As field naturalists, we are lucky to have the National Capital Greenbelt close at hand, providing accessible areas of habitat and biodiversity to explore, contributing ecological benefits to our region, and supporting our health and wellness. If you haven’t heard, the first phase of the National Capital Greenbelt Master Plan Review is on now. An [...]
Text and photos by Jakob Mueller Recently, a report of a “rattlesnake” in a local greenspace got some media attention. The observer reported that the blotchy snake, when found by her dog, shook its tail and made a sound – as a rattlesnake would – so she urged caution. This was a case of mistaken [...]
We still need your help to protect the Endangered Species Act! Bill 5, which contains a provision to eliminate the Ontario Endangered Species Act, has been referred to the province's Standing Committee on the Interior. The committee has already held one hearing on May 22, and another is set for Monday, May 26. The proposed [...]
It was a bit cool and overcast but over 35 people showed up before 10 o’clock to explore the natural area at the corner of Riverside Rd and Hunt Club. Owen Clarkin, Chair of Conservation for the OFNC was leading the walk, in collaboration with Andrei Grushman from the Hunt Club Community Association. The most [...]
by Owen Clarkin, OFNC Vice-President & Chair, Conservation Committee The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club has been tracking Elm Zigzag Sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) since its recent (2020) detection in North America near Montreal. This includes making the first observations of EZS in Ontario (2020), the city of Ottawa (2021), the state of Vermont (2022), and the city [...]
by Jakob Mueller A proposal to build a six-lane roadway through the Greenbelt is open for public consultation, but only until Friday, 16 July. The City of Ottawa wants to extend Brian Coburn Boulevard across the northern fringe of the Mer Bleue wetland complex (see proposal). Of the various options for this project, the city [...]
For Immediate Release - February 9, 2021 Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club (OFNC) is urging the City of Ottawa to defer including the proposed Tewin development in the expanded urban boundary, pending further study. On January 26th, a joint committee of Ottawa city council recommended that a 445-hectare parcel southeast of the city [...]
from the Conservation Committee of the OFNC The question is simple really. Do you care about species at risk? Do you care about Barn Swallows, Blanding’s Turtles, Eastern Whip-poor-wills, or Monarch Butterflies? If you care about these species and the other 200 species at risk in Ontario, then it is time to stand up for [...]
by Jakob Mueller, OFNC Vice President The Ontario government is considering a proposal to establish a hunting season on the Double-crested Cormorant. The details and potential effects of this proposal are a serious cause for concern. If enacted, the law will set responsible conservation back in Ontario and cause ecological harm that will take decades [...]
The OFNC has signed an Ontario Nature letter to Premier Ford protesting elimination of the role of environment commissioner. by Sandy Garland Ontario Nature (ON) is rallying its members (including the OFNC) to express concern over the move to eliminate the office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO). OFNC President Diane Lepage has signed [...]
