Lake monsters in Ontario Parks

Today’s post comes from Roger LaFontaine, park naturalist, classically trained biologist and amateur lake monster researcher. He has spent nearly two decades researching and documenting the occurrence of mysterious creatures in Ontario. We think that we know our lakes and rivers well, but, in reality, we have barely scratched the surface. Unknown to us, the … Continue reading Lake monsters in Ontario Parks

Sparking memories with tent nostalgia

Today’s post comes from Rachel DeGreef, Project and Communications Assistant with Ontario Parks.  We can all agree that the smell of a campfire and fresh pine can bring us back to our fondest camping memories. Science tells us that olfactory senses are the strongest memories we have. John Leadston, Project Manager at Arrowhead Provincial Park, … Continue reading Sparking memories with tent nostalgia

Fishing for popsicles at Pinery

Today’s post comes from Natural Heritage Education and Resource Management Supervisor Alistair MacKenzie. The Old Ausable Channel runs through Pinery Provincial Park and hosts an impressive variety of species, many of which are species-at-risk. But over the past few years, we’ve noticed a lot of extra litter ending up in the channel…

The Spotted Salamander, harbinger of spring

Salamanders are iconic and influential members of northern forest communities. As one of the most abundant vertebrates in eastern North American forests, salamanders are considered “keystone species” because of their disproportionate roles as predators and prey in regulating food webs, nutrient cycling, and contributing to ecosystem resilience-resistance. In addition to fulfilling key ecological functions, amphibians … Continue reading The Spotted Salamander, harbinger of spring