Today’s post comes from Mark Read, our Discovery leader at Murphys Point Provincial Park.
This blog is not going to be an identification guide; nor is it going to be packed full of mind-blowing facts.
Instead, it is more of a celebration of the fungal diversity found in Ontario.
I hope that along the way you’ll be encouraged to take a closer look at these fascinating organisms that play such a critical role in maintaining the ecological integrity of our parks!
Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime! Interpreter David Bree is about to take us on a journey down memory lane.
After 32 years, the end is near.
Hi, my name is David Bree and I have worked at Ontario Parks as an interpreter (also known as a park naturalist) for over half my life.
As I go through my final year as an Ontario Parks employee, I have embarked on a retirement nostalgia tour of the parks I worked at.
Continue reading The great OP retirement tour: Charleston Lake
Our night sky seems to be a fixture of perfection.
While the stars rise and set, and the sun, moon and planets do appear to move against the starry backdrop, little other changes are apparent.
However, that stillness does get punctuated from time to time by ghostly interlopers — the comets!
And right now, our eyes are fixed on Comet NEOWISE!
Today’s post comes from Rachel Gagnon, Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Coordinator.
Did you know that nature can touch all our senses: sound, smell, sight, touch, and taste?
During these times when we can’t visit our favourite natural spaces, bringing pieces of nature home can help us experience some of its benefits.
So few things in the world stimulate our minds and bodies like nature does. It can soothe us, alleviate our stress, and put us in a better mood.
Here are some ways you can incorporate nature into your daily life through connecting to your five senses:
Continue reading How to use your senses to experience nature at home
Today’s post comes from David LeGros, park naturalist at Algonquin Provincial Park.
Even though our parks are currently closed, I’ve noticed people are continuing to submit observations to iNaturalist.
At first, I was a little worried that people were entering parks during the closure, but on closer inspection, I was pleasantly surprised.
Continue reading Armchair observations and sticking close to home
Today’s post comes from Alistair MacKenzie, Discovery Supervisor at Pinery Provincial Park.
Have you ever thrown a tangle of rope to the ground in a frustrated fit?
I used to, but was lucky enough to be exposed to the sport of rock climbing. In short order, I learned a few essential knots that have changed my life.
Family Day is the perfect opportunity to get your loved ones outdoors for a winter adventure.
Here are some exciting happenings at Ontario Parks this Family Day Weekend:
In our “Behind the Scenes” series, Discovery Program staff across the province share a backstage glimpse of their favourite programs and projects. Today’s post comes from Anna Scuhr, Discovery Program staff member at Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Many joys come along with being an Ontario Parks’ Discovery Guide. We work in some of Ontario’s most beautiful places, with coworkers who share our passions, and a job that is never dull.
Today’s post comes from Will Oades, with the Discovery Program staff at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
As we near the end of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park’s 75th anniversary, it’s hard not to look back on all of the rich natural and cultural history that has shaped the park into the place we know and love today.
Full of world-class hiking, biking and ski trails, Sleeping Giant offers a recreational haven for thrill seekers and amateur adventurers alike.
Continue reading Celebrating 75 Years at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Today’s post comes from Nicole Bucik, a Senior Park Interpreter at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the Victorian era?
When walking around Spruce Lane Farm at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, you might think to yourself: have I stepped back in time?
Seeing park staff in suits and gowns tending to farm animals might seem odd, but it’s a seasonal feature here at Bronte Creek.
