Re: “The Killing Fields” [Spring 2010] Kudos to Paul Webster [“The Killing Fields,” Autumn 2009] for alerting us to the devastating impact of pesticides on birds. I had not realized the numbers killed were in the hundreds of millions. This is truly a tragedy. It’s also true, of course, that pesticides harm people, and here […]
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Author: ON Nature
Published quarterly by Ontario Nature, ON Nature brings readers closer to nature by exploring Ontario’s natural areas and wildlife and providing insight into current environmental issues.
This award-winning magazine features in-depth articles on the environment and conservation issues and stunning colour photography. Read about wilderness travel and destinations, natural history and up-to-date news on conservation battles.
ON Nature Magazine Spring 2010
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This IssueThe diversity of life: Celebrating nature through action.By Caroline Schultz 8 | Earth WatchClimate change threatens Arctic fox habitat; the Ring of Fire heats up; invasive Asian carp on the move; in search of turtles, frogs, snakes and salamanders; bird watching 2.0; Jim Robb; the lowly worm. 45 | In HouseThe […]
Wasted resources
Re: “Power Struggles” [Winter 2009] As a long time observer of climate change and occasional lobbyist, I commend you on the Winter 2009/2010 issue of ON Nature. I share Anne Bell’s concern about burning wood “waste,” a source of biomass, to produce energy [“Power struggles,” page 22]. Plants have lots of carbon dioxide, oxygen, water […]
ON Nature Magazine Winter 2009
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue The Big Picture: Working toward a solution to climate change. By Caroline Schultz 8 | Earth Watch Forests get sprayed; quarry along Lake Superior shoreline gets the go-ahead; bringing back the chestnut; farming in Frontenac park ends; invasive gobies in the Great Lakes tributaries; climate change and the great lakes. […]
ON Nature Magazine Fall 2009
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This IssueBattling the Bureaucracy: The impenetrable environmental assessment process.By Caroline Schultz 8 | Earth WatchNew ideas about old-growth forests; kayakers clean up in Georgian Bay; green alternatives to salt; Guelph development encroaches on rare species habitat. On the cover28 | Urban NaturePlan Bee: In the wake of the mysterious honeybee die-off, a […]
Good Forestry
Douglas Hunter’s fascinating piece “Temperature Rising” [Spring 2007] contained a sidebar that made my temperature rise. The sidebar promotes the erroneous idea that uncontrolled, rapacious logging operations in the boreal forest must be stopped because they are “a cause of global warming.” Included in the sidebar is the statement, “At the same time that greenhouse […]
Crayfish Guide
Did you know that Ontario has nine species of crayfish? Elusive and all too often overlooked, these fascinating creatures can tell us a lot about what is happening in our aquatic ecosystems. These beautiful guides assist the study of crayfish in the field, highlighting the unique characteristics of each species.
Litter
It came as no surprise to me that smoking detritus topped “Canada’s Dirty Dozen,” the littering list featured in Janice Weaver’s “The Beachcombers” [Autumn 2007]. I have been observing the sneaky little habits of smokers since the sixties and long ago concluded that smoking is like a PhD course in littering. Smokers not only rationalize […]
ON Nature Magazine Summer 2009
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Natural Connections: Our new program takes children outside. By Caroline Schultz 8 | Earth Watch Bat populations plummet as white nose syndrome spreads; scientists discover weird and wonderful ecosystems at the bottom of Lake Huron; the Greenbelt may be bigger. 40 | Bird Watch King Rail—Tucked into the marshlands of […]
ON Nature Magazine Spring 2009
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This IssueNature’s Economy: Building on our natural capital is a sound investment.By Caroline Schultz 8 | Earth WatchDangerously low calcium levels in boreal lakes trigger a break in the food chain; native wasps fend off non-native beetle infestations; the last road trip; where cars go to die. 36 | Bird WatchRed-headed Woodpecker—A […]
ON Nature Magazine Winter 2008
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue The Decline of Biodiversity: Conservation efforts should be proactive for a change. By Caroline Schultz 8 | Earth Watch Birds versus planes: preventing collisions at Pearson airport; round two: saving Second Marsh … again; trash talk: using the Great Lakes as giant waste bins; poor planning: why dig a dump […]
ON Nature Magazine Fall 2008
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Great Beginnings: Promises of protection for the Boreal. By Caroline Schultz 8 | Earth Watch Talk of the town: pelicans make a surprise appearance; hidden health hazards; a bigger, better Greenbelt; junior scientist: high school kid makes amazing discovery; spirit tree: lumber mill makes for stand-off over eastern white cedar. 34 | Bird […]
Wheels of progress
Re: “Some tough love” [Summer 2008] As was illustrated in Edward Keenan’s “Some tough love” [Summer 2008], ATVs are a controversial topic. As landowners of a 2,100-hectare forest on the Oak Ridges Moraine, it goes without saying that we are very aware of them. I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update […]
Edible Wild Plant Guide
This guide is intended for the boreal forest of northern Ontario where foraging presents an alternative to harvesting lumber and the forest’s ability to absorb the impact of harvesting is greater. Forests and freshwater food systems – comprised of plants, animals, birds, fish and fungi – are important sources of nutrition. They are also key indicators of healthy forest ecosystems and food webs.
