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.

Want to know how to remove stains and whiten laundry with non-toxic ingredients you may already have in your pantry? David Suzuki Foundation tells us how at https://davidsuzuki.org/living-green/how-to-remove-common-stains-and-whiten-laundry/.

From: David Suzuki Foundation

People throughout Canada are habitat gardening as a tangible, hope-filled response to the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises. But some municipal bylaws and enforcement policies limit rewilding. Help habitat gardens flourish. Tell your local government to update its bylaws for biodiversity! Learn more at https://davidsuzuki.org/action/bylaws-for-biodiversity

From Nature Canada:

Exciting news! Our Nature Network Partner Ontario Nature worked with the City of Brampton – Your Local Government and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to help them contribute over 1,900 hectares of land towards Canada’s international commitment to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030 (30×30)!

This milestone showcases the crucial role municipalities play in caring for our natural spaces and bringing us closer the 30×30 commitment. Thanks to the groundwork and the ongoing dedication of our partners, we’re celebrating this significant achievement.

Read more here:https://ontarionature.org/news-release/brampton-and-trca-contribute-over-1900-hectares-to-canada-30×30-conservation-target/

From the David Suzuki Foundation:

Our sprawling species now occupies almost every place on the planet. We’ve pushed out a lot of wildlife. But some animals — such as raccoons, skunks, coyotes, rodents and birds — have adapted to city life and are present around urban parks, neighbourhoods and yards.

Embrace coexistence! Learn more.

Advice from the David Suzuki Foundation on how to help local birds.

Birds are vital to ecosystems and enhance human mental wellbeing. Support them by safely offering food, water, habitat and nesting materials. Humanely deter them if they are a nuisance or hazard.

Click here for more information.