Category: Ecological Integrity

Let’s go plogging!

This post comes from Sarah McMichael, senior marketing specialist at Ontario Parks.

Have you ever spotted leftover trash along our roads, sidewalks, and trails?

How many times have you walked past this trash while out for a walk, run, or jog? Did you pick it up, or leave it on the ground?

A new environmentally friendly workout trend is encouraging you to stop and pick up litter during your outdoor exercises.

It’s called plogging, and it’s an amazing way to keep our environment and our bodies healthy at the same time.

Continue reading Let’s go plogging!

Keeping turtles off the hook

Today’s post comes from Amy Tanner, Biology/Ecology Intern with Ontario Parks’ Southwest Zone. 

Before heading out for a fun day of fishing, we all go through our checklists. Have we got:

But here are two questions many people don’t ask:

  • what other living things could I accidentally catch while fishing?
  • do I know how to handle an unexpected catch?

Continue reading Keeping turtles off the hook

Forever protected: why Petawawa Terrace belongs

Our “Forever protected” series shares why each and every one belongs in Ontario Parks. Our great system of protected areas is based upon a model of representation. In today’s post, Biologist Lauren Trute tells us Petawawa Terrace’s story.

For many families in the area, Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park is literally a park in their backyard.

Unlike many provincial parks in Ontario, Petawawa Terrace is not pristine wilderness. Locally known as the “fish hatchery park,” the 215 ha park is located in the heart of the Town of Petawawa.

This little parcel of protected land belongs in the Ontario Parks system because it gives us a glimpse into Ontario’s history, and represents provincially significant ecosystems and species.

Continue reading Forever protected: why Petawawa Terrace belongs

Arrowhead staff say, “Hold the mustard!”

Garlic Mustard may sound like a gourmet condiment, but it’s actually an invasive species in North America, introduced from Europe over 100 years ago.

It is a major enemy in the ongoing battle to maintain biodiversity in Arrowhead Provincial Park and many other provincial parks. It’s considered one of Ontario’s greatest forest intruders.

Continue reading Arrowhead staff say, “Hold the mustard!”

Invasive species alert! Water chestnut 101

Today’s post is from Amanda Reed, a digital media organizer in our main office.

Did you know European Water Chestnut is an invasive species?

This destructive plant gained a foothold at Voyageur Provincial Park, and without the ongoing efforts of park staff, it would take over beaches and destroy our wetland. Continue reading Invasive species alert! Water chestnut 101

Low-impact backcountry camping

Today’s post was written by Brooke Michell, a Park Biologist at Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park.

“The love of wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyond reach; it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth, the earth which bore us and sustains us, the only paradise we shall ever know, the only paradise we ever need.” – Edward Abbey

Some of our most treasured moments occur off the beaten path. In the backcountry of Ontario Parks, the avid hiker, canoe tripper, angler, and outdoors person seeks solitude. Although anyone who has backcountry camped knows it’s not always a walk in the park.

Physical limits are often pushed while portaging through rugged terrain, and paddling across windswept water bodies. At this expense, why is backcountry camping one of our most beloved past times?

Continue reading Low-impact backcountry camping

International Women and Girls in Science Day 2019

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Our female scientists are absolutely integral to Ontario Parks, working as researchers, biologists, ecologists, and more!

Continue reading International Women and Girls in Science Day 2019

Blue Lake’s Spruce Fen Trail

Today’s post comes from Maya Oversby, a Natural Heritage Education Student at Blue Lake Provincial Park.

As humans, we tower over many things. Because of our height, we often miss some of the most magnificent parts of the boreal forest — specifically, its wetland ecology.

Here at Blue Lake, the spruce fen is one of the most traveled trails, home to some of our most noteworthy critters and fantastic flora. Unfortunately, many go unnoticed due to their small size.

Continue reading Blue Lake’s Spruce Fen Trail

Here’s to another 125 years

As our 125th anniversary year comes to a close, we would like to say a huge thank you for an amazing year.

Now etched into our history, here’s a few of the highlights from this exciting year.

Continue reading Here’s to another 125 years