RONDEAU: THE LAKE ERIE'S CUSPATE SANDSPIT EarthCache

RONDEAU: THE LAKE ERIE'S CUSPATE SANDSPIT

The coordinates will bring you to the main gate of Rondeau Provincial Park. This southwestern Ontario park is located on an 8 km long peninsula extending from the north shore of Lake Erie into the lake, some 115 km to south-west of London and 120 km to east of Windsor. Established in 1894, it is the second-oldest provincial park in Ontario (after Algonquin). It is recognized as the largest tourist destination in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, as a home to the second largest area of Carolinian forest in Canada and as an important stopover for birds during their migration.

The name of the park comes from the french words “rond d’eau” or “round water” which describes the shape of the harbour sheltered by the peninsula.

Rondeau peninsula is a geomorpholic feature known as a crescentic cuspate sandspit. It has been formed by the transport of sand and fine gravel by two converging currents along the Lake Erie shores. The material that make up the peninsula, originated from the east and west bluffs of the park. An alternative theory suggests that the peninsula is a re-worked sand and gravel from the glacial moraine which extend south and west along the bed of Erie. According to one source, there are only two sandspits like this one in all of North America: one in Rondeau and one in Florida (USA).  The exact age of the formation is not known. Depending on the source, it is estimated to be approximately 5000 to 9000 years old. Over the years changes in water levels created a series of sand dunes which run parallel to the north south orientation of peninsula. Along the eastern shore depositional processes dominate with a resulting widening of the peninsula. As of today, the size of the peninsula is around 32.5 square kilometers. A second formation, a narrow barrier beach extends east from Erieau and enclosed Rondeau Bay.

As the sand dunes are formed, they are colonized by hardy pioneer grasses. These grasses have a network of horizontal roots, rhizomes, which help solidify the dunes by keeping the sand together. They also shade and contribute organic matter to the sand, which allows it to retain moisture and increase the amount of nutrients available for plant growth. These improvements to the soil, allow other plant species to move in, starting the process of sand dune succession which will transform these grasses dunes into lush forest over the course of hundreds (and/or thousands) years. This procession may be very well seen on eastern shore of the peninsula, where one can find almost 8 km long sandy beach and dunes which give way to the black oak savannah and than to the forest. The western shore is dominated by a marsh which made up about one third of the park.

Rondeau Provincial Park protects the second largest tract of Carolinian forest in Canada,which stretches south from the Rouge River valley in Toronto to Middle Island in Lake Erie. Nick named the “banana belt”, this area has a relatively warm southern climate and supports an amazing diversity of wildlife and natural habitats. Many of distinctive species are found nowhere else in Canada.

Here you can find rare tree species such as sassafras, tulip tree, sycamore, red mulberry, pawpaw, black gum, shagbark hickory, pumpkin ash, Kentucky coffee tree and cucumber tree. Over two hundred species of unique plants can be found in Rondeau’s southern-style ecosystems, plants such as green dragon, creeping fragile fern, showy orchids, yellow pond lily, three-bird’s orchid, wedge grass, wild yam root, false mermaid, green milkweed, spike rush, swamp rose mallow, Virginia bluebells, clammyweed, fox grape and Oswego tea.

Rondeau is also one of the best places in North America to see birds. More than 80% of all species seen in Ontario can be found here. About one hundred thirty four species nest in the park and another two hundred species stop during migration. Among those sited are Acadian flycatcher, bald eagles, Baltimore orioles, Carolina wrens, black terns, brown thrashers, eastern kingbirds, marsh wrens, northern mockingbirds, savannah sparrows, tundra swans, red-headed and red-bellied woodpeckers and endangered prothonotary warblers.

The region also boast representation of amphibians and  reptiles such as eastern spiny soft-shelled turtles, Fowler’s toads, eastern hog-nosed snakes, Lake Erie water snakes, blue racers, five-lined sinks and so on. Rare animals are represented by badger, eastern mole, southern flying squirrel, coyotes and the North America only marsupial, Virginia opossum.

Rondeau Provincial Park is open 365 days a year, but the opening hours change according to the season. There are access fees to the park. If you need any information, call the park at (519) 674-1750 or visit the Ontario Parks Web Site at www.OntarioParks.com.

This cache is approved by Rondeau Provincial Park’s Authorities.

 Special thanks to Julie Foster, the Assistant Park Superintendent.

Thanks / Merci beaucoup, Julie!

In order to register this Earthcache:

Contact

 the cache owner

and meet those conditions :

First, take a snap shot of you with your GPS at one (1) of the proposed three (3) coordinates. This photo has to be posted with your log, once you’ll get the permission to log from us.

 
Second, answer to the questions associated with your chosen coordinates and send your answers to us by e-mail. Wait for the permission to log.

 
First coordinates: N 42° 16.870   W 081° 50.462

These coordinates will bring you to the wooden platform located on the beach (eastern shore), at the beginning of Tulip Tree Trail. Here, take your picture and answer to these questions:

    1) What is the elevation (altitude) at the coordinates?

    2) What is the distance from the coordinates to the lake?

    3) What is the color of sand in this area?

    4)  Name at least one type of grasses you see around?

Second coordinates: N 42° 16.798   W 081° 50.822

These coordinates will bring you in the middle of Tulip Tree Trail. Here, take your picture and answer to these questions:

    1) What is the elevation (altitude) at the coordinates?

    2) What is the definition of Carolinian forest and why it can be found here?

    3) What is the name of the one and only Ontario lizard which can be found in this park?

    4) What is the name of the small animal native to the south of the United States which lives in the park?

Third coordinates: N 42° 18.240  W 081° 51.513

These coordinates will bring you on the top of two store viewing tower located around 1 kilometer from the beginning of Marsh Trail (western shore). Here take your picture and answer to these questions:

    1) What is the elevation (altitude) at the coordinates?

    2) At the beginning of the trail, you'll find a board placed by Rondeau Wathershed Coalition. What is the threatened specie of reptile mentioned on the board?

    3) At the beginning  of the boardwalk which goes to the tower, you'll find an engraved boulder giving informations regarding the boardwalk and the tower. Who built it and when was it completed?

    4) Next to the boulder, you'll find a board mentioning one of the birds living around the area. What is the name of the bird?

Sources of information:

Internet

Various Ontario government publications (leaflets and brochures) found at the Visitor Centre of Rondeau Provincial Park