Frog and Toad Guide
Ontario is home to 12 species of frogs including two types of toads! Did you know that the wood frog can be found on the tundra in the north as well as in southern woodlands?
Check out our comprehensive field guide about Ontario’s frogs and turtles including descriptions, habitat, biology, threats and trends, range maps, and status and protection.
Lizard Guide
The five-lined skink is Ontario’s only native species of lizard. Did you know that only young skinks have blue tails? Older male and female skinks have more uniform bronze tails?
Check out our comprehensive field guide about the five-lined skink including descriptions, habitat, biology, threats and trends, range maps, and status and protection.
Nature Notes
These four-page resources are geared to kids aged 10 to 12. Read about black bears, woodland caribou, invasive species, Ontario parks, the boreal forest, foxes, wetlands, racoons and so much more. Through these profiles you will connect with Ontario’s wild species and wild spaces, and learn about critical conservation issues.
Northern Forest Foraging Guide
Northern Ontario’s forests, meadows and waters provide an incredible range of nutritious and delicious edible wild plants. Ontario Nature has prepared this foraging guide as an introduction to this local resource, and to encourage people to experience the wonders the natural world provides.
Salamander Guide
Ontario is home to 11 species of salamanders. Did you know that spotted salamanders breed in early spring, often while there is still ice on ponds?
Check out our comprehensive field guide about Ontario’s salamanders including descriptions, habitat, biology, threats and trends, range maps, and status and protection.
Snake Guide
Ontario is home to 15 species of snakes. The more you learn about these reptiles, the more you’ll be fascinated by their diversity.
Check out our comprehensive field guide about Ontario’s snakes including descriptions, habitat, biology, threats and trends, range maps, and status and protection.
Turtle Guide
Turtles, often referred to as modern day dinosaurs, with their distinctive domed, bony shell, are easy to recognize. Ontario has eight native species of turtles and our online field guide covers them all. Check out our comprehensive field guide about Ontario’s reptiles and amphibians including descriptions, habitat, biology, threats and trends, range maps, and status and protection.
ON Nature Magazine Summer 2008
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This IssueThe Canada Warbler: One more species at risk.By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth WatchGuelph gets a park for pollinators; reptiles at risk; saving Lake Simcoe; bottled water; Phil Cotton: putting conservation on the map. On the cover36 | Urban NatureThe Butterfly Effect: How to turn your garden into an ecological oasis […]
ON Nature Magazine Spring 2008
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue For the Birds: It takes a forest. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Harnessing a mighty river; one-of-a-kind paw prints; climate watch; bean count: a trip to the drive-through. 40 | Urban Nature Smart Cars: Car sharing is good for you and the environment. By Jim MacInnis 44 | […]
ON Nature Magazine Winter 2007
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue The Collective: Battling climate change together. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Lonely elm trees; recovery program at risk; outdoor education back from the brink; Brendan Toews; super birder. 34 | Field Trip Conifers: Giants of the north. By Dan Schneider and Peter Pautler 44 | Inside Ontario Nature […]
ON Nature Magazine Fall 2007
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Sneak Preview: The state of Ontario’s birds. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Spectacular coastline to be protected; driving through the forest; peregrine falcons face new threat; house cats threaten birds; Ontario Nature’s Eco-Tour. 16 | Profile Environmental crusader Kaid Benfield marries green buildings to smart design and an […]
Flying Squirrels
In the article “Land before time” [Summer 2007], it is stated that “the northern flying squirrel, a creature typical of northern boreal forests, reach their southern limits in the [Frontenac] arch.” This statement, as I read it, is not correct. The northern flying squirrel is found farther south than the Frontenac Arch. In Ontario, the […]
ON Nature Magazine Summer 2007
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Time to reconsider our baggage. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Tiny water flea takes over Muskoka lakes; species-friendly roadwork; logging with a conscience; Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust added 25 hectares; climate watch. 16 | Profile For three decades, aerial photographer Lou Wise has been snapping his unique […]
ON Nature Magazine Spring 2007
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Last Call: Climate change and the power of one. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Wee shorebirds vs the feds; park named for Len Gertler; rare species may be a break; genetically modified trees; Dufferin Aggregates mines more of the escarpment; escarpment hotspot. 15 | Profile The Kunstler Imperative: […]
Spanish River
In the article “The lessons of the Spanish” (Summer 2007), the Spanish River Waterway Provincial Park is described as 400 kilometres wide. Wishful thinking on our part perhaps. The park is only 400 metres wide.
