Today’s blog was written by Jessica Stillman, Discovery program project coordinator.
What is ferocious like a lion, fast like a tiger, or hibernates like a bear?
These three amazing insects!
Antlions, tiger beetles, and Woolly Bear Caterpillars might not be the first things that pop into your mind when you think of a furry or ferocious predator, but believe me, these small critters are mighty impressive!
Today’s blog post comes from past ecologist Corina Brdar. When Corina’s not working at Ontario Parks, she is actively involved in the growing nature journaling and mindfulness community.
It seems the term “mindfulness” is showing up everywhere in our lives these days. It can be a tricky concept to try out in your everyday life, though. An easy place to give it a try is in nature.
At the very least, some mindful time in nature can allow your busy brain a moment of rest and your nervous system an opportunity to hit pause. It can also bring a new richness to your outdoor experiences.
So what is mindfulness, and how do you “do” it in nature?
Continue reading This mindfulness moment brought to you by nature….
Happy International Women’s Day!
At Ontario Parks, we simply couldn’t do without our women team members. They work as biologists, instructors, wardens, superintendents, planners, managers, and more.
Here’s the inside scoop on our staff:
Today’s blog comes from Hope Freeman, Discovery leader at Grundy Lake Provincial Park.
Maybe it sounds cliché, but I truly love my job.
Ontario Parks has provided me with the opportunity to help protect our province’s unique biodiversity while learning and growing as a professional.
One of the best parts? Working in an inclusive environment that focuses on maintaining a good work-life balance.
Wondering how I got here?
This blog comes from Cathy Entwhistle, a Senior Park Interpreter at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
It’s that time of year again, when the sweet sounds of spring fill Bronte Creek: the twittering of returning songbirds, the laughter of visitors strolling through the woods, and the plink! plink! plink! of sugar maple sap dripping into a maple bucket.
A visit to the Maple Syrup Festival walks you through the full history and process of making Canada’s favourite sweet syrup. With a few simple steps and tools, you can bring that history home with you.
**Please do not tap trees within provincial parks. Removing any natural object from a park is prohibited, and you could face a fine.
Here’s how to make your own delicious maple syrup:
Looking to try a different style of camping at Quetico Provincial Park?
Perhaps you’re craving a step up from tent camping or longing to try an entirely different style of Ontario Parks’ roofed accommodation units.
Well then, let us introduce you to Quetico’s camping pods and let the glamping begin!
Continue reading Meet Quetico Provincial Park’s new camping pods
Excessive noise. Transporting firewood. Have you ever wondered why certain rules exist?
Thought, research, and science go into the laws and policies that cover provincial parks and conservation reserves. And it helps to understand the rationale.
Today, we’re sharing the logic behind a few of the rules our visitors ask us about most frequently:
Protected areas are fascinating places.
If you’re lucky, during your visit you may spot a wide variety of wildlife who call these parks home.
However, you may not always see healthy animals.
In these natural spaces, you could see animals that look sick, injured, or orphaned. We know you want to help wildlife, but helping wildlife means keeping your hands off! Continue reading Hands off park wildlife!
This is your sign to trade your digital scrolling for some outdoor strolling!
Technology is amazing and offers us so many tools (including many we use for conservation in parks!). That said, balance is important, and humans can struggle with screentime.
Spending time in nature offers many physical and mental benefits, like a stronger immune system and reduced mental fatigue. Getting outside is particularly important in the winter, when there is less sunshine and the days are shorter.
Even with knowing all these health benefits, it can still be tough to unplug – so we put together a few steps to start you on your way:
Hang in there, parks-lovers — spring is on the way!
One of our favourite signs of spring? The male Black-capped Chickadee’s mating call: “Feebee!”
What are your favourite signs of spring?
This month’s FREE digital download features a Black-capped Chickadee.
