Friends of Oliphant Coastal Environments

Publication…..Guide to Informations sources Read more… »

Photo courtesy Stew Nutt

Federal Species Profile…….Provincial Fact Sheet…….Recovery Team……..Brochure

Piping plovers nested in Oliphant for the first time in thirty-five years in June 2008. These birds are an endangered species, in fact there are only 60 or so pairs on the Great Lakes — mostly in Michigan. The work of FOOCE in protecting our shoreline, will be very important to the future of this endangered species! Read more… »

Photograph courtesy Grant Simmie. Taken at Oliphant May 2010

The Dwarf Lake Iris is classified as “threatened”  provincially and federally. Dwarf Lake Iris is only found in the Great Lakes region of North America, where it occurs in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario.

Dwarf Lake Iris occur in various locations in Oliphant. It is fairly abundant in some of these locations.

More information and pictures are provided in the links below:

Federal Species Profile….Provincial Fact Sheet….  Coswick Status Report

Photo courtesy Grant Simmie ; Taken at Oliphant July 2008

Federal Species Profile….Provincial Fact Sheet……COSEWIC Status Report

The Tuberous Indian Plantain is classified provincially and federally as a “species of special concern”. It only grows in habitats that are similar to the Oliphant shoreline. In Canada, it only exists in Southern Ontario. It is fairly common in Oliphant  and can be seen blooming in July at various locations along the shore road. It is a unique plant that has a real presence when in bloom.  Here’s a closer look: Read more… »

Photo courtesy Grant Simmie ; Taken at Oliphant, August 2007

The Monarch Butterfly is classified as a “species of special concern” provincially and federally. They are common along the Oliphant shore particularly during their annual migration to Mexico. This picture was taken in mid August 2007. Monarchs gathered at the edge of the cedar bush bordering the shore to roost for the evening.

Federal Species Profile……Provincial Fact Sheet

Hal Korber/PGC photo

The Bald Eagle is classified as “endangered” in southern Ontario and a “species of special concern” in northern Ontario. It is not at risk federally.

Oliphant has at least one pair of bald eagles who return every year to nest. Bald eagles feed mostly on fish and usually nest in trees near water. The presence of bald eagles in Oliphant is one indicator of environmental health. They are very sensitive to contaminants such as pesticides.

Photo courtesy Parks Canada

The Eastern Massasauga Rattle Snake is classified as “threatened” provincially and federally. It was once fairly common in the Oliphant area. Reliable information suggests there have been a number of sightings in recent years that have not been documented. In response to our request for assistance, Lee Burton provided a picture of a 2007 sighting. It would be helpful if we can confirm more sightings. In this regard FOOCE asks that we be informed of any sightings. Please take a picture if possible. More information and pictures are provided in the links below:

Federal Species Profile….Provincial Fact Sheet…..COSEWIC Status Report…..Recovery Team

Photo courtesy Walter Crowe ; Taken in Howdenvale area

Hill’s Thistle is classified as “threatened”  provincially and federally. Reliable sources indicate that it is present in the Oliphant area.

FOOCE wishes to confim the presence of Hill’s Thistle and will appreciate being infomed of any sightings. We also wish to obtain an Oliphant picture of it for our site.

More information and pictures are available in the links provide below.

Federal Species Profile….Provincial Fact Sheet….COSEWIC Status Report

Photo Courtesy Walter Crowe ; Taken at a Manitoulin Island Alvar

The Lakeside Daisy is classified as threatened provincially and federally. In Canada it only exists on the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. It’s presence in the Oliphant area has not been documented but some residents claim to have seen it. It is present in the Dorcas Bay Nature Preserve but is more common on the Georgean Bay side of North Bruce Peninsula. It grows in alvar habitats.

Please advise FOOCE if you are lucky enough to see this plant.  More information and pictures are provided in the links below.

Federal Species Profile..….Provincial Fact Sheet…..COSEWIC Status Report

Joan Crowe from the Bruce-Grey Plant Committee (Owen Sound Field Naturalists) provided FOOCE with a list of rare species which have been reported from the Oliphant area. The species which appear below are considered to be rare provincially. They appear on the National Heritage Information Center Tracked Species List and in the Plant committee’s publication Rare and Endangered Species of Bruce and Grey Counties.

Over time FOOCE hopes to obtain local pictures of these species for this site. Some species although provincially rare are likely common in Oliphant because of our unique coastal environment. Click on the “description” link on the Natural Resources site to see plant descriptions.