For the upcoming federal election, the environment ranks as a high concern. We in the environmental community need to engage right now, to grow awareness of key issues, to mobilize friends and neighbours, and to inform the debate. Here in Toronto, all candidates – and voters – should hear about threats to natural areas, species Read More
In the Blog: For Members
100 Debates on the Environment
As noted by Rita Bijons’ feature “An Opportunity to Build Environmental Leadership” (Toronto Field Naturalist, September 2019), the first week of October will be a critical period for environmentalists preparing for the upcoming federal election. During this time, over 100 non-partisan all-candidate debates on the environment and climate will take place in ridings across Canada. Read More
The Connected Naturalist: Bumble Bee Watch
by Jason Ramsay-Brown Honestly, I hadn’t really given much thought to our native bumble bees until one day in 2016 when I was treated to a walk through Cottonwood Flats, led by Sheila R. Colla, Assistant Professor at York, former Liber Ero Fellow, and co-author of The Bumble Bees of North America: An Identification Guide Read More
Preventing Tick Bites
Tick populations are expanding in Toronto. Back in 2013, the City’s tick dragging efforts found only a single blacklegged (deer) tick and it tested negative for Borrelia bacteria, the cause of Lyme Disease. 2019 results now show blacklegged ticks present in many of our ravines & natural areas. Colonel Danforth Trail is of particular concern, Read More
Coming up around town
Summer is our time to kick back and enjoy nature! But let’s also mark our calendars for events coming up soon: Sunday, Sept 8: TFN Monthly Lectures begin with The Meadoway: Meadow Restoration Within Hydro Corridors. Emmanuel College, Room 001, 75 Queen’s Park Cres E. Doors open at 2:00. Monday, Sept. 9: Toronto’s Biodiversity Strategy Read More
Lower Don Trail – Master Plan Refresh
The City of Toronto is hosting a public meeting on September 17 to discuss the progress of the Lower Don Trail – Master Plan Refresh! Great opportunity to learn what’s being considered and to raise your voice in support of protecting and enhancing natural heritage along this well-used stretch of trail. Read More
Tell your MPP what you think of Bill 108, now passed into law
If you care about nature in Ontario, now is a great time to email your MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament) about Bill 108, the More Homes, More Choice Act, which was passed into law on June 6, 2019. All our MPPs are on an extended break from the Ontario Legislature until mid-October. The top concern Read More
A look back at the TFN Slide Collection
The TFN office serves a variety of purposes: meeting space for the board and various committees, production facilities for the newsletter, and a social spot on Friday mornings to name a few. But as a quick glace at the shelves that line our walls will tell you, it is also home to the TFN Archives, Read More
High Park Stewards Late Summer Native Plant Sale
High Park Stewards will be holding a Late Summer Native Plant Sale on Sunday, August 25th, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in front of the High Park Greenhouse. Thousands of plants and over 50 species priced from $5 – $10. Sales support native plant restoration in High Park. List of plants available from their website. Read More
Notes From Junior Naturalists Event On Aug 10th
Thanks to those of you who made it out to the Todmorden Mills Planting event. It was a perfect sunny August day! Thanks also to Paula and Steve, who hosted us and made it such a special time. We are so grateful that you have made Todmorden Mills an amazing place where nature is restored Read More