Leaving no trace when taking nature photos
Spending time in nearby nature fosters a deeper appreciation for it (Photo by Mariam Qureshi)
As nature enthusiasts, many of us love to capture the beauty of the outdoors through photography. However, it's important to remember that we have a responsibility to protect the natural environment we love so much. This is where the Leave No...
Fifty years ago
Abraham Lake Nature Reserve, NS (Photo by Len Wagg)
Fifty years ago, as a junior forester, I was introduced to “Big Red.” Towering above the other red spruce trees in a classic example of old-growth Wabanaki (Acadian) forest, Big Red was located near the trailhead of the Nature...
The two-way street between a thriving environment and happiness
People spending time in nature (Photo by Joe McFarlane/iStock)
In the Carleton University happiness lab, our biggest line of research explores the idea that environmental sustainability can come via a happy path through nature. This seems especially relevant in the last couple of years, as the COVID-19...
When it comes to wetland restoration and maximizing soil carbon storage, location matters
A day in the field at the Long Point Biosphere Reserve (Photo by Amanda Loder)
As appreciation from the public grows for the ecological and cultural values of wetlands, there is increasing demand to bring back those wetlands that have been converted or altered. Wetlands were once widespread across the temperate region of...
Big Backyard BioBlitz: Your cell phone and curiosity can contribute to scientific research
Monarch butterfly (Photo by A. Dabydeen)
Until recently, I thought that "scientific research" was something only done in labs, hospitals and research institutes, by scientists with four different PhDs. Turns out that's not true! When it comes to monitoring biodiversity, community science...
Reboot at Shoe Lake: Counting piping plovers
Piping plover at Shoe Lake, SK (Photo by Bill Armstrong)
Revisiting a Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) project for a Conservation Volunteers (CV) event is always an interesting experience, for several reasons. It’s an opportunity to renew acquaintances with familiar NCC folk or meet new ones, to...
Marshland in the Long Point Region has a long history — and holds a lot of carbon
A day in the field at the Long Point Biosphere Reserve (Photo by Amanda Loder)
There is growing discussion on the role of wetlands as natural climate solutions; meaning how we can conserve and restore these ecosystems to leverage carbon storage and greenhouse gas uptake from the atmosphere. This could ultimately help slow...
The McIntyre Ranch — Preserving native grassland and wildlife habitat
McIntyre Ranch, AB (Photo by Leta Pezderic/NCC staff)
There have been many special occasions in the 129-year history of McIntyre Ranch, but, surely, conserving it forever must be one of the most momentous ones. In 1894, William McIntyre began his legacy to conserve grassland in a sustainable manner,...
A great island in a Great Lake
Batchewana Island, ON (Photo by Gary McGuffin)
Like so many residents of Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior cottagers and travellers on the Trans-Canada Highway, Batchewana Island floats on the horizon of my summertime memories. I remember childhood picnics with my grandparents at Batchawana Bay...
For the love of our landscapes
Part of a naturalized lawn where goldenrods are in the foreground (Photo by Chelsea Vieira)
For so long, most western societies have valued groomed lawns and manicured gardens; those considered beautiful for their lack of weeds, crisp edges and often symmetrical landscaping. Having lived in urban areas most of my life, it wasn't until...
