have that connection with nature,' he said. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Mural celebrating 90 years of New Brighton marine lake
A mural celebrating the legacy of a 90-year-old marine lake has been inspired by environmental conservation and mythical creatures, project organisers have said. Spirit Of The Lake pays homage to New Brighton Marine Lake as it celebrates its 90th Joe Forrest, from New Brighton, who was commissioned by The Friends of New Brighton Marine Lake, said the mural also drew people's attention to the town's rich coastal heritage. "We've decided to leave [her] nameless so that people can create their own interpretations of her," he said. Following a grand unveiling, the mural's centrepiece can be viewed by the general public at The Floral Pavilion, before the full mural is installed on the lake's wall."It's an honour to have been selected to create this piece for this very special project," Mr Forrest said."We had a great turn out for the unveiling at The Floral Pavilion and I'm looking forward to the full mural being installed on the marine lake soon."The Friends Of The Marine Lake group said the installation would give the lake a new identity and public perception. Project Leader Tim Brundsen said the mural was designed to be seen from all sides when installed on the said the artwork was inspired by key themes from the lake's legacy, including environmental conservation, wildlife, mythical creatures and water quality improvement."Hundreds of people use the lake every day, whatever the weather, gathering to chat, swim and dip together, building friendships and community, improving their mental health and wellbeing in the process. "Unfortunately, the lake's water quality has been deteriorating, often full of debris and rubbish, green and brackish. "We are taking action to reverse this decline." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
