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.
Today’s post comes from Kathleen Boston, a Discovery Leader at Pancake Bay Provincial Park.
Three years ago, I applied to spend my summer working at Pancake Bay Provincial Park. It was one of the best decisions I ever made!
Thankfully I was chosen to work as a gate attendant for my first year. In my second year I moved to the maintenance department, and now, in my third year, I am part of the Discovery Program team.
In 1944, Algonquin Provincial Park decided to try something new.
They hired Professor J.R. Dymond, Director of the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology, to deliver guided hikes for park visitors. Those first interpretive programs were a success and what would become the Ontario Parks Discovery Program was born.
Seventy-five years later, roughly 300 Discovery staff in over 70 parks continue to engage visitors with stories of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage and encourage them to explore further.
Continue reading The Ontario Parks Discovery Program: 75 years in the making
Today’s post comes from Jordan Welch and Kelly Taylor, Discovery Program staff at Lake Superior Provincial Park
We have all been asked the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?”
We tend to make the decision based on the experiences we have. For some, it’s school; for others, it’s travel. Perhaps even friends and family help in deciding a career path. We went outside.
Today’s post comes from Charlotte Westcott, a Discovery Program staff member at Lake Superior Provincial Park.
As the sun sets, the stars begin to appear. Like old friends, their familiar glow brings us home no matter how far away our house may be. Our friendly acquaintances, the constellations, trace their way across the sky. The white glow of the Milky Way emerges slowly to drown out its fainter neighbours.
Far away from the light pollution of major cities, Lake Superior Provincial Park’s night sky is one of the darkest in North America.
Continue reading The long road to Lake Superior Provincial Park’s Dark Sky Preserve
Humanity’s fascination with the celestial bodies dates back millennia.
And times haven’t changed.
Star parties and night sky events are held in our parks every summer, especially in northern Ontario, where there’s less light pollution.
Continue reading Summer star parties 2019
Today’s post comes from Olivia Pomajba, a summer student at Rondeau Provincial Park.
“I hold no terrors in these hands
I am but a vessel to unknown lands
There is nothing to fear but fear itself
Of what, the memory of love or wealth
You will take my hand, make no mistake
A new life starts as you awake.”
— Graham Jones, “Fear of the Unknown”
Racing around the campground with brand new friends. Building sandcastles on the beach. Roasting marshmallows over the campfire.
Some of our best childhood memories are made in parks.
Before you pack your little ones into the car for your next family vacation, here are five conversations to make sure your trip is as safe as it is fun!
Continue reading 5 conversations to have with your child before your next camping trip
Today’s post comes from Natural Heritage Education Supervisor Alistair MacKenzie and Bat Stewardship Technician Heather Sanders.
Bats are the only mammal capable of true sustained flight, and with over 1,300 species and counting, they make up the second largest order of mammals.
Today’s post comes from Megan and Cora, two of Halfway Lake Provincial Park‘s discovery guides.
As discovery guides, part of our job is inspiring, encouraging, and motivating visitor to explore and discover nature everywhere!
Continue reading Hiking through Halfway Lake, discovery-style
