Connecting Lake Simcoe's Community

We wrote at the beginning of September about the migration of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) to Mexico.

The majestic trumpeter swan can have a wingspan up to three meters and weigh between seven and 13 kilograms making these the heaviest, native waterfowl in Ontario. They were near extinction during the 1980s-1990s but with aggressive conservation efforts, this graceful bird has rebounded.

We watched as "Monty" the Monarch butterfly took his first flight last Saturday, July 31, at our workshop "Monarch Butterfly Birthday — A Celebration" led by wildlife biologist Ryan Lamoureux

We recently had a report at the nature centre, from a local birder, that an American Robin had discoloration throughout its plumage, appearing nearly white. The robin had a normal bill, eye and leg colour but its body appeared almost white except for a few dark feathers in the wings.

The Carden Alvar Butterfly and Dragonfly counts were held this past weekend, July 17 and 18, celebrating the 24th official year of this event.

One of our goals at the Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre is to help save endangered species.

The Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre recently had a wonderful opportunity to host a local group called Friendship Force Lake Simcoe.

Sedges are often overlooked or thought of as clumps of grass.

Growing up I had always heard my family talk about the Cameron Ranch, now part of the Carden Alvar, northeast of Orillia. I didn't really pay much attention to this neighbouring area. As an adolescent, the landscape looked barren and nearly bleak. Little did I know that years later I would become fascinated with this area.