Tag: discovery

Bats: The mammal, the myth, the legend

Today’s post comes from Ashley Hanas, a bat technician with the Friends of Pinery Park.

Bats are the only true flying mammal.

There are currently over 1,400 species and bats encompass 20% of the mammalian species on earth (meaning 1 in 5 mammals are bats!).

Bats are essential to the health of our environment, providing indispensable ecosystem and economic services in the form of prolific insect pest control, pollination of plants, and dispersal of seeds.

Their droppings, or guano, are rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, making it a highly effective fertilizer.

Despite the numerous benefits bats provide us, their reputations are marred by negative misconceptions.

Continue reading Bats: The mammal, the myth, the legend

Opening doors with Ontario Parks

Today’s blog was written by Pilar Manorome, a park planner in Protected Areas Section at Ontario Parks.

As a kid, I was always fascinated by the natural world around me and was very fortunate to grow up in Norfolk County.

It was a place where I could step out my door and have a wide array of trees, wildflowers, birds, insects, and everything in between, right at my fingertips.

I am also very blessed to have a family that encouraged exploration of the natural world through taking me to the local conservation areas and provincial parks to find frogs and wildflowers, and down dirt roads to find birds and butterflies.

Although my mom and grandparents lit the spark, the flame was truly fanned when I started volunteering for my local Conservation Authority.

Working for Ontario Parks has only further fed the fire.

Continue reading Opening doors with Ontario Parks

Reading ancient rocks at Neys Provincial Park

Today’s blog comes from Charlotte Westcott, Discovery Leader at Neys Provincial Park.

When you look at a rock, what do you see?

You might notice swirling colours, patterns, scratches, gouges, jagged gaps, and smoothed edges. Every single rock is different.

When I look at rocks, I see a story. 

Like people, plants, and animals, rocks have a history—almost a life of their own.

When you start to unravel what rocks are and where they came from, you’re usually taken on a wild ride!

Continue reading Reading ancient rocks at Neys Provincial Park

5 lessons from Ontario’s wildlife to reduce stress

Today’s blog was written by Ontario Parks Social Media Assistant Sonia Dharni.

April is here and it’s National Stress Awareness Month.

With constant notifications and never-ending tasks, it’s easy to forget the simple joys and timeless wisdom that nature offers.

Digital alerts fill our ears, while the cheerful song of the birds and the soothing sound of a breeze through the trees become an afterthought.

We could learn a lesson or two from nature – especially from wildlife. By observing and understanding how animals navigate challenges, we can discover strategies for managing stress in our own lives.

Here are five lessons from Ontario’s wildlife that can help reduce stress:

Continue reading 5 lessons from Ontario’s wildlife to reduce stress

Where the best summer of my life has led me

Today’s blog comes from Laurel Finney. Laurel is the Discovery program project coordinator within the Ontario Parks Operations & Development section, providing direction and support for Discovery Program staff across the province. Previously Laurel worked at White Lake, Esker Lakes, Six Mile Lake, and Wasaga Beach provincial parks.

When I was 17, I applied to and was accepted into the Ontario Junior Ranger program.

Its tagline was “best summer of my life” – and that still rings true for me.

My parents drove me to Washago and from there, I traveled on my own, by train, to Gogama, where I had the best summer of my life and made some of my truest friends.

Continue reading Where the best summer of my life has led me

Butterflies: a not-so-well-known sign of spring

Today’s post comes to us from the Discovery staff at Charleston Lake Provincial Park.

Spring is coming!

Some telltale signs of spring include the return of birds that left for the winter, spring wildflowers opening their colourful blooms, and new tree leaves unfurling from buds.

But before that, there’s often an earlier sign of spring: butterflies.

That’s right, butterflies! A sign of spring in Charleston Lake is the sight of some early winged beauties flitting about.

Continue reading Butterflies: a not-so-well-known sign of spring

My summer as a Discovery ranger at Grundy Lake

Today’s blog was written by Justin Sallans, Discovery ranger at Grundy Lake Provincial Park.

As someone who has always loved nature, working as a Discovery ranger at Grundy Lake Provincial Park was the perfect choice for me.

Not only did I get to live and work in the park, but I also had the opportunity to share knowledge I had gained through my post-secondary studies.

Continue reading My summer as a Discovery ranger at Grundy Lake

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

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!

Continue reading Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

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?

Continue reading What do you want to be when you grow up?

Meet Quetico Provincial Park’s new camping pods

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