© Sarah Vanasse

Ontario Nature is the voice for wild species and wild spaces in Ontario. Its award-winning quarterly magazine, ON Nature, is an authoritative source of engaging environmental content that inspires and informs. Contributors include award-winning journalists, photographers, and leading conservation experts.

The magazine brings readers closer to nature. Experience the great outdoors, even when you’re indoors.


5 | This Issue Editorial

Nature for life.

By Andrés Jiménez Monge

Andres Jimenez Monge headshot
Oyster mushroom feature spread © Adam Lusch CC BY-SA 2.0

18 | The Great Mushroom Escape

Imported golden oyster mushrooms have spread
from farms and home-grow kits into the wild,
where they threaten native species.

By Brian Banks

24 | A Voyage to Freshwater Everest

At a remote underwater mountain in Lake Superior, an
oasis of life thrives amid cold and desolate waters. New research suggests the shoal’s unusual currents are helping to regenerate the Great Lake and its trout population.

By Conor Mihell

Lake Superior Shoal © Inspired Planet Productions
Environmental education feature spread © Sarah Vanasse

28 | Not Making the Grade

For many students, environmental education never goes beyond the classroom walls. Insufficient funding
and training keep outdoor learning in Ontario out of reach.

By Ian Coutts

35 | Nature Network

Manitoulin Nature Club opposes the Sandhill crane hunt. Four new groups join the nature network: Butternut Creek Nature Reserve Foundation (Moose Creek), Friends of South March Highlands (Kanata), Friends of Hoople Creek (Ingleside) and Halton Hills Turtle Guardians (Acton).

By Lesley Rudy

Sandhill crane © Scott Fairbairn
Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © Scott Fairbairn

36 | Our Community  

Safeguarding Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve in perpetuity with Thickson’s Woods Land Trust.

Please support Paswe Protected Area (Echo Lake), an ecological corridor that’s rich in biodiversity and of deep cultural significance to Garden River First Nation.

By Jenna Quinn

37 | From the Blog

The Government of Ontario’s 2026 budget fails nature.

By Jenna Kip

Speed River, Guelph © Jock Rutherford CC BY-SA -2.0
Alto Train Cutting Through Forest Illustration © Pete Ryan

38 | Last Word

Putting high-speed trains, like ALTO, on the right track.

By Dale Sinclair


ON Nature Magazine Cover Fall 2026

ON Nature magazine is an award-winning quarterly that brings readers closer to nature by exploring Ontario’s natural species and spaces, and providing insight on pressing conservation issues.

The cost of an annual subscription is $50. If you are a senior citizen (65+) or a student, you can subscribe for a discounted rate of $40.

For just $9.95, you can purchase recent issues of our award-winning magazine. We have back issues available online dating to 1932!

For more information or to purchase a back issue, please contact Kamran Minai, at 416-444-8419 ext. 232 or kamranm@ontarionature.org.


Photos © Sarah Vanasse (cover), Kathryn Peiman (monarch Butterfly), Scott Fairbairn (polar near), Adam Lusch CC BY-SA 2.0 (oyster mushroom feature spread), Inspired Planet Productions (Lake Superior shoal feature spread), Sarah Vanasse (environmental education feature spread), Scott Fairbairn (Sandhill crane), Scott Fairbairn (Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve), Jock Rutherford CC BY-SA -2.0 (Speed River, Guelph), Pete Ryan (ALTO train illustration.