About the Green Map Icons

Nature: Features & Creatures

Amphibian Habitat

Area that is a good viewing site for frogs, newts and other amphibious creatures, which are indicators of a pond or wetland's health status.

Autumn Leaves

A place where autumn leaves are especially beautiful and bountiful.

Bioregional Site/Native Plants

Shows the topography or waterways of the larger region. Includes plants native to the bio-region.

Bird & Wildlife Watching

Place to see animals in the wild. Sites may be delicate nesting areas or habitats to be approached with care and understanding.

Climate and Currents

May be used to indicate prevailing direction, waterfalls or dramatic water, perhaps difficult currents for canoeists/kayakers. Can be used in areas with micro-climate, too.

Coastal Habitat

Place along the water's edge where wildlife congregates. Wildlife of any kind may be in or above the water, on the shore or on adjacent land.

Duck Pond

Place where ducks, geese, and other waterfowl gather. In cities, often a good place to watch and feed the birds. In the wild, just enjoy their water ballet.

Farm Animals

Gardens with chickens and rabbits or urban farms.

Flyover Zone

Good place to watch flocks of birds overhead. May also be used to indicate prevailing direction of birds' seasonal migrations if regular flight pattern is established.

Heritage/Special Tree

Tree that has historical importance, or is especially beautiful, large, old or rare. May be old growth, virgin (never cut by humans), ancient, sacred or medicinal trees or native plants.

Insect Watching Site

Good area to view insects and bugs as they fly or crawl though life.

Landform/Geological Feature

Place where unusual or typical forms are apparent. May be exposed rock layers, glacial till or a chasm view.

Marine Habitat

Includes fresh and salt water ecosystems, and the many kinds of wildlife that flourish in the water.

Significant Habitat

Notable wildlife habitat or natural area which may be rare or especially beautiful and rich.

Spring Blossoms

A place where spring blossoms are especially beautiful and bountiful.

Star-Gazing Sites

Dark vantage point that allows unobstructed views of the heavens. May also include planetariums or observatories.

Sunset/Sunrise Sites

Wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the sunset, most likely outdoors. Great sunrise spots can also be marked with this symbol.

Water Feature

Could be a beautiful fountain, well, spring, waterfall or natural pond. May simply celebrate water or offer a refreshing drink. May be ecologically designed.

Wetlands

Areas important for habitats and useful for water cleaning. May be natural, reconstructed or artificial. May be on the official protection list.

Wilderness Site/Info

Place where nature is still really natural, or information sources on how to experience the wilderness while protecting it.

Wildlife Corridor/Greenways

Often follows river or stream beds, ravines or steep hills, and are left in a natural state (more or less).

Wildlife Info/Rehab Centre

Place where injured or orphaned wild animals are nursed back to health before they are returned to the wild. Volunteers are often needed to help care for and inform the public about the wildlife.

Zoos & Wildlife Centre

Place to see animals collected and cared for by humans. Animals may not be indigenous; they may come from the wild or may have been born in the zoo. Some zoos have habitats for breeding endangered species, and other biodiversity programs. May be small "petting" zoo for children or large scale wildlife park.