Nature is spectacular in its simplest form, and magnificent in its complexity. Animal and plant kingdoms alike are stunningly beautiful yet incredibly vulnerable. Some thrive, some survive, and some are lost forever. How can we help protect the ecosystems that sustain us?
As Simple As 1 – 2 – 3
Be aware. Life on Earth is interconnected. When nature falters, we falter. Therefore, we must be aware of how our actions impact the stability of nature around us.
Understand. The pendulum can swing far and hard in the wrong direction when the balance of nature is disrupted. We must keep our wants versus our needs in check.
Act. Choose to take a stance for Ontario’s species at risk. They depend on all of us.
Human activities are harming the world’s terrestrial and marine environments, and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating.
Extensive deforestation is an important driver of biodiversity loss. Many once pristine wetlands are being destroyed by massive residential and industrial developments. Habitat loss, pollution and climate change also pose serious threats.
When do we determine that this so-called ‘progress’ has pushed the stability of wildlife and ecosystems past the breaking point? It is a concerning question as we look toward the future and what might lie ahead.
While many are concerned about the plight of wildlife worldwide, we sometimes lose sight of the beautiful creatures that live right in our own backyards.
Ontario has varied ecosystems. From the incredible boreal forests, tundra and wetlands of the far north to the Carolinian forest of the southern region and the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, our province should be full of biodiversity. Yet more than 230 animals and plants are at risk in Ontario.
To destroy that which shares this planet with us – particularly for the purposes of overindulgence and overconsumption – is a sad legacy. Losing ecosystems like wetlands, forests, prairies and lakes, creates a chain effect that can ultimately affect the wellbeing of our communities.
Our Choice
Nature depends on us. In the opinion of this proud life-long Ontarian and wildlife artist, today is not too soon to protect our wild species and wild spaces.
It is for these reasons that I feel compelled to act in my own humble way. As a wildlife artist and with my love for all things nature, my art has now become my voice. Stepping away from my normal style of art, my latest depictions of our vulnerable species, although haunting, are designed to bring hope to this crisis and shine light on the darkness. This collection has been created for and committed to assisting organizations that are dedicated to the preservation of wild Ontario.
In a quest to help Ontario’s endangered species, one hundred percent of the net proceeds of my original painting ‘Winged Warrior’ will be donated to Ontario Nature for the charity’s ongoing effort in the preservation of wild areas for the sustainability of the monarch butterfly. For more information, please visit: artscapesbysherry.ca.
Sherry Hayes is a professional landscape designer and wildlife artist who draws attention to the plight of wildlife and sensitive lands impacted by over-development and residential intensification, particularly in Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe east area.
18 Replies to “Ontario’s Species at Risk: A Wildlife Artist’s Perspective and Offering”
A very enlightening article! And how true it is that we tend to overlook the beauty and diversity of nature in our own backyards. As with climate change, the protection of our local natural environment should be an election issue for us all! Thank you for your contribution Sherry 💕
Wonderful article Sherry- your insight and message is needed now more than ever. The destruction of the habitat in Stoney Creek by the lake is shameful- to approve high density housing in a small area where wildlife used to thrive must stop.
We need to keep pounding this message into the heads of our politicians at all levels. Too often they take the side of the developers who are only interested in profit and care not for the natural world that sustains us all.
Thank you everyone for your kind words and for taking the time to read my article regarding concerns for our wild species and spaces. I appreciate that you are also concerned and recognize the need for change so that our At Risk and vulnerable Species and Spaces might have the opportunity to rebound, thrive and keep our Wild Ontario beautiful for generations to come. As a wildlife artist I can only hope that my Endangered Species Darkness series of art will continue to be my voice to help bring awareness to everyone regarding this pressing and dire issue. Thank you again.
Excellent and timely article Sherry. I also am very concerned with urban sprawl and the effects on our wetlands, meadows, forests, lakes etc. I hope we can save our precious eco system.
A very educational article Sherry.
Hopefully the public will become more aware of the dangers and loss of our wildlife
and reach out before it is too late.
Great article Sherry. Nice to know about your picture donations. Being lovers of nature ourselves, we too are supportive of efforts to protect it, especially as we are also seeing a definite decline in the wildlife in our area in the last year.
What a wonderful article. We have noticed a very big drop in our birds and our wildlife in the past few years. There is a definate need for something to be done and hopefully its not too late.
A very enlightening article! And how true it is that we tend to overlook the beauty and diversity of nature in our own backyards. As with climate change, the protection of our local natural environment should be an election issue for us all! Thank you for your contribution Sherry 💕
Wonderful article Sherry- your insight and message is needed now more than ever. The destruction of the habitat in Stoney Creek by the lake is shameful- to approve high density housing in a small area where wildlife used to thrive must stop.
We need to keep pounding this message into the heads of our politicians at all levels. Too often they take the side of the developers who are only interested in profit and care not for the natural world that sustains us all.
Thank you everyone for your kind words and for taking the time to read my article regarding concerns for our wild species and spaces. I appreciate that you are also concerned and recognize the need for change so that our At Risk and vulnerable Species and Spaces might have the opportunity to rebound, thrive and keep our Wild Ontario beautiful for generations to come. As a wildlife artist I can only hope that my Endangered Species Darkness series of art will continue to be my voice to help bring awareness to everyone regarding this pressing and dire issue. Thank you again.
I run by that neighbourhood… I did not know what was there before… everything comes at a cost. I admire what you’re doing.
Great article Sherry, very informative and educational.
Great Article Sherry,
we need to bring as much awareness to the public in regards to what’s happening to the world around us and nature, hopefully this will help.
Excellent and timely article Sherry. I also am very concerned with urban sprawl and the effects on our wetlands, meadows, forests, lakes etc. I hope we can save our precious eco system.
Thanks everyone for your comments, and Sherry for her support to the cause and talent.
A very educational article Sherry.
Hopefully the public will become more aware of the dangers and loss of our wildlife
and reach out before it is too late.
Great article Sherry. Nice to know about your picture donations. Being lovers of nature ourselves, we too are supportive of efforts to protect it, especially as we are also seeing a definite decline in the wildlife in our area in the last year.
This article points out some interesting facts that show how quickly things have started to decline. A worthy cause to support by this artist.
This article makes a valid point that things are rapidly spinning out of control.
A good cause to support this artist.
Wonderful article Sherry. The public needs to be aware of the loss that nature is suffering and articles such as yours are desperately needed.
What a wonderful article. We have noticed a very big drop in our birds and our wildlife in the past few years. There is a definate need for something to be done and hopefully its not too late.