Arts, Culture and Outdoors

There are thousands of species of plants in Ontario. It is important to know that although you can eat some plants, many are not edible and can make you sick. Learn how to identify edible wild plants before you decide to eat them.

Some plants will also cause harm to your skin. Poison ivy is a shrubby plant or climbing woody vine that is well known for its ability to cause an itchy rash. Poison ivy is a common plant found throughout Northumberland County. The leaves have three pointed leaflets and are often glossy, and the plant develops white berries that can last through the winter. An easy phrase to remember is “Leaflets three – Let it be!”

Other plants that can pose a health risk or discomfort include giant hogweed, wild parsnip and nettles. Consider attending workshops and learning more about these potentially harmful plants. However, it is important to understand that many of these plants do benefit wildlife.

You will probably encounter numerous species of wildlife in Ontario ranging from insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals and birds. Consider attending workshops to learn more about these animals. However, there are a few things to consider when dealing with wildlife.

Wildlife can become a nuisance when they are no longer scared of humans. Always remember to cover your garbage to avoid unintentional feeding of wildlife.

Ensure that your home is well sealed from wildlife. Squirrels, racoons and mice can do damage to your home if they live in places like attics or basements.

Ontario has numerous snakes and spiders, but only a few are poisonous. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, found in the Georgian Bay area, is Ontario’s only venomous snake. The female black widow spider is also poisonous, and two species of the black widow spider are located in Ontario.

When enjoying nature in or around water, remember that after a heavy rainstorm or in the spring when snow is melting, local rivers and small streams flow quickly — please keep away.

In addition, rivers, streams and lakes may not freeze solid in the winter. Please check the thickness of the ice before walking or driving on it, or stay a safe distance away.

There are many actions you can take to protect our local environment. Learn more from organizations such as your local conservation authorities. Consider the following actions you can take:

• Plant native trees, shrubs and plants on your property
• Conserve water and energy
• Learn about local threats to our environment such as invasive species
• Reduce, reuse and recycle materials
• Consider your purchases
• Buy local
• Volunteer and get involved with a local environmental organization.

While religious offerings are not the largest source of water pollution, anything not found naturally in the river can harm water quality and the homes of wildlife. When flowers, leaves, lemons, coconuts and other plant materials are put into the water, they immediately begin to break down and use up oxygen. Some plants and animals are very sensitive to the amount of oxygen in the water and cannot survive when oxygen is depleted. Coconuts, lemons and other fruits may cause health and disease problems if eaten by wildlife. This is because these fruits do not grow in Canada and are not the typical food that wildlife in this country would eat. Clothing, jewelry, money, plastic bags, containers and wrappers may also cause harm if wildlife get caught in them or eat them.

What can you do?

• Flowers and leaves may be placed in local rivers, however only a small handful should be released at one time. Extra flowers can be composted.
• Fruits such as coconuts may be eaten, composted or buried with the permission of the landowner.
• Offerings such as clothing, jewelry or money should not be placed in or near rivers. These offerings may be donated to local places of worship or community groups.

Plastic bags or wrappers must be recycled or placed in the garbage.

• Canadian weather
• Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
• Lower Trent Conservation