Improving access to Twin Points Trail at Killbear

Tucked away in a corner of Killbear Provincial Park is a special spot: the Twin Points Trail.

With windswept pines, rugged rocks, and a plethora of wildlife, this is the perfect place to fully absorb the beauty of Georgian Bay.

This natural gem has captured the hearts of many, including one special nature-lover: Teresa Daw.

She made a lasting contribution to help more people access the trail than ever before.

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Our 2022 Turtle Protection Project results: a reason to “shell”ebrate!

We’ve got some “egg-citing” news!

In 2022, we went on a mission to protect Ontario’s at-risk turtles.

It was a huge success! In fact, at one park, we had our first Painted Turtle hatchling emerge from a nest in ten years!

And it wouldn’t have been possible without our “turtley” awesome donors and the Turtle Protection Project.

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Five donor projects protecting Ontario’s southwestern wildlife

With summer in full swing, staff have been busy in parks, both in front of and behind the scenes!

Through our donation program, parks across Ontario’s southwest have received funding for ongoing projects designed to protect some of the most unique wildlife in the province.

Here are five of them:

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The “Nature Snoopers”: a legacy in photos

Special thanks to Kandyd Szuba, a family friend of the Meissners, who helped donate the Meissner’s photo collection to Ontario Parks and contributed to this article.

Meet the “Nature Snoopers.”

To their friends, Erwin and Annie Meissner were the “Nature Snoopers.” Everywhere they went, they were “nature snooping” – down every back road and down every hiking trail, they would be on the lookout for new discoveries.

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“Giant” generosity

Our favourite natural spaces can move us. Scenic views, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking experiences all hold a special place in our hearts and minds.

Recently, one generous donor was so moved by the Kabeyun Trail at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park that they made a $25,000 donation to improve the trail.

Talk about “giant” generosity!

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Improving accessibility at North Beach Provincial Park

A day on the beach is an essential Ontario Parks experience. There’s almost nothing better than soaking in the sun, relaxing on the sand, or playing in the water with friends and family.

This summer, John Cairns, from the Wheelchair of Hope Foundation, helped make this possible for all North Beach Provincial Park visitors through the donation of two wheelchair-accessible Mobi-Mats.

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Pinery goes to battle for bats

Today’s post comes from Natural Heritage Education Supervisor Alistair MacKenzie and Bat Stewardship Technician Heather Sanders.

Did you know Pinery Provincial Park has been a bat research hot spot for more than four decades? We’ve collaborated with research groups at York University, Western University and the University of Waterloo.

Much of what we know about Ontario bats — including their migration, diet, and behaviour — is all thanks to work done at Pinery.

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