Mark Stabb Nature Conservancy of Canada Program Director, Central Ontario – East
Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) staff like to say that science drives our conservation work. This is true, but sometimes while following the science, we stumble into something unexpected and truly amazing.
Erica Barkley Ontario Parks Assistant Ecologist – Southeast Zone – Ontario Parks
This is a common question. A forest may have large trees, but is it TRULY old growth? There is no single definition for old growth forests in Ontario since forests are all so different. In some cases, old growth may refer to undisturbed forests that stand untouched over a long period of time. Others say tree age is a more defining feature of old-growth. While counting tree rings can help age a forest, here are a few easy features anyone can look for while walking through old-growth woods:
On Saturday, September 22, 2018, I was pleased to attend the 11th annual Prairie Day hosted by Alderville Black Oak Savanna (ABOS). The event was well attended and had all kinds of activities in which to take part and learn. Bird banding, nature walks, and art displays were just a few of the things kids and adults alike could observe and participate. The weather held out, making it a great day of connecting with nature in the great outdoors.
There was not a single cloud in the bright blue sky and the hot summer sun was shining down on the prairie with all of its might. Crouched down surrounded by wildflowers, you could hear the buzzing of the bees and the tall grass swaying slowly in the wind. With hands covered in the sandy soil, another New Jersey Tea plant goes into the ground.
When you live in the big city, it’s pretty easy to feel bogged down in the concrete jungle. Thankfully, just an hour and half east of Toronto, lies one of Ontario’s hidden treasures - the Rice Lake Plains. Not only are the plains home to some of Ontario’s last remaining prairies and savannas, but you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different province as you stroll through these natural gems! Best of all, they’re all free to explore!
Cobourg, ON – This spring, experts will return to conduct the ninth season of prescribed burns on the Rice Lake Plains. Partners of the Rice Lake Plains Joint Initiative are hosting a Prescribed Burn open House on March 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Harwood Fire Station (5424 Front St). A presentation will occur at 6:00, with representatives from organizations planning prescribed burns in the County available to answer questions afterwards. ...continue reading "Rice Lake Plains Prescribed Burn Open House scheduled for March 3rd"
Nature Conservancy of Canada, Hazel Bird Nature Reserve
On January 17, 2012, Canada's Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, announced the Nature Conservancy of Canada's successful acquisition of the Hazel Bird Nature Reserve - 117 hectares of land in Hamilton Township in Northumberland County, Ontario. This project was secured in part with funding from Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program. ...continue reading "Featured Property"
Wildfires cause a lot of destruction each summer — there are dramatic videos and pictures in the news every year. So why did the Rice Lake Plains Joint Initiative partner organizations purposely light several fires this spring? ...continue reading "Why Purposely Light Fires?"