5 | This Issue

Thankful for Spring

By Andrés Jiménez Monge

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7 | Earth Watch

• Watershed Monitoring in Credit Valley
• Avian Influenza Decimates Caspian Terns
• Spring Species Watch – Northern Shoveler and Easter Gartersnake
• Environmental Policy Rollbacks
• Chronic Wasting Disease

12 | Earth Watch

• Featured Photographer – Michael Wynia
• The Fate of Belugas
• Bird’s-foot Violet Habitat Restoration
• Studying the Environment Through Bird Songs
• Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve Expands Northward

18 | Power Grab

Ontario’s new “special economic zones” give industry wide scope—so wide that they could reverse decades of work establishing legal protections for environmentally sensitive areas.

By Brian Banks

24 | The Myriad Mysteries of the White-throated Sparrow

Multiple colour patterns. A changing song. White-throated sparrows may be ubiquitous (at least for now), but they are far from common.

By Julia Zarankin

28 | Big Moths in Big Trouble

Sphinx moths and other large moth species have been declining for decades. How can this population trend be reversed?

By James Kamstra

35 | Nature Network

Group Successfully Defends Carden Alvar.

By Lesley Rudy

36 | Our Community  

Recognizing conservation champions with Ontario Nature’s awards.

By Lisa Martell

37 | From the Blog

Unearthing ON Nature magazine’s past.

By Jenna Quinn

38 | Last Word

Belonging as a Blind Birder.

By Christine Malec

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 1951!

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

Photos © Peter Gorrie, John Reaume, Peter Gorrie, Eric Treleaven, Scott Fairbairn, John Reaume, John Reaume, Pete Ryan

The post Spring 2026 appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

5 | This Issue

Connectivity

By Andrés Jiménez Monge

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7 | Earth Watch

• Banding Together for the Chorus Frog
• Red-winged Blackbird Populations Declining
• Species Watch: Northern Harrier and Great Blue Heron
• More Study Needed on Impact of Low Ice in Lakes
• Featured Photographer: John Reaume

12 | Earth Watch

• Gillies Grove
• Connecting Saugeen Bruce Peninsula Habitat
• Canadian Government Classifies “Forever Chemicals” as Toxic
• New Protected Areas
• Debate About Compassionate Conservation

18 | The Vanishing Icon

Boreal caribou populations continue to decline in Ontario. Can a new agreement help them recover?

By Conor Mihell

24 | The Ma’iingan Way

A study in northern Ontario has revealed between wolves, habitat connectivity and humans on the land – highlighting the power of collaboration in conservation.

By Andrés Jiménez Monge

28 | Remembering the Queen Bee

The recent passing of renowned bee researcher Dr. Sheila Colla has left a deep void in Canada’s scientific community, academia and many people’s lives. But her legacy lives on.

By Carol Toller

35 | Nature Network

Better together.

By Lesley Rudy

36 | Our Community  

Stretching limited conservation dollars.

By Andrés Jiménez Monge

37 | From the Blog

Ontario is lagging on its targets.

By Kellsie Bonnyman

38 | Last Word

Time to dig in on aggregates.

By Anne Bell

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 1951!

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

Photos © Don Johnston, Ron Erwin, Matt Forsythe/City of Toronto, Mark Bernards, Mircea Costina/AdobeStock, Ron Erwin, Victoria MacPhail, Greg Noakes, Noah Cole, Ron Erwin, Pete Ryan

The post Winter 2025 appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

Conservation policy usually focuses on preserving the young or endangered, but fails exceptional animals like centenarians, those remarkable individuals old even for their own species. Greenland sharks can live 400 years, lobsters over 100, and ocean quahogs 500.

Protecting centenarians is crucial. If an animal is found to live far beyond the usual lifespan of its species, I believe it should automatically be protected because of those exceptional characteristics.

These rare survivors carry irreplaceable genetic information. Just as we safeguard ancient trees, we should protect these elders as an act of responsibility, awareness, and respect. Their value lies in the fact that they are still here, and that alone should be enough to protect them.

Blanca Hernández,
Salamanca, Spain

The post Failing to Protect Life in Nature appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

5 | This Issue

Nature Transcends Legislation

By Andrés Jiménez Monge

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7 | Earth Watch

• New Section of the Bruce Trail Opens
• A Midsummer Day Flyer
• Species Watch: Northern Harrier, Great Blue Heron
• Ontario Government Receives Failing Grade in Conservation
• Featured Photographer: Rebecca St.Pierre

12 | Earth Watch

• Streams Over Asphalt
• Short-fruit Rush Recognized as Endangered
• Preserving the Urban Orchard
• Forest Fallout
• Protecting Biodiversity Around Sauble Dunes

18 | Wilderness CSI

Advances in the testing of genetic samples in the environment are not only helping researchers estimate wildlife populations and monitor invasive species but may also curb the extinction crisis.

