A huge thank you to the eight IDNC members who joined in clean-up activities at the Lawson Nature Reserve yesterday morning. Four large bags of garlic mustard removed, picnic tables and bench scraped and stained, and trails clipped back. Volunteers make the world go round!
Celebrate Canadian Environment Week – a week designated to celebrate environmental accomplishments for nature protection.
Biodiversity – the variety of wildlife – is an indicator of health for natural landscapes. Canada’s strategy to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 largely revolves around environmental protection, conservation, and restoration because in order to increase biodiversity, we need to protect and conserve habitat for wildlife.
Nature reserves provide homes to many species that play important roles in indicating habitat health. For example, the Scarlet Tanager, a bird found in large and old mixed forests in eastern North America, is very sensitive to changes in their environment, especially habitat fragmentation. When their habitats are fragmented or reduced in size, It’s harder for them to find suitable sites for nesting, sheltering, and feeding due to competition with other species. In addition, migration becomes more challenging as there are less safe spaces to rest and eat in-between flights. Many other species are affected by habitat loss, which makes it important for us to find ways to keep habitats intact and connected.
With over 2,300 acres of protected land, TTLT is committed to protecting nature in our local communities to support our native wildlife. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of all the folks who contribute to our mission. Together, we are building a greener future for all.
Photo by P. Allen Woodliffe (Slide 1), Brenda Gallagher (Slide 2, Left & Right)
From Ontario Nature:
Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director, Tony Morris, represented Ontario Nature and spoke to standing committee at Queen’s Park to express our concerns with Bill 5. Essentially, Bill 5 is an attack on endangered species, Indigenous rights and transparent governance.
It’s not too late to sign our action alert and tell Premier Ford to stop Bill 5. Please share and sign it here:
From Journey North:
Do you know how to tell male and female monarchs apart?
There are a few subtle differences to help you, and once you have them down, they can be easy to tell apart when a monarch is at rest.
Males have thinner veins and a black spot on the top surface of the hindwing. You can see them here in these photos, but when a monarch is in flight, these differences are more difficult to pick out.
There’s also a difference in the shape of the end of the abdomen, and females tend to have a slightly darker orange color than males.
Photo credit: Ted Wilcox
Bill 5 has been through 2nd reading at Queen’s Park, and has been sent to a government committee. You can continue to let your MPP know your thoughts on it.
From Ontario Nature:
Bill 5 will significantly weaken the already limited protections afforded to biodiversity in Ontario! Read our latest blog and ask Premier Ford to stop the attacks on endangered species
From Ontario Greenbelt:
Let’s clean up our act, Ontario! May 13th is the Provincial Day of Action on Litter
Every piece of litter picked up is a step toward protecting the places we love — like the Ontario Greenbelt. 
The Greenbelt Foundation is proud to support this important day. In past years, our team has joined community cleanups across the Greenbelt, helping remove garbage from trails, parks, and riverside areas — all to keep these landscapes healthy for people and wildlife alike. 
This May 13, join us in showing some love to the land. Whether you’re organizing a cleanup or just picking up as you go, every action counts. Check here for tips and resources.
We can build AND still protect nature. It doesn’t have to be either/or. Take a moment to send Doug Ford a message.
From Ontario Nature:
Bill 5 will significantly weaken the already limited protections afforded to biodiversity in Ontario. Read the latest blog and ask Premier Ford to stop the attacks on endangered species.
From Ontario Nature:
Have you heard of Bill 5? If passed, it would scrap the Endangered Species Act and create “special economic zones” where developers would be exempt from provincial regulations.
Join us in calling on the Government of Ontario to stop Bill 5 and the attacks on endangered species
From The Mill Pond, Dorchester, Ontario
If you find a baby turtle, the best course of action is to relocate it to a safer, more appropriate environment. If the turtle appears healthy and active, and you know of a nearby water source, gently place it on the bank a foot or two away from the water, allowing it to enter on its own. If it seems injured or in immediate danger, contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre or a local wildlife rescue organization for assistance 
Ingersoll District Nature Club 