Preserving ecological integrity is a priority for all of us here at Ontario Parks. But just what does ecological integrity look like? Algonquin Provincial Park Naturalist David LeGros explains… When I start many of my evening programs at Algonquin, I often ask the audience if they like nature. Usually I get a lot of hands … Continue reading How will I know ecological integrity when I see it?
Alison Lake or “Lakie” is an ecologist in our northeast zone, and has earned a reputation as a passionate promoter of ecological integrity. She has an infectious love of the natural world and is rarely seen without her “bins” (binoculars) around her neck.
Exploring remote forests, searching for rare species. Trekking through fields in hot, heavy gear to eradicate invasive ones. Using technology to monitor the ecosystems in parks and conservation reserves, and communicating conservation science to Ontario’s decision-makers. Working as a biologist for Ontario Parks is sometimes action-packed and always rewarding. Are you dreaming of spending your days … Continue reading So you want to be an Ontario Parks ecologist
Today’s post comes from Ian Shanahan, a Discovery Leader at Algonquin Provincial Park. “Algonquin’s blazing landscape” is a term used to describe the park during the peak of fall colours, when the mid-slope of most Algonquin hillsides along the Highway 60 corridor truly seem ablaze with the bright oranges and reds of Sugar and Red … Continue reading Algonquin’s second fall colours peak: the golden encore
Lion’s Head Provincial Park needs our help! This summer, the park has experienced high use, which is putting stress on this amazing habitat. What you may not know is that Lion’s Head Provincial Park is open for day use only, and has limited parking and no facilities or camping.
In today’s post comes from Alistair MacKenzie, Discovery Supervisor at Pinery Provincial Park, shares one of his parks exciting new conservation technologies: ecopassages. I have a lot to thank my parents for, not the least of which is for introducing me to nature as a young child. When my family immigrated to Canada, we began … Continue reading A mouse, a beast, and a ghost: who’s using Pinery’s ecopassage?
Today’s post comes from Park Naturalist Roger LaFontaine, a highly trained DROP specialist who aids in the retrieval of technology in distress or imminent danger. With so many people coming to our amazing parks last year, social media was loaded with pictures. They took pictures of the landscape, wildlife, their families and friends, and themselves — lots … Continue reading DROP Unit formed to recover lost selfie gear
Today’s blog comes from Emma Dennis, an assistant Discovery Program leader at Killarney Provincial Park. I am a lover of the outdoors and an avid hiker, so it’s only natural that I own two dogs that share that same passions. As Killarney residents, we are lucky enough to have Killarney Provincial Park as our backyard. … Continue reading Keeping dogs on-leash protects our parks’ ecological integrity
In our “Behind the Scenes” series, Discovery Program staff across the province share a “backstage” glimpse of their favourite programs and projects. Today’s post comes from Caroline Freitag, a Discovery Guide at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park. When I was a very young child, I was fascinated by leaves and rocks. On walks around my neighbourhood … Continue reading My journey to becoming a Discovery Guide at Rainbow Falls
Today’s post comes from Jessica Stillman, School Outreach Coordinator for Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a unique setting, with rich natural and historical features. As the School Outreach Coordinator at the park, I get to connect students to this wonderful site on a daily basis! Let me tell you a little … Continue reading When the student becomes the teacher
