Connecting Lake Simcoe's Community

By David Hawke -- Each spring we (well, okay, my wife Julie) tries to "improve" the looks of the landscape around our home, the most obvious endeavor usually being the flower gardens.

Henry came into the care of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in May, one of 70 cats transported from the Second Chance Pet Network in Dryden, located approximately 140 kilometres east of Kenora. He has been patiently waiting for a home and is hopeful that you’ll come meet him today.

Don't let the name fool you, Grizzly is a huge softie!

Here's a new one for you... "When is a woodpecker not a woodpecker? When it's a flicker!"

An Edible Garden, by Anna Van Maris

Anna is a big girl with an even bigger heart full of love to give.

By David Hawke -- Observing a springtime blossom is such a simple joy.

By David Hawke -- I pause and take a look at the daunting line of pine trees still ahead of me: "1,800 down and 400 to go."

Meet Maxfield.

By David Hawke -- A white-tailed deer had made its presence known by a series of nipped-off trillium stems, a seasonal reminder that the deer are always out there, always hungry. Aside from human bouquet-gatherers, trilliums usually don't have too much to worry about, other than a wandering doe.

By Anna Van Maris, Parklane Landscapes

Anna Van Maris is the owner at Parklane Landscapes.

By David Hawke -- It starts with a single peep, usually on an April eve. Just a peep.

By David Hawke -- The country lane looked peaceful enough, the first true warming rays of springtime sun easily splashing down on the still damp gravel. The snow had gone, with a few small puddles of melt water all that remained to remember the winter snows. As I wandered along, little did I know that this was a scene of great anxiety, as I had just intruded on the butterfly wars.

Energetic Walker needs a special home. 

By David Hawke -- While the name 'timberdoodle' may sound wacky, it somehow seems to fit the bird whose moniker it is.

By David Hawke -- Buffleheads and ringnecks. Goldeneyes and bluebills. Hoodies and woodies.

UPDATE: Majestic and proud Frankie has been adopted!

Lake Simcoe Living, in partnership with the SPCA Orillia Animal Centre, brings you a regular feature highlighting a special pet that is in need of adoption.

By David Hawke -- The snowbanks are melting, tree sap is running, puddles are ripe for splashing and the annual springtime mess under the bird feeders is once again revealed.