Author: ingersolldistrictnatureclub

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Meet Rudolph The Red-Nosed… Caribou?

From Ontario Nature:

What’s the difference between Caribou or Reindeer? Trick question—they’re actually the same species! Rangifer tarandus, also known as “Reindeer” in Russia and Scandinavia or when domesticated, and Caribou in North America, are the same leggy herbivores we know and love (especially if we’ve made the ‘Nice List’).

Despite their wide range, these majestic mammals are a threatened species. Their populations are dropping dramatically due to climate change and development which negatively affect their habitat and food security. Of the 51 Caribou herds living in Canada, not a single one is growing and at least 20 are declining.

Read more at https://naturecanada.ca/news/blog/meet-rudolph/

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Ontario Must Withdraw Bill 23 And Shift To Sustainable Planning

From the Ontario Headwaters Institute (OHI):

The OHI offers our analysis of recent government action, lack of action, and aggressive rhetoric against sound planning, environmental safeguards, and democracy, per text following the signature below.

We invite you to sign the petition based on the last paragraph of the analysis, which states:

I/we support the position that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing should either withdraw Bill 23 and its aligned initiatives or ensure a lengthy period of public engagement. He should also update his perspective to recognize that the economy, the environment, and democracy are inter-dependent, and stop using the former as a cudgel against the latter two.

To access the petition, please click here.

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The Upcoming Municipal Election Matters

From Ontario Nature:

On October 24th, Ontarians will return to the polls to vote for their municipal leaders. The mayors and councillors elected will play a vital role in ensuring a healthy, sustainable future for our communities.

Please keep nature, farmland and climate change top of mind when you cast your ballot. Here’s why:
1. Municipal governments set the direction for protecting natural areas and systems in our communities.
2. Municipal leaders can prevent sprawl and preserve farmland by freezing urban boundary expansion and embracing smart growth.
3. Municipal leaders can increase housing supply and affordability by updating zoning rules to promote infill development and gentle density.
4. Municipal leaders must recognize that investing in the protection of natural areas and farmland makes economic sense.
5. Municipal governments can take action to address the climate emergency.

With the right people at the helm, we can move towards sustainable communities.

Read More.

Read our latest blog to find out how you can vote for leaders who are prepared to be responsible custodians of our long-term future.

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Connect To Nature

Did you know Canadians spend up to 10 hours on screens a day? Spending less time outdoors means you might be missing out on the health benefits of being in nature. Spending time in green space can improve working memory, cognitive flexibility and attentional control. Even exposure to nature sounds can be recuperative. Take advantage of being in nature today by eating lunch outside, taking a walk or simply enjoying a window view – even feeling connected to nature can improve mental health and emotional wellbeing.