From Ontario Parks:

Research that shows even 20 minutes a day in nature can make a big difference to our health and well-being.

So, how can we prioritize spending time in nature when life gets busy?

Read more.

From Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

Simple and affordable changes to your lighting can reduce bird-window collisions. More than 1 billion birds die from window collisions in North America every year. Light pollution disorients birds, drawing them into structures. You can save both birds and money through affordable solutions that minimize light at night. Read more.

From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

The SUPER monarchs are built different.

The monarchs that make the migration journey to Mexico for the winter, often called the monarch super generation, are distinct from their parents and grandparents.

1. They live longer than their previous generations

2. They migrate further than their previous generations

3. They become sexually mature later than their previous generations

This super monarch can travel 50 miles a day as it migrates south. They’ll catch thermals and ride the wind currents when they can, but they don’t know where their next meal will come from. You can help migrating monarchs by planting native nectar plants. Help these traveling butterflies on their long journey south.

Thanks to the stalwart souls who came out to the Lawson Nature Reserve to clean out more invasive buckthorn. Volunteers get things done!! Lots more removed after September 7th removal… still more to go!

From Wild Birds Unlimited (London, ON):

Fall migration is underway and billions of birds are migrating through North America, mostly under the cover of darkness. Unfortunately, they face an increasing threat: unnatural, man-made light that attracts, disorients, and makes birds vulnerable to collisions with buildings.

The solution is as simple as flipping the switch. Turning off lights dramatically reduces hazards and allows birds to safely proceed with their migratory journeys. For more tips, visit: https://www.wbu.com/lights-out/

Ontario Nature is asking people of Ontario to take action and demand the Government of Ontario to do more for Biodiversity. Changes to the Endangered Species Act and its regulations since 2019 have severely weakened protections for species at risk, threatening biodiversity in Ontario. Sign the Action Alert to urge the Government of Ontario to restore the Act’s integrity and ensure effective implementation. Learn more.

From the Center for Biological Diversity:

Did you know that bats eat 40% of their weight in insects every night? That’s billions of dollars’ worth of natural, non-toxic pest control.

Over the past decade, with white-nose syndrome decimating New England bat populations, more insects have devoured more crops — leading to 30% more insecticide use, particularly harmful to pregnant people and infants. Now a recent study has found that infant mortality increased by 8% in counties with bat die-offs, which are using more insecticides.

Everything is connected. Wild animals make our lives possible through ecosystem services. We need biodiversity.

Read more about this and and other studies.

A great free learning tool from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

With variations in fall plumage and confusing first-year birds in the mix, fall warbler ID can be truly challenging! Pick up a free set of guide sheets on us to help you ID fall warblers on your next bird outing.

From the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

Evolving some 300 million years ago – long before dinosaurs – dragonflies were one of the first winged insects to inhabit the Earth!

Sitting in the middle of the food chain, they are an important part of freshwater ecosystems as they regulate insect populations and provide important food to predators. As adults, they pluck insects like mosquitoes and midges out of the air and consume them in flight! A single dragonfly can eat 30-100 mosquitoes and biting flies in a day.

Their unique, two-winged design makes dragonflies incredibly agile in the air. They are considered the fastest insect, being clocked at speeds of over 50 km/hour. They can fly in any direction, hover in place, and make 360 degree turns.

These docile insects do not bite or sting and, in fact, it is considered good luck if one lands on you.

Find out more about the incredible dragonfly.

From Nature Canada:

Be a YIMBY and say “Yes In My Backyard!” to more National Urban Parks!

You may know the saying “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) so lets put a positive twist on it and push for more green spaces right where we live. National Urban Parks bring nature closer, enhance biodiversity, and offer everyone a chance to connect with the outdoors. Let’s support the creation of these parks and welcome them into our neighborhoods!

Read more about the benefits of National Urban Parks.