By Conor Mihell

24 | Bearing Up with Climate Change

The distinct population of polar bears in Hudson Bay has dropped by half in less than three decades. Is there hope for Canada’s largest carnivore?

By Carol Toller

28 | Seeds of a Tallgrass Renaissance

Once-abundant prairies and other tallgrass ecosystems are today limited to isolated patches across Ontario. Growers and naturalists are working to restore that nearly lost heritage.

By Ray Ford

35 | Nature Network

Connecting Regional Voices

By Lesley Rudy

36 | In House  

Exploring Sydenham River

By Kirsten Dahl

37 | From the Blog

Ontario Deals a Setback to Urban Birds

By Brendon Samuels

38 | Last Word

Can black bears survive the extended hunt?

By Judy Malone

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 1951!

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

Photos © John Reaume, Jason Jaacks, Don Johnston, Not Far From The Tree, Jason Jaacks, Handicraft Creative, Ron Erwin, Tom Preney, Sarah Hedges, Jenna Quinn, Brendon Samuels, Pete Ryan

The post Fall 2025 appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

I appreciated the theme and content of the summer 2025 issue of ON Nature. As a long time Organic/Ecological,Regenerative farmer I was pleased to see Ray Ford’s article on “The Costs of Modern Agriculture” on page 16.

We need to make farming and ranching part of the solution rather than a big part of the problem. Regenerative farming and ranching practices can actually take carbon out of the air and sequester it by increasing soil organic matter while improving soil health, water infiltration, nutrient density of food and increasing biodiversity below and above the soil.

Two organizations that are working to help farmers in this regard are Farmers for Climate Solutions and the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario.

Thank you for an informative, thoughtful and at times even hopeful issue on Ontario Nature and the efforts to protect and restore it.

Tony McQuail,
Lucknow, Ontario

The post Modern Farms Impact on Nature appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

Thank you to all at ON Nature magazine for an always informative and visually engaging publication. I read every issue from cover to cover.

I read Ian Coutts’ article, “The Dirt on Gardens” with some interest and concern. It might encourage others with naturalized gardens to learn that the City of London has recently updated its Yard and Lot Maintenance By-Law to provide clearer guidelines for gardens that support biodiversity, including pollinator, food and native plant gardens.

These changes were largely prompted by the work of Brendon Samuels, Chair of the city’s Environmental Stewardship and Action Community Advisory Committee. The approach was informed by the Bylaws for Biodiversity project of the Ecological Design Lab. The project (available at ecologicaldesignlab.ca/by-laws-for-biodiversity) provides free practical tools to support similar advocacy efforts in other jurisdictions.

After receiving an order to comply with the city’s yard maintenance by-law in 2023, Brendon set about to determine how to achieve compliance with the by-law. The concerns he and his committee raised about the existing by-law resulted in a “housekeeping” update of the by-law by city staff. The revised by-law was enacted in March 2024 and provides much-needed clarity for both property owners and people who wish to file a complaint. https://london.ca/yard-lot-maintenance-law.

According to the city website, the by-law requires property owners to keep their land safe for the public, appropriately store and remove refuse, remove and stop the growth of prohibited plants, and remove graffiti from buildings and structures, among other things. The city’s website emphasizes that the by-law is not intended to manage the aesthetics of gardens, especially where vegetative growth or a garden has been intentionally cultivated. The city’s Climate Emergency Action Plan encourages the planting and maintenance of diverse, resilient, native plant species and gardens to help slow the effects of climate change.

In addition, Brendon and his committee have made “Nature Lives Here” lawn signs available to the public. The signs are meant to educate and reduce conflict with neighbours who may object to the appearance of naturalized properties.

May other municipalities follow this example!

Susan Berry, Nature London
London, Ontario

The post Nature Lives Here appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

5 | This Issue

Nature Is Who We Are

By Caroline Schultz

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7 | Earth Watch

• New Wetland Resources
• Least Bittern Rises Again
• Species Watch: Red-bellied Snake, Luna Moth
• Road Projects are Saving Turtles

12 | Earth Watch

• Featured Photographer: Mel Diotte
• Chimney Swifts
• Ontario Scientists Preserving U.S. Data
• The Costs of Modern Agriculture

18 | Upholding Land Rights

To stop environmental devastation of their lands and rivers, Grassy Narrows First Nation declared sovereignty over their territory. Elder Judy Da Silva and her community are fighting to get policy makers to respect their right to protect their land.

By Melina Damian

24 | The Dirt on Gardens

Homeowners who naturalize their gardens are running afoul of municipal bylaws. Can recent cases in favour of wild gardens prevent bylaw officers from getting lost in the weeds?

By Ian Coutts

28 | The Great Invasion

Invasive species and climate change are pushing the iconic Great Lakes whitefish to the brink of local extinction. Can scientists and Indigenous communities find a solution in time?

