Five donor projects protecting Ontario’s southwestern wildlife

With summer in full swing, staff have been busy in parks, both in front of and behind the scenes!

Through our donation program, parks across Ontario’s southwest have received funding for ongoing projects designed to protect some of the most unique wildlife in the province.

Here are five of them:

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The “Nature Snoopers”: a legacy in photos

Special thanks to Kandyd Szuba, a family friend of the Meissners, who helped donate the Meissner’s photo collection to Ontario Parks and contributed to this article.

Meet the “Nature Snoopers.”

To their friends, Erwin and Annie Meissner were the “Nature Snoopers.” Everywhere they went, they were “nature snooping” – down every back road and down every hiking trail, they would be on the lookout for new discoveries.

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Improving access to Twin Points Trail at Killbear

Tucked away in a corner of Killbear Provincial Park is a special spot: the Twin Points Trail.

With windswept pines, rugged rocks, and a plethora of wildlife, this is the perfect place to fully absorb the beauty of Georgian Bay.

This natural gem has captured the hearts of many, including one special nature-lover: Teresa Daw.

She made a lasting contribution to help more people access the trail than ever before.

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“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!

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Improving accessibility at North Beach Provincial Park

A day on the beach is an essential Ontario Parks experience. There’s almost nothing better than soaking in the sun, relaxing on the sand, or playing in the water with friends and family.

This summer, John Cairns, from the Wheelchair of Hope Foundation, helped make this possible for all North Beach Provincial Park visitors through the donation of two wheelchair-accessible Mobi-Mats.

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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.

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Support Killarney Provincial Park

As part of Ontario Parks’ 125th anniversary, we’re asking Ontarians to help us fund one of five legacy projects across the province.

Killarney Provincial Park’s legacy project is to upgrade the “The Crack” hiking trail. This is a short, day-use portion of the multi-day (80 km) La Cloche Silhouette Trail along Killarney’s white quartzite ridges.

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Support Algonquin Provincial Park!

The car ride to our favourite destination always seems to take forever. We always look for special landmarks along the way to let us know we’re getting close.

Some of these landmarks are special to you, but others are truly iconic. They let you know that you have “arrived”. For lovers of Algonquin Provincial Park, the birch bark map is that iconic landmark.

As part of the Ontario Parks’ 125th anniversary, we’re asking Ontarians to help us fund five legacy projects across the province.

Algonquin’s legacy project is to refurbish and update the park’s iconic sign to provide a warm, familiar welcome to visitors for years to come.

Continue reading Support Algonquin Provincial Park!