Category: Spring

New in 2022: Blackfly Protection Zones in Algonquin

Today’s post comes from Roger LaFontaine, park naturalist and passionate blackfly advocate. 

Imagine yourself by the side of a beautiful, rocky stream or river in Algonquin Provincial Park.

The idyllic spot for pondering life’s mysteries, like “what does it look like inside a kingfisher’s burrow?” or “do the bioluminescent fungi glow during the day, too?”

As you enjoy your Instagrammable moments streamside, you are surrounded by a hum, vibrations, and the tickle of tiny feet.

It’s like you’re a celebrity, a guest of honour!

You have arrived to one of Algonquin’s newly established Blackfly Protection Zones.

Continue reading New in 2022: Blackfly Protection Zones in Algonquin

From tumblers to leaf blowers: we bet you didn’t know how much work it takes to make our beaches beautiful

Today’s blog was written by Jessica Stillman, school outreach coordinator at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.

Our beautiful beaches are one of the many reasons people choose to visit parks.

But you didn’t think they got that pretty on their own, did you?

Here’s a glimpse into some of the behind-the-scenes work you probably didn’t know was going on across the province…

Continue reading From tumblers to leaf blowers: we bet you didn’t know how much work it takes to make our beaches beautiful

Has spring sprung? Depends where you are!

Watching winter slip away is a magical thing. Snow is melting, temperatures are warming, and some of our fair-weather bird friends are returning.

However, Ontario is a huge province, and the arrival of spring looks very different depending on where you are.

Spring comes slowly in many provincial parks.

Every year people are surprised to learn that while urban areas may be in bloom, many provincial parks, such as Algonquin, are still covered in snow and ice.

This can lead to some unwelcome surprises and unsafe situations for visitors who are expecting warm weather and spring-like conditions.

Continue reading Has spring sprung? Depends where you are!

Turtle eggs and salamander spawn: spring monitoring at Grundy Lake

Today’s article comes from Emily Wright, Discovery Program Leader at Grundy Lake Provincial Park.

Spring at Grundy Lake is a quiet time of year.

The lake waters are cold from the melting snow and ice, birds are just starting to arrive from their long migrations, and visitors are few and far between.

Park staff, however, are often busy and bustling about as they begin to prepare for another season of campers.

Continue reading Turtle eggs and salamander spawn: spring monitoring at Grundy Lake

St. Patrick’s Day “green”ery

Our parks are wearing the green this St. Patrick’s Day and you don’t have to be Irish to appreciate it!

“You do need to be observant, though,” says Algonquin Provincial Park biologist Alison Lake. “But it will be well worth the effort.”

Taking St. Patrick’s Day stroll? Here are 7 shades of green you might spot in our parks:

Continue reading St. Patrick’s Day “green”ery

Eyes on the skies – March

Welcome to the Ontario Parks “Eyes on the Skies” series. This space (see what we did there?) will cover a wide range of astronomy topics with a focus on what can be seen from the pristine skies found in our provincial parks.

March is one of the most glorious months to be camping, or even just spend time outdoors enjoying our parks.

On March 19, the earth passes through Spring Equinox. This is the day that formally marks the beginning of spring and affords equal hours of sunlight and darkness.

Here are our astronomical highlights for March:

Continue reading Eyes on the skies – March

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!

Continue reading How to connect with nature in your everyday life

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.

Continue reading The annual birding battle for the golden binoculars

Eyes on the skies — May

Welcome to the Ontario Parks “Eyes on the Skies” series. This space (see what we did there?) will cover a wide range of astronomy topics with a focus on what can be seen from the pristine skies found in our provincial parks.

While spring “technically” begins in March, most of us living in cold climates tend to celebrate May as the true start to the season.

Here are our astronomical highlights for May, 2024:

Continue reading Eyes on the skies — May

May’s digital download

With the arrival of spring comes the familiar call of our provincial bird.

The sights and sounds of these iconic birds capture the hearts of all Ontarians.

Learn more about the Common Loon.

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.

Continue reading May’s digital download