Rideau Trail Association

On Sunday 21 June, the RTA Kingston Club had a promotional table at the Queens University Biological Station Open House outside Chaffey's Lock. Approximately 250 people attended. Lots of RTA literature, as well as 3D printed tick removers and whistles were handed out. Thanks to our member volunteers for making this happen. Hope to see everyone at our next promotional table, which will be at the Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival in Portland on 18-19 July.

Spot This Wildlife: Snapping turtles are often seen near wetlands. In Ontario, the snapping turtle is listed as a species of Special Concern under the Endangered Species Act due to threats like road mortality and habitat loss, meaning that while they are not yet endangered, they require careful monitoring and protection to prevent them from becoming threatened.

Fun fact: Snapping turtles can extract oxygen directly from the water through their cloaca—a process often called "butt-breathing". While primarily lung-breathing animals, they use this physiological trick during winter brumation (reptile hibernation) to survive while remaining submerged under ice.

Photo Credit: nrcm.org