Remarkable Reptiles Weekend Aug 29 & 30

Ontario Nature invites you to attend the "Remarkable Reptiles Weekend", hosted by the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, August 29th and 30th, 2009. Join us for the weekend to learn about the unique lives of reptiles, their decline in Ontario, and stewardship and conservation solutions that you can become involved in.

The weekend will feature keynote presentations about reptile ecology, research and conservation in Ontario, programs by Sciensational Sssnakes!! that will let you get up-close and personal with live Ontario reptiles and reptile and amphibian hikes in and around the National Park. Several of Ontario's reptile conservation groups will be present to answer your questions and provide information about how to get involved locally. You will also learn how to identify reptiles and amphibians in your area and report your observations to Ontario Nature's new Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas program.

The event is free and a free BBQ lunch will be provided both days from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm. The reptile and amphibian hikes will leave from the Parks Canada Visitor Centre at 9:30 am on both days. Participation in the hikes will be limited to the first 20 people that sign up for each day. Other events run from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday. For more information about the weekend or to sign up for one of the hikes, please e-mail Joe Crowley at joec@ontarionature.org by August 26th .