© Lora Denis
Old Baldy Conservation Area © Luke Cole
Hiking helps me find tranquillity, exercise and reduce stress. I’m drawn to the allure of seeing flocks of shorebirds, turtles basking, majestic vistas and so much more. However, those who have not done much hiking may not know where to start. Here are tips to help those seeking to get closer to nature and plan ...
Global Climate Strike Toronto © Aidan Brushett
There’s mounting evidence suggesting that most people worldwide are worried about the planet’s future. In fact, 80% of respondents to a Global Trends Survey covering 50 countries believe “we are heading towards an environmental disaster unless we change our habits quickly.” It’s no surprise then that an ever-increasing number of people are experiencing “eco-anxiety,” or ...
April 17, 2024–Ontario Nature Staff
Community Science•Environmental Education•Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptile and Amphibian Day, Rouge Valley Conservation Centre © Kavita Dogra
The world of conservation is vast and intricate. A major challenge lies in fostering an understanding and appreciation of nature from a young age. One powerful approach to achieving this is by integrating real-world conservation efforts, such as the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (ORAA), into educational curricula. By doing so, teachers will not only ...
April 11, 2024–Janet Stavinga
Conservation News•Campaigns and advocacy•Habitat•Nature Network•Wetlands
Lookout over the Goulbourn Wetland Complex, a provincially significant wetland, at the headwaters of Poole Creek, along the Trans Canada Trail just west of Stittsville. © Brian Beattie
In a province already experiencing extensive wetland loss, one would think all efforts would be made to protect those that remain. However, from March 2023 to March 2024, 156 hectares of wetlands across 17 municipalities lost their Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) designation and the strong provincial protection that designation imparts.* The highest proportion of these ...
Monarch butterfly on Spotted Joe-pyeweed © Bill McDonald
As spring unfolds and summer draws nearer, many migratory species are making their way back to Ontario. One such species is the iconic monarch butterfly. Their long journey is a multi-generational undertaking: while it typically takes only one generation to make the southward journey in fall, it takes several generations for monarchs to make their ...
Laurel Creek Conservation Area © Carl Hiebert / Grand River Conservation Authority