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 great hikes. Pick a purpose Why do you want to go for a hike? Determining your main goals will inform many subsequent decisions. Whether it is to relax, connect with nature, see wildlife, become fit or take photos, spending time in nature is proven to improve mental and physical healt ..read more

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 what the American Psychological Association describes as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” Who is Most Affected by Eco-anxiety? How people experience “chronic fear” varies widely. Clearly, someone who has been directly af ..read more

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 educate our future leaders about biodiversity but also instill a sense of responsibility for the natural world. Understanding the Atlas Before diving into how educators can incorporate the ORAA into their teaching methods, it’s essential to u ..read more

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, over 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 losses, totaling over 55 hectares, occurred within the Goulbourn Wetland Complex, a PSW located west of Stittsville, a growing community within the City of Ottawa. Rather than stepping up to protect Ontario’s remainin ..read more

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 way back to their breeding sites in the spring. Read on to find out commonly asked questions and answers about this beautiful species.  Where can I see monarchs in Ontario?  Monarch butterflies can be found throughout southern Ontario, typically betw ..read more

Turtles are among the most vulnerable species on the planet. Thankfully, in some parts of Ontario, community groups are stepping up to protect turtles. Keep on reading to learn more about some of the people and groups who are working to help our province’s turtles. Lesley Rudy who is Ontario Nature’s Nature Network Organizer is also involved in turtle conservation apart from her day job. A neighbourhood association alerted her to the presence of a popular urban turtle nesting area in her home of Kingston Ontario. Most nests were being predated and the area was threatened by a proposed road con ..read more

Over 12,000 hectares of protected areas in southern Ontario – about the size of Bruce Peninsula National Park – have been officially accepted into the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD). Spearheaded by three municipalities and one conservation authority, the inclusion of these lands marks an important step towards achieving Canada’s commitment to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, otherwise known as the 30×30 target. The 30×30 target is just one of the twenty-three targets that make up the Global Biodiversity Framework, which was ratified ..read more

The Youth Circle for Mother Earth (YCME) project aims to support a cross-cultural network of young Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders looking to honour their responsibilities and relationship with Mother Earth. Led by a Coordinating Circle, members act as ambassadors for the land, air, waters, which includes the natural world and its conservation, protection, and restoration. This past February, members of the YCME project gathered at the Camp Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre for a retreat with the theme “Looking Back, Looking Forward.” The retreat was an opportunity for Indigenous and non ..read more

As the Government of Ontario seeks input on its next budget, will it consider a golden egg from the federal government? A year has passed since COP15 – the United Nations biodiversity conference in Montreal where 196 countries signed onto a global agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. As the Government of Canada develops its national biodiversity strategy and related legislation, it’s identifying supporting provincial partners that are willing to play along. If Ontario wants in on the action – and the money – it needs to significantly up its conservation game. Case in point: in Nove ..read more

The conversation around protected areas is evolving in response to the challenge of protecting 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030. What protected areas traditionally have been, and what they can be, encompass many forms. At Ontario Nature, we’re learning from the successes – and mistakes – of the past in our current work, and excited about the possibilities of the future. Ontario’s History of Protected Areas In Ontario, protected areas started out simply as national and provincial parks. As families could afford to take camping vacations, more parks were established, with campgrounds, be ..read more