MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

March 10, 2010

Ontario Frogs - The Ribbet Exhibit Returns

From April 17 to July 5, 2010 the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority brings back this successful exhibit to the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation.  The exhibit entitled, Ontario Frogs: The Ribbet Exhibit Returns is based on a travelling exhibit featuring Frogs from the Redpath Museum at McGill University.   The exhibit has been re-developed to feature Ontario Frogs and provides visitors information they can use to find and understand real frogs.  There are no live frogs in this exhibit.

The exhibit features each of the frog and toad species in Ontario. This includes species at risk such as the Fowler’s Toad which is a threatened species living along the Lake Erie shoreline.  The NPCA has been developing habitat areas for the Fowler’s Toad in conservation areas along the lakeshore.  Understanding the habitat and needs of all these remarkable creatures is a key part of this exhibit.  As frogs are sensitive to air, water and land they are our first indicators of environmental issues.  This exhibit will also share current research and challenges for our frog populations. 

Panels outlining the life cycle of the frog, their seasonal cycles and their biology are featured in the exhibit, as well as hands-on activities including a scavenger hunt, reading area, frog food activity and  a children’s arts & craft centre.   A short film entitled A Sticky Situation outlines the global issues for frogs.   Take a walk in the woods, or along our open fields and ponds to listen and see the diversity of frogs within our 278 acre conservation area.  This exhibit will get you hopping as you discover the world of frogs and realize what you can do to help these important creatures survive.

Join us on May 1, from 10-11:30 and 1-2:30 for a guided hike to look for frogs, followed by activities in the education room (included with admission to the Conservation Area).  

Ontario Frogs runs from April 17 to July 5, 2010.  Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Admission is $5.50 for adults; seniors and children - $4.00.  For information, group reservations and education programs call 905-562-5235.

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Contact::  Andrea Wilson, Program Assistant, Ball’s Fall Centre for Conservation
905-562-5235 Ext. 23; email:  awilson@npca.ca