Working in wetlands: A complex ecosystem
Wetland creation site: staff and volunteer group with newly created woody berm structure in 2022 (Photo Carolyn Davies/NCC)
The Minesing Wetlands is an incredible complex. Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, a Provincially Significant Wetland and a Life Sciences Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, it is a critical area for conservation....
Collaborating for conservation
The cutting crew, comprised of staff from NCC, Georgian Bay Forever, Parks Canada, and the Severn Sound Environmental Association (Photo by Carolyn Davies/NCC Staff)
The natural world really is incredible. Spending time in it is a continual process of discovery, which is great for someone like me who is a life-long learner. For the past year and half at the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), I’ve had...
Cave Pasture: A hoppy haven
Northern leopard frog (Photo by Sean Feagan/NCC staff)
As the 2023 communications and engagement intern with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in Saskatchewan, I get to showcase different species and conservation properties that NCC is taking care of. The Cave Pasture property is the most recent...
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...
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...
Yay! The ducks are back!
Mallards — male on the left, female on the right. (Photo by Pia Vahabi/NCC staff)
Here in Toronto, winter and waterfowl don’t necessarily sound like two things that should go together. But the truth is, while some birds (and people) escape Ontario’s cold winter to warmer climes, others migrate from the Arctic to...
Turtles: Canada's culture in a shell
Blanding's turtle, Frontenac Arch Natural Area, Ontario (Photo by Ryan M. Bolton)
It was a gloomy day in southern Ontario. Although the canoe I paddled in was quiet, the landscape — filled with croaks and chirping — was anything but. Three metres away, a small creature emerged from the glass-like water to stretch...
Wanting wetlands: Marking 50 years of wetland conservation and loss
Black River Bog, NS (Photo by Mike Dembeck)
Fifty years ago, nations gathered to create the world’s first global agreement to conserve a habitat. Maybe it will surprise you that this agreement wasn’t for tropical rainforests or coral reefs or oceans. It was a for a habitat that...
14 facts for World Wetlands Day
Musquash River, New Brunswick (Photo by Ron Garnett Airscapes)
The second of February each year marks World Wetlands Day, where everyone is encouraged to raise awareness and learn about the importance and value of wetlands! Be a wetland whiz this year with these 14 fun facts! A wetland, like its name...
The wonder of winter wetlands
Brighton Wetland from a nearby field in early fall. Note that the cattails in the distance are already turning brown and falling down. (Photo by NCC)
Two summers ago I spent a lot of time trekking through beautiful wetlands, both while working at NCC and for leisure. I loved every moment of my time there, whether I was wading out into knee-deep water to hand pull invasive European frog-bit,...
