February Photo of the Month: White-tailed Deer

This brown-eyed beauty, photographed at Les Isles de Boucherville National Park, was sent to us by Claudine Besse. Thank you for sharing this photo with us, Claudine!

White-tailed deer are the smallest members of the North American deer family, inhabiting parts of southern Canada and most of the United States.

These herbivores feed on many types of plants, from corn and leaves to fungi and lichen. During the cold winter months they prefer to seek shelter in coniferous forests, which provide cover from the harsh elements.

Their name comes from the white underside of their tail – a flash of white from a raised tail signals danger is close by.

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Connect with Nature: Where Does Maple Syrup Come From?

Sap drips from the tree
Photo by Hamilton Conservation Authority via Flickr

If you're lucky enough to live in maple syrup country, it's the time of year to get ready to visit your favourite sugar bush or cabane à sucre. How does maple syrup connect with nature? Because it comes from trees, of course!

Discover the weather conditions needed to make the sap run (mild days and cool nights). Spend an afternoon finding out just how tree sap becomes lovely golden syrup. And once you're done tromping around in the bush, don't forget to indulge in a fresh, sweet treat!

Most sugar bush properties run family programming on weekends from mid-February through mid-March, with additional activities planned during the March Break, but make sure to check ahead before you go.

As the seasons turn from Winter to Spring, take the time to get to know a Canadian icon -- the Maple tree -- a bit better.

Protecting Nature Important to Canadians: Ipsos Reid Poll

Canadians care deeply about their natural spaces and wildlife, according to a recent Ipsos Reid poll. 

The poll found that 75% of Canadians surveyed “feel that preserving natural areas and the variety of native plant and animal life in Canada is important to them.” Nearly one quarter said it was important to protect at-risk wildlife and habitat, and 20% said it was important to ensure Canadian bodies of water stay clean.

The poll also revealed another interesting fact. At the very core of Canadian’s strong support for protecting and conserving nature is the effect nature has on our sense of well-being. It turns out we’re happier when we’re in nature. 

Ipsos Reid found that 87% of Canadians feel happier when they’re in nature or feel connected to nature. Of the people surveyed:

·         44% hike to experience the outdoors

·         34% play an outdoor sport

·         28% spend time at the cottage

Among younger Canadians (aged 18-34), camping is the number one activity that gets them outdoors. Older Canadians prefer hiking as a way to experience nature.

And it looks like voters for our own Nature Canada Quick Poll feel the same good vibes in nature – 92% say they are happiest when experiencing nature. The poll is still open – cast your vote here.