ON Nature Magazine Winter 2006
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This IssueMoving Day: Ontario Nature takes it downtown.By Victoria Foote 7 | In The MailFine dining. 8 | Earth WatchThe fantastic migration; deep cuts to Ontario Parks’ budget; First Nations block mining exploration. 15 | ProfileThe Numbers Guy: Environmental activist and city councillor Allan Algar has mastered a rare skill; saving habitats […]
Adaptive behaviour
Re: “Deadwood forest” [Autumn 2006] The print and broadcast coverage of this spring’s garlic mustard story was disheartening, to say the least. Dawn Bazely, a York University biologist and an expert on invasive plants, has been keeping a close eye on garlic mustard for more than a decade, watching as it marches inland from the […]
Fine dining
Re: “Fine dining” [Autumn 2006] You are to be congratulated on your outstanding Autumn 2006 issue, which focuses on the important relationship between food production and ecology. As a retired social science teacher and as an organic farmer with 37 years of experience, I know how critical it is for people of all ages to […]
ON Nature Magazine Fall 2006
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Fine dining: Eat what you grow. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Development pushes endangered caribou further north; garlic mustard pushes trees out; eco-tourism outfit pushes back. 15 | Profile The Quiet Passion: With much patience and fortitude, Kathy Nihei of the Wild Bird Care Centre has nursed countless […]
ON Nature Magazine Summer 2006
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Sick Days: Children are the most at risk from pollutants. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch The province’s record on the boreal forest; Ottawa quarry; urban sprawl plays leapfrog; First Nations ask for mining moratorium; Greater Golden Horseshoe plan. 15 | Profile Bred in the Bone: Drawing from his […]
ON Nature Magazine Spring 2006
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Big Thinker: Len Gertler, a planner for nature. By Linda Pim 8 | Earth Watch Loggers in caribou territory; rare birds in your neighbourhood; big blob in Three Mile Lake. 15 | Profile The Quiet Activist: Retired teacher-librarian Betty Learmouth has stared down developers before; now there’s talk of a […]
ON Nature Magazine Winter 2005
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Happy Anniversary: Congratulations to our members for making Ontario a better place for three-quarters of a century. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Tall grass prairie in peril; herbicide kills more than just weeds; rejuvenating a forest. 15 | Profile Tree Hugger—Environmental commissioner and Ontario Nature life member Gord […]
ON Nature Magazine Fall 2005
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Paper Makers: Who says we need trees? By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Why the snake won’t cross the road; diamonds in the far, far north; the sprawl crawl. 28 | Urban Nature To many, it’s just lichen. To those who know, this strange hybrid of fungi and algae […]
ON Nature Magazine Summer 2005
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue Safe Places: Is anywhere truly protected? By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Mining-friendly provincial policy; PWC drivers run amok; let your children go au naturel. 36 | Field Trip Native grasses. By Dan Schneider and Peter Pautler 41 | Inside Ontario Nature Meet our new executive director; tell us […]
ON Nature Magazine Spring 2005
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue One Big Contributor: Saying goodbye to Gregor Beck. By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Oak Ridges Moraine update; no EA for proposed quarry along Lake Superior; caribou population in decline. 15 | Profile Miracle Worker—Absent for the province since the 1700’s, the trumpeter swan is back thanks to Harry […]
ON Nature Magazine Winter 2004
DEPARTMENTS 5 | This Issue New Arrivals: Are all invasive species bad all the time? By Victoria Foote 8 | Earth Watch Saving our sand dunes; bird watching in the boreal forest; clotheslines in your neighbourhood. 15 | Profile Bearing Witness: Brian McHattie watches unhappily as Hamilton proceeds with its expressway through Red Hill Valley. […]