Category: Park Partners

Why donate to Ontario Parks?

Did you know only a small portion of Ontario Parks’ budget comes from provincial taxes? In fact, the vast majority of operational funding comes from day-use and camping fees, rentals, partnerships, and the support of our generous donors.

Our donors give for many reasons. Ontario’s provincial parks are places of treasured memories, family traditions, connections with nature, and cultural landmarks.

That’s why we reached out to some recent donors to find out their reasons for supporting Ontario Parks. Here’s what they told us:

Continue reading Why donate to Ontario Parks?

Together, we’re protecting our turtles

We’re doing it!

We’re helping more and more turtles in our provincial parks with the support of our incredible donors.

Over the past several months, we have collected donations for our Turtle Protection Projects across Ontario.

We are thrilled to report that many of these projects are well underway. Our park staff are working hard to protect and monitor nesting turtles and their hatchlings.

Continue reading Together, we’re protecting our turtles

“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!

Continue reading “Giant” generosity

This is your brain on nature!

Nature? We’re here for it and so are our friends at Coleman Canada. Read on to find out how they’re helping us encourage Ontarians to spend more time outside!

It’s easy to feel a bit low at this time of year. It seems to get dark outside immediately after lunch, the sun is elusive, and our bodies are still adapting to cooler temperatures.

There’s a part of our brain that really wants to hibernate.

But we’re going to fight that urge, and you should too! Here’s why: our brains need nature! Continue reading This is your brain on nature!

4 tips for choosing the perfect RV

The ability to take your “home away from home” all over the province has never been more appealing.

The assurance that your living space is safe for your family, combined with the freedom to travel where and when you want, has proved to be an ideal way for Ontarians to enjoy the great outdoors while maintaining physical distancing.

With help from our friends at the Canadian RV Association (CRVA), we’ve created a list of hot tips to guide you through finding your perfect RV:

Continue reading 4 tips for choosing the perfect RV

Invasive Species Fighters: keep our lakes great

Today’s post comes from our friends at the Invasive Species Centre.

Our Great Lakes are Great with a capital “G,” and we want to keep them that way.

Ontario Parks offer pristine outdoor experiences with nearly two dozen provincial parks situated on the Great Lakes.

Did you know that invasive carps are not established in the Great Lakes, but threaten almost all aspects of our cherished lakes? Learn more about these fishes and what you can do to keep them out.

Continue reading Invasive Species Fighters: keep our lakes great

Nominate a student

Has one of our park staff ever made your day? You know: gone that extra yard to make your vacation that much more enjoyable?

If this has happened to you, it has most likely involved one of the 1,500+ student staff we hire each summer.

And we’d love your help in giving them some well-deserved recognition and support.

Continue reading Nominate a student

The Lake Superior Water Trail: the greatest of trails

Today’s post comes from Joanie McGuffin (paddler, author, and executive director of the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy (LSWC)), and Holly Drew (LSWC Marketing and Communications Coordinator).

For thousands of years, people paddled birchbark canoes along the shores of Lake Superior to get from place to place. Travelling and trading, hunting and fishing; these were the activities of the historic Lake Superior Water Trail, now being celebrated as part of The Great Trail by Trans Canada Trail.

Continue reading The Lake Superior Water Trail: the greatest of trails

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.

Continue reading Pinery goes to battle for bats