Background

Scales Nature Park was purchased in 2002 to be a wildlife conservation facility by Jeff Hathaway and Jenny Pearce, operators of Sciensational Sssnakes!! since 1994.  We are currently open to the public, but will be celebrating a grand opening in the spring of 2010 (see Visit Us for more details). Scales Nature Park provides unsurpassed opportunities to learn about reptiles, amphibians, and fish- the animals we’ve chosen to focus on.

Facilities

The park is a 21 hectare mosaic of upland and wetland habitats. A nature trail system (opening soon) provides visitor access to two beautiful cold water streams, three ponds, a provincially significant wetland, hardwood forests, hemlock groves, and grassy meadows. Several habitat enhancement projects have already been completed by volunteers, and many more are planned for the future!  The natural features of Scales Nature Park allow for a wide variety of experiences and activities for our visitors.

The nature centre building houses the live animals both on exhibit and for use in other programming. Our custom-built enclosures are spacious and provide for the animal's needs. Multi-page interpretive signs provide a wealth of information for those who are interested.  The classroom features interactive exhibits, and space for group functions as well.

Collection

The live animals at Scales Nature Park are the core of our programming.  There are usually about 300 animals of around 60 species in the centre.  A large proportion of the collection are Canadian reptiles and amphibians, making this the most complete live collection of Canadian species to be found in the entire country! Having these animals on hand provides unparalleled opportunities for educational programming.  Some examples of the animals include: the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Ontario’s only venomous snake; Black Rat Snakes, Canada’s longest snake (and an Endangered species), and the unusual Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle. The collection is maintained in large part by the dedication and attention to detail of Jenny Pearce, owner of the associated Sciensational Sssnakes!!

Scales Nature Park also houses a number of exotic reptiles and amphibians.  Many of these are animals that have been donated by their owners or seized by agencies, and they are not well-suited to be pets due to their large size and challenging care requirements.  We also feature some examples of reptiles that are excellent choices for those who would like a reptile as a pet.  We strongly encourage prospective reptile owners to learn about these animals before bringing them home from a pet store, and feel it is important to provide this information as part of our educational efforts.  You can read more about this in "Reptiles as Pets".  Examples of the exotic species at Scales Nature Park include: Burmese Pythons, Green Iguanas, Boa Constrictors, Corn Snakes, Bearded Dragons, and Blue-tongued Skinks.

Staff

The staff of Scales Nature Park are dedicated to ensuring our visitors enjoy a safe, meaningful, and fun experience while touring the park. Many of our staff are students or recent graduates of university or college programs in fish and wildlife biology, or related fields.  They are well equipped to answer your questions and assist you during your visit. Click here for current staff profiles.