IBAs of Ontario Parks: the Frontenac Forests IBA

Welcome to the September installment of “IBAs in provincial parks,” brought to you by Ontario IBA Coordinator Amanda Bichel of Bird Studies Canada.

Break out the champagne! We don’t often add new IBAs to the Canadian family of sites, so when we do, it’s a special occasion.

The all-new Frontenac Forests Important Bird and Biodiversity Area encompasses Frontenac Provincial Park and Queens University Biological Station (QUBS), and is designated for one of the most beautiful warblers around – the Cerulean Warbler.

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Then and now: cooking in an RV

This post was written by Deb Rankine, a.k.a. The Fridge Whisperer.

For camping enthusiasts, there are lots of options of where to lay one’s head at the end of a day filled with adventurous hikes, exploratory canoeing, and refreshing swims. Your choice comes down to creature comfort must-haves.

Today’s recreational vehicles do not disappoint! With Ontario Parks celebrating its 125th anniversary, we thought it would be fun to look back on how camping (and cooking) in a travel trailer has changed over the years.

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Muskie memories on the French River

Today’s post comes from year-round multispecies angler and writer Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com.

One of the most beautiful bodies of water I’ve visited throughout my fishing travels so far is the French River.

This river is unique. The French River is made up of a massive web of intertwined channels winding their way through the Canadian Shield rock face. To top it off, it’s surrounded by the breathtaking rugged scenery of the French River Provincial Park.

Beginning at Lake Nipissing, it flows 105 km southwest emptying into Georgian Bay on Lake Huron.

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My experience completing the 30×30 Challenge

This blog comes from Lily Carlson, a travel blogger and social media influencer at Lily’s Lens on Life

“Spending time in nature has a way of nurturing the soul”

– Katrina Mayer

Ever since I was a little girl, the great outdoors has been tied to so many incredible memories, including hiking with friends, swimming in the lake with my cousins, fishing with my grandparents. Heck, I even worked at summer camps for nine years throughout high school and university. So, naturally (pun intended), the 30×30 Challenge sounded right up my alley!

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Bon Echo’s Hardwood Hill open for autumn

Keen for some fall camping? In today’s post, Lauren Jackson, a Natural Heritage Education team member, announces the extension of Hardwood Hill Campground’s season.

Due to the high demand for more fall campsites and the interest in fall colours, we are thrilled to announce that Bon Echo Provincial Park‘s Hardwood Hill Campground will now be open until October 8, 2018.

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A brief history of nature education in provincial parks

“Through these interesting and enjoyable experiences which are both educational and recreational, interpretation contributes to the inspirational value of the outdoors and fosters an understanding, an appreciation, and an intelligent use of our parklands.”

– Alan Helmsley, Department of Lands & Forests, 1960

Ontario Parks’ nature programs are designed to help people discover and connect with the natural and cultural history of the park during their visit.

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The transformative power of nature at Killbear

This post comes from Kaitlyn-Lee Mun, one of our wonderful summer students at Killbear Provincial Park.

“I’m going to Killbear for the summer.”

“Cool…where’s that?”

This was the response I was usually met with when telling my family and friends where I was going for the summer.

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