Our staff are working hard to ensure our visitors are having a safe and enjoyable time at Ontario Parks.
Here are a few ways you can do your part to maintain a smooth experience at our parks for all:
Featured constellations: Madoodiswan, Noondeshin Bemaadizid, and Madoodoowasiniig
In this month’s featured constellations, we will discuss two Anishinaabek constellations that are prominent at this time of the year: Madoodiswan (the Sweat Lodge) and Noondeshin Bemaadizid (the Exhausted Bather).
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5 things to know before your first camping trip
You did it!
You booked your first camping trip…now what?
Here’s how you can prepare for your first overnight outing outdoors:
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A mouse, a beast, and a ghost: who’s using Pinery’s ecopassage?
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 exploring Ontario and seeking out opportunities to witness natural phenomena and wild species. Soon, this behaviour led us to Algonquin Provincial Park, and we started making frequent pilgrimages there in all seasons.
Continue reading A mouse, a beast, and a ghost: who’s using Pinery’s ecopassage?
Annular Eclipse
At the early sunrise on June 10, some viewers in northern Ontario will have the chance to witness what is known as an Annular Eclipse.
June’s digital download
Driftwood is so much more than lumber washed ashore.
Countless little creatures make driftwood their home, and shorebirds rely on driftwood for nesting, feeding, and shelter.
Throughout 2021, we’re sharing a free downloadable graphic for you to use as wallpaper for your favourite devices. We’ve specially sized these images for your computers, tablets, smartphones and Facebook covers.
How to connect with nature in your everyday life
Many of us now live in fast-paced urban landscapes or busy suburban neighborhoods, spending most of our time in front of our computers, tvs, and phones.
While it’s easy to be disconnected from nature, studies show that staying connected to nature is critical for both our health and happiness. From fighting depression to stress, and even fatigue, there are so many benefits to getting outside.
Remember that nature isn’t always a destination; it can also be found in your own backyard!
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The annual birding battle for the golden binoculars
In today’s post, Learning & Education Specialist Rachelle Law recounts Team Ontario’s push to find as many birds as possible.
Every year, a team of expert birders from Ontario Parks prepare — binoculars in hand — to compete in a heated competition.
The goal: spot and record as many bird species as they can over one weekend, and win the coveted “golden” binoculars.
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In search of Rusty and other adventures
Sarah Litterick is a Canadian nature nerd, fungi hunter, hiking enthusiast, beach bum, animal lover, and photographer. Sarah is currently upgrading her education with hopes of enrolling in the Wildlife Biology and Conservation program at the University of Guelph.
I’ll be honest: all my life I have had an intense aversion to insects, especially the stinging kind. I don’t know where this deep fear came from, but more than once, I have taken flight in a screaming dash because an insect came too close.
Nonetheless, in 2015, I joined the Friends of Pinery Park Board of Directors and was looking for ways I could get more involved in park projects.
That year, I signed up for their first-ever Bumble Bee Survey. The survey was a citizen science project and joint venture between the park and Wildlife Preservation Canada, along with many other supporters.
I honestly don’t know what made me say “yes” to this project, but I am glad I did.
Forever protected: why MacGregor Point belongs
Our “Forever Protected” series shares why each and every park belongs in Ontario Parks. In today’s post, Kathleen Houlahan Chayer tells us MacGregor Point’s story.
I worked as the Discovery Leader at MacGregor Point Provincial Park for four years, but it wasn’t really until I started working at Pinery (another park that I’m glad is forever protected) that I fully appreciated why MacGregor Point belongs in the Ontario Parks system.
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