If you didn’t already know, TFN owns and maintains 170+ hectares of private nature reserves & environmentally sensitive wetlands, protecting habitats vital to many provincially-endangered and at-risk species. We consider our stewardship of these lands to be one of the most meaningful ways that we deliver upon our mandate and are always looking to improve the quality of our care in ways that best respect the generosity of our volunteers & donors.
Earlier this year, TFN’s Stewardship Committee initiated a pilot project to test out weatherproof, solar-powered trail cameras at our Jim Baillie Nature Reserve (JBNR), our 35 hectare reserve located in the Uxbridge Creek Environmentally Significant Area. Three different models were deployed to allow us to compare their performance, sustainability, ease-of-use, and other logistical factors. The cameras were positioned in strategic locations throughout the reserve, places that we felt had the best chances of capturing images of the wildlife that visits or resides at JBNR. The results did not disappoint!
The cameras were decommissioned in early November for evaluation and maintenance and will remain offline until early spring next year. Over the winter, TFN stewards will compare the relative performance and general health of the pilot units and use this information to inform purchase of additional cameras, set to be deployed at our other three reserves in 2024.