This week is dedicated to the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)! Sometimes called the Red-spotted Newt, these amphibians are common at Murphys Point. They go through three life stages — larval, juvenile (when they are known as red eft), and adult. Individuals move from the water upon reaching the red eft stage, and back to the water once fully mature. Pictured here is an adult. It has dull, olive green skin with black-rimmed red spots that warn predators of toxins within its skin. Interestingly, Garter Snakes are immune to Eastern Newts’ lethal toxins. Their warning spots appear at the red eft stage and remain for the newt’s lifetime — close to ten years in the wild! These amphibians are carnivorous — they feed on a variety of insects and aquatic organisms that live in or near their wetland habitat. Like Salmon, Eastern Newts return to the same body of water where they were born to reproduce.
Welcome! Watch this space for upcoming activities.
MINE TOURS AND OTHER PROGRAMS
Yes…there will be Silver Queen Mine Tours this summer!The park is planning to have guided tours on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10am. Sundays will feature the regular Open House at the mine (10am to noon). The first tour will be Canada Day (July 1).Registration for all guided tours will open Monday, June 27. Space is limited so you must pre-register at the gatehouse or call 613-267-5060. Registration is not required for the open houses.ALSO!Evening Programs will be Saturday nights, starting in July. The time will change based on our daylight hours.Snake Talks will be every day at 2pm outside the visitor centre, starting Canada Day.Exploration stations, prop tables, and Kids programs will be advertised the week of on our program boards.Stay tuned for a great summer!For the latest information on COVID-19 precautions and available amenities at Murphys Point (services, facilities, attractions) during the 2022 season, be sure to check https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/murphyspoint.
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