Dragonflies are among the oldest flying insects — they’ve been around for 250-300 million years — but scientists are still just learning about them.

Here are 10 cool facts about the mysterious and majestic dragonfly from Ontario Parks.

Some great information to read from our friends at Oxford County Trails Council. The Summer 2022 Newsletter is now online.

Calling all local naturalists…

A message from the Nature Conservancy of Canada:

Looking for a fun way to enjoy nature and give back to your community? Then don’t miss the Big Backyard BioBlitz. Sign up today!

The migratory monarch butterfly fluttered a step closer to extinction on July 21, 20222, as scientists put the iconic orange-and-black insect on the international endangered list because of its fast dwindling numbers.

Read the full story.

In this time of climate change, and loss of habitat, think about supporting this worthy cause…

Nature Canada’s Fund for Reforestation protects and restores Canada’s natural habitats and wildlife, and right now you can double your impact! From now until July 31st your gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $75,000!

Your gift today will:

• Insisting that the the federal government pick up the pace to plant 2 billion trees in the right places, for the right reasons;
   
• Partnering with Indigenous groups to support reforestation plans and Indigenous-led forest management efforts;
   
• Provide support for community actions, such as helping nature groups do crucial restoration work in your communities, like planting trees or removing invasive species;
   
• Protecting wilderness and wildlife by advocating for new and expanded protected areas and restoration of threatened ecosystems;

Take action right now.

From Ontario Nature:

Please be on the lookout for turtles crossing roads. Seven of their species are listed as at-risk in Ontario. Here’s how you can help them: http://ow.ly/BlbA50JH1vp

The David Suzuki Foundation asks “Should we be working 15-hour weeks?”

“Along with other benefits like increased vacation time and flexibility, and working from home, shorter workweeks not only give people better lives, they’re also good for the environment. Fewer people commuting means reduced pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion.”

Read more at https://davidsuzuki.org/…/should-we-be-working-15-hour…/

From Homegrown National Park:

Firefly populations are declining. We can help by providing the HABITAT they need in our yards and gardens!

Start a New Habitat®

ON THE MAP

Add your new and existing native plantings to our map, and be a critical part of regenerating biodiversity.

map.HomegrownNationalPark.org

From Ontario Nature and Barrie Today: Rare and endangered migratory bird with a global population of fewer than 5,500, was observed in the Township of Essa, Ontario http://ow.ly/40Kr50JxaR3

Woodland Wonders Wildflower expert Brian Carson has made a specialty of finding (and cultivating) rare trillium varieties and mutations –before developers’ bulldozers can wipe out their woodland habitats.

Read the full story here.