Welcome to the Fluvarium’s Place of Care Installation!

 

Building on the WaterShed Heroes programming and climate education work at The Fluvarium, our team recognized the need to bring together COMMUNITY, CLIMATE EDUCATION, and ACTION.

Places of Care: a key gathering place in your area; a beacon of climate action; a hub of connection to nature and the outdoors Each one is unique to your city or town – designed, constructed, and led by members of your community.  

Our Place of Care installation at the Fluvarium is our first one – thank you for visiting! 

 

Check out our ‘Species of Care’ below. These species can be seen from the Place of Care tower!

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

The Muskrat is a medium-sized rodent native to North American
wetlands. A long, scale-covered tail propels this expert swimmer long distances. They build protective nests in banks with an underwater entry. Muskrats are an important food for many species like mink, foxes, and hawks. The muskrat’s favourite food is cattail.

Cattail (Typha latifolia)

Cattail is an important plant for maintaining wetlands and all the
species that inhabit this ecology. Dense stands grow in up to 3 feet of water calming waves and preventing soil erosion. They provide shelter and food for mammals, birds, fish and insects. In the Fall, the distinctive brown flower heads blow out thousands of seeds to float far on the wind to settle and take root in new areas.

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

With an extended bloom from July to October, Goldenrod is
a commonly identified meadow perennials. Its pollen and nectar are
an important support for many insects, birds, bees, and butterflies. Goldenrod thrives in wet and dry conditions and its many varieties pose interesting identification challenges for botanists.

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

The Dark-eyed Junco is a native sparrow who enjoys the frosty days of winter and can be seen year-round in Newfoundland & Labrador. The flash of white stripes on their tail as they take flight is a good identifier – as is their dark grey hood and white belly. According to The Cornell Lab All About Birds, the oldest recorded Dark-eyed Junco was at least 11 years, 4 months old!

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Brown Trout are found in streams and lakes throughout the Avalon Peninsula. Adults live in pools within streams, while young occupy pools and riffles. Sea-run brown trout live in the salt ocean water and return to fresh water to spawn.

White Birch (Betula papyrifa)

To the left as you face the pond you can see a large, multitrunk tree with white bark. This white birch is the most common species of birch and hardwood in
Newfoundland. The buds, leaves, and seed are important food for many birds and mammals. Birds such as woodpeckers make their homes in its trunk. The distinctive papery bark is very slow to decompose, and you can find lengths of fallen birch in the forest where all that is left is the bark!

 

Want to learn more about the Places of Care initiative or join our Community of Practice?

Learn more here!