© Lora Denis
Boreal forest © Vladimir Melnikov
In his throne speech on July 12, Premier Doug Ford promised Ontarians a “government for the people.” So what is it that the people really want? Among other things, it’s safe to say that the people want a healthy environment. Most Canadians believe that protecting the environment is one of the most important issues we ...
Spotted salamander © Tricia Stinnissen
Spotted salamanders spend the majority of their time underground and out of sight. However, every spring they emerge to breed and lay eggs in the low lying areas of forests that fill up with water, which are called vernal pools. Spotted salamander eggs are easy to identify because they often have a bright green glow. ...
Marsh marigolds, Petrel Point Nature Reserve © Kirsten Dahl
Author and conservationist Rachel Carson writes “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature…the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” Last weekend I had the good fortune to ...
Toronto shoreline pollution © Duncan Rawlinson CC BY-NC 2.0
In Canada, nearly 90 per cent of plastics end up incinerated, or in our landfills, lakes, parks and oceans. Once in the environment, they contaminate ecosystems, kill wildlife, and leach toxic chemicals. It’s time for Canada to deal with its plastic production, waste, and pollution problem. It’s time for government action. Less than 11 per ...
This spring a snapping turtle found in Hamilton’s Cootes Paradise was confirmed to have been infected with ranavirus. This potentially devastating virus has killed numerous amphibians, but this is the first time a Canadian reptile has been infected. What causes ranavirus and how is it transmitted? Ranavirus is an infectious DNA virus known to infect ...
Laurel Creek Conservation Area © Carl Hiebert / Grand River Conservation Authority