By Conor Mihell

35 | Nature Network

Nature Groups Help Expand Rouge Park

By Lesley Rudy

36 | In House  

A Teenager’s Activism

By Hayley Raymond

37 | From the Blog

The Opioid Crisis and Wildlife

By Ella Miller

38 | Last Word

Everyone Has a Role in Conservation

By Liann Bobechko

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 1951!

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

Photos © Allan Lissner, Allan Lissner, Kari Gunson, Ron Erwin, Allan Lissner, Not So Hollow Farm, Paul Vecsei/Engbretson Underwater Photography, Land Over Landings, David Pugh, Conor Lawless, Pete Ryan

The post Summer 2025 appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

5 | This Issue

A Time of Change.

By Caroline Schultz

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7 | Earth Watch

• Rare Fish in Thames River
• Breeding Bird Atlas Findings
• Species Watch: Ruby-throated hummingbird, Trillium
• Farewell to Nature at Ontario Place
• Regenerative Tourism

12 | Earth Watch

• Featured Photographer: Andrew Interisano
• Anti Greenwashing
• Landfill Space Rapidly Running Out
• Developing Conservation Authority Land
• Ontario Nature Enlarges its Gananoque Lake Nature Reserve

18 | As the Dragon Flies

The annual migration of common green darner dragonflies is less understood than that of monarch butterflies, but scientists are starting to discover just how epic these insects’ journeys are.

By Brian Banks

24 | Adapt or Perish

With threats to forests multiplying, Ontario researchers are seeking ways to keep the woods resilient. Can forests adapt in time to stay ahead of climate change?

By Jade Prévost-Manuel

28 | Ribbons of Green

A natural corridor from Hamilton’s Cootes Paradise to the Niagara Escarpment shows the biodiversity benefits of connected habitat—and of conservation partnerships.

By Conor Mihell

35 | Nature Network

A Conservation Project With Legs

By Lesley Rudy

36 | In House  

Naturalists celebrate 90 Years

By Kirsten Dahl

37 | From the Blog

The Road to Unsustainable Growth

By Jenna Kip

38 | Last Word

Electoral Reform is Needed for Climate Action

By Sharon Sommerville

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 1951!

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

Photos © Robert McCaw, Erin Carroll – Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Ron Erwin, Ron Erwin, Ron Erwin, Mark Zelinski, Matt Forsythe – City of Toronto, Jenna Quinn, Noah Cole, Pete Ryan

The post Spring 2025 appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

5 | This Issue

All our relations.

By Caroline Schultz

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7 | Earth Watch

• Microforests Deliver Macroimpact
• Where Have Large Moths Gone?
• Species Watch: Wood Frog; Wolverine
• Featured Photographer: Terry Parker
• A Fight for Farmland

14 | Earth Watch

• Curbing the Corrosive Effects of Salt
• Report Urges More Action on Climate Crisis
• Trail Upgrades at Nature Reserves
• Black Ash Protection

18 | Of Bats and Blades

The environmental benefits of wind energy come with a significant downside: turbines kill wildlife, especially migratory bats. Solutions exist, if wind-farm operators choose to embrace them.

By Brian Banks

22 | Nature’s Landscape Architect

Dam-building is how beavers engineer their own habitat, but their labours can cause trouble for their human neighbours. How can these species get along?

By Ian Coutts

28 | Flocking Together

Birds that stay in Ontario through the winter have adapted to cold temperatures in amazing ways. Here are five species to watch for in the coming months.

By Julia Zarankin

35 | Nature Network

Trail App Highlights Importance of Corridors

By Lesley Rudy

36 | In House  

Honouring a Bruce Trail Champion

By Hayley Raymond and Kirsten Dahl

37 | From the Blog

Plastics Treaty Negotiations

By Abbey Struyk

38 | Last Word

The True Value of Nature

By Ray Ford

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 1970!

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

Photos © AdobeStock, John Reaume, Noah Cole, Chuck Allen CC BY-SA 2.0, John Reaume, Robert McCaw, Ron Erwin, David Miller, Melissa Thomas, Ken Newcombe, Pete Ryan

The post Winter 2024 appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.

First, the same amount of carbon sequestered by food as it grows is ultimately released back to the environment whether it’s eaten by us or decomposed as waste. Further, the carbon impact for this food is neutral because this carbon is part of the natural carbon cycle – the amounts absorbed and ultimately released back into the environment are equal. Food wastage is bad for many reasons, but contributing to increasing atmospheric carbon levels and climate change is not one of them. Second, the comparison with cars is misleading because cars are burning fossil carbon that is not part of the natural carbon cycle and so its release does lead to increases in atmospheric CO2 and ultimately climate change.

It’s a small point perhaps, but I think it’s very important that our environment communications are as accurate as possible given the culture wars surrounding climate change.

Thank you again for a great publication. I look forward to many more.

Ian Craine,
Toronto, Ontario

The post About – The Fact Is: Food Waste appeared first on ON Nature Magazine.