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Migratory Species
Ontario Nature Magazine Fall 2024 Issue
A flash of bright colour in the treetops reveals the first warbler of spring. A dorsal fin moving upriver indicates the return of salmon in the fall. These are moments in nature that many people wait for all year. But the seasonal movement of animals may become less common because one in five migratory species is at risk of extinction.
Taking Education Outside
Ontario Nature Magazine Summer 2024 Issue
With recent policy changes in Ontario undermining protection for wetlands and species at risk, conservation must involve the the people most critical for its future: youth. Getting young people interested and connected to nature starts in the only classroom suitable for the job — the one that has no walls.
Youth Summit
Ontario Nature Magazine Winter 2023 Issue
Back in person for the first time since 2019, the 2023 Youth Summit for Mother Earth was attended by youth from over 40 communities across Ontario this past September.
2023 Youth Summit Participants Share Their Experience
Ontario Nature Magazine Blog October 2023
This past September, the annual Youth Summit for Mother Earth returned for a fully in-person cross-cultural learning event held at Camp Wahanowin, on Chippewas of Rama First Nation territory. In partnership with Plenty Canada, the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent University, and Walpole Island Land Trust, over sixty youth participated in educational workshops and team-building activities on the shores of Lake Couchiching. A highlight of the Nature Guardians Youth Program, the annual Summit is a time for team cheers, exploring the outdoors, and most importantly, to connect young people from across Ontario who share a common goal: protecting and learning more about Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage.
World of Wetlands
Ontario Nature Magazine Fall 2023 Issue
This past May, the Ontario Nature Youth Council hit the trail to learn about and experience wetlands as part of the group’s multi-year focus on these increasingly threatened habitats.
Youth Council Explores Wetlands in the Lake Simcoe Watershed
Ontario Nature Magazine Blog July 2023
This past May, the Ontario Nature Youth Council set out to explore the wonders of wetlands on a field trip to Holland Marsh and Scanlon Creek Conservation Area. Together, with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) and Cambium Professional Indigenous Services (CIPS), the Youth Council discovered the importance of protecting these at-risk habitats through three hands-on workshops.
Breaking Barriers — The Birding Backpack Program
Ontario Nature Magazine Blog March 2023
Hearing the distinct calls of red-winged blackbirds and spotting turkey vultures teetering on the wind reminds us that spring bird migration in Ontario is happening now. With one of the most eventful seasons for birding upon us, there is no better time to encourage young people to get involved in bird conservation.
WANTED: Volunteer Stewards for Baptist Harbour and Wilfred G. Crozier Nature Reserves
Ontario Nature Magazine Blog September 2022
Since 1961, Ontario Nature’s Nature Reserves Program has protected vulnerable habitat across the province while providing opportunities for both scientific research and recreation. Crucial to the success of this program are volunteer stewards who act as eyes on the ground for the Nature Reserves team.
Rare Alvar Habitat on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula
Ontario Nature Magazine Spring 2022 Issue
Along the shores of picturesque Lake Huron, sunlight reflects off moon-like crater pools encircled by century old cedars. Its crystal blue water and exposed limestone make Baptist Habour Nature Reserve a place unlike any other in Ontario.
Featured: Our Forests Magazine- Winter 2022
Winner of Through Your Lens: Winter Photo Contest, Trees Company Blog
We have a winner! Maya Davidson takes first prize in the Our Forest winter photo contest for her photo of a White-Tailed Deer spotted in Mississauga, Ontario in January 2021.
Forest Wilderness on Toronto’s Doorstep
Ontario Nature Magazine Winter 2021 Issue
Set amongst the rolling farm fields of Caledon Hills is a forest virtually undisturbed for close to two centuries.
New Trail Welcomes All Visitors
Ontario Nature Magazine Fall 2021 Issue
Located in the heart of cottage country, the H.N Crossley Nature Reserve now features a 130-metre wheelchair- accessible trail that gives visitors a chance to explore a typical “eyed” bog.
Reimagining Lawns
Ontario Nature Magazine Blog June 2021
With hot weather approaching, many Ontarians are starting to wake up to the sound of the neighbors’ mower and sprinkler systems. While lawns can be visually attractive, they are monoculture ecosystems that rarely support native biodiversity.
Red Headed Woodpecker Among 15 New Species Added to Species at Risk in Ontario
Ontario Nature Magazine Blog May 2021
With a striking crimson head and a loud, harsh call, this unmistakable woodpecker takes centre stage on the backyard suet or drilling away into a tree. But unfortunately, things are changing quickly for this woodland standout.
The Rise of “Plantfluencers” Has Turned Nurseries Into Competitive Scenes
Special to the Globe and Mail —in Print March 2021
When you think of a nursery or garden centre, memories of your mother going to pick up some summer annuals or your dad loading up bagged black mulch for the yard come to mind. Today, that scene is changing. Armed with smartphone cameras, and meticulously checking under each leaf, people now browse with the trained eye of fine-art collectors. The houseplant business is trendy, thriving and young – and it turns out there are a lot of roots beneath the surface.
Add Some Canada to Your Garden This Spring
Special to the Globe and Mail— in Print March 2021
No matter what shade of green your thumb, these five easy perennials are great additions to your garden—and they’ll survive Canadian winters too.