A Lifelong Love for Wildlife Conservation & Community Talks
September’s conservation spotlight shines on Anne, whose groundbreaking work bridges decades of research with real-world solutions for some of Ontario’s most vulnerable wildlife. On September 10th 2026. She took the stage at the Niagara Falls Nature Club, sharing how her lifelong dedication to snakes—especially their overwintering ecology—is making a tangible difference for the endangered Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake in the Wainfleet Bog.
For over 25 years, Anne has immersed herself in the secret lives of snakes, uncovering the challenges they face during the harsh Canadian winter. Her current focus? Innovative “forced and assisted hibernation” techniques designed to boost the survival rates of neonatal snakes, a critical step in reversing the decline of this iconic but threatened species. Thanks to her efforts, the Massasauga rattlesnake population is now part of a managed recovery program, offering hope for its long-term survival.
But Anne’s impact doesn’t stop there. Her “Life Zone” research has led to patented designs for communal hibernacula, providing safe havens for snakes and other reptiles across North America. Beyond her scientific contributions, she has been a driving force in recovery teams for multiple endangered species, including freshwater turtles, Dusky Salamanders, and Fowler’s Toads.
Her work is a reminder that conservation is not just about protecting species—it’s about restoring balance to entire ecosystems.
Alberta biologist Sheri Monk and her partner, Francesco, visited Wainfleet Bog to learn about the local Massasauga recovery project. During their visit, they observed several snake species.
As summer ends and our student staff return to school, we continue to closely monitor Wainfleet Bog snake habitat to ensure a smooth release process for the Massasauga recovery project.
What's Next?
Stay tuned to our social media for updates on upcoming events, including our participation in Safari Niagara’s Boo at the Zoo (October 3rd and 4th) and our first scheduled family-friendly nature workshop, “8Trees Budding Biologists,” at Heartland Forest on November 7th.