MILTON, ON – February 18, 2022 – On Sunday, February 20, 2022 Earth Sciences researchers from Brock University will be collecting freeze-core samples from the bottom of Crawford Lake. The frozen layers of sediment collected can potentially define a new epoch in the geologic time scale, the Anthropocene.
“Conservation Halton has been protecting Crawford Lake since 1969. We are proud to be the current ‘guardians of the site.’ We have strict management protocols in place to preserve the lake’s scientific and cultural treasures, as well as ensuring that it is a place for people to come and experience,” said Hassaan Basit, CEO of Conservation Halton. “This research is a great example of why it is important to protect sites like this and demonstrates the value of conservation authorities.”
The researchers, led by Earth Sciences professor Francine McCarthy, will collect the freeze-core samples from Crawford Lake, in hopes that this will be the location selected for the “Golden Spike” to define the Anthropocene epoch – the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.
“A golden spike is an internationally agreed-upon location with a reference point in a section of rock or sediment layers that signals the beginning of a new episode in the geologic time scale,” said McCarthy.
Crawford Lake is open to the public while the coring takes place on Sunday, February 20 (park reservations are required conservationhalton.ca). Visitors can observe the coring from viewing locations along the boardwalk around the lake. The Crawford Lake core samples will be available for viewing at the Visitor’s Centre at times through the afternoon. Brock Professor Francine McCarthy and researchers from Carleton, McMaster and Queen’s Universities, Conservation Halton, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Royal Ontario Museum will be at the Interpretive Centre at times in the afternoon to answer questions and discuss the research and significance of the event.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science-based programs and services. Learn more at conservationhalton.ca.