The goals of our ecological stewardship program at ruthven park…

  • Study

    To develop a greater understanding of the interdependence between humans and nature through our own and partnered ecological research projects.

  • Protect

    To preserve native species and their biological communities through our ongoing conservation efforts.

  • Educate

    To enlighten guests to the wonder of our natural environment and the importance of the biodiversity within and beyond Ruthven Park.

“understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment."

-Sir David Attenborough

Current ecological stewardship projects: 

  • Bird banding 

  • Wetland studies 

  • Invasive species removal 

  • Tree surveys  

  • Habitat restoration 

  • Species census collection

Species of the Month

October’s article written by Brooke VanGroningen, Co-Op Student - Hamilton District Christian High School

Big Brown Bat

Eptesicus fuscus

Halloween is the season of everything spooky. It’s the time of year for witches, zombies, ghouls and ghosts - and, of course, bats. Bats are notorious for spooky vampire stories and flying into your hair - but really they’re one of the most beneficial species out there. A common species throughout North America is the Big Brown Bat. The Brown Bat will consume their body weight in insects every night, dramatically reducing loss of farmer’s crops due to pests. These bats can live for at least 20 years, although the average life expectancy is slightly over 6.5 years. Big Brown Bats generally don’t migrate for the winter, instead hibernating wherever they can find shelter and can sleep undisturbed. They have adapted very well to human presence and will hibernate in anything from houses and barns to storm sewers and mines, as well as their traditional caves and tree cavities. Generally these bats will roost in maternity colonies - colonies made up of mothers and their 1-2 pups.

Big Brown Bats are currently under the least concern of extinction, although there is a disease called ‘White-Nose Syndrome’ that has caused the population to decline.

White-Nose Syndrome is caused by an invasive fungus. This fungus will grow on hibernating bats’ skin, leading to dehydration, starvation, and often death. While Big Brown Bats aren’t as endangered by the fungus as other species, such as the Little Brown Bat or Tri-coloured bat, the fungus is still a major concern to this species.