In a section of the Niagara Region’s draft Official Plan, there lies a highly debated area outlining that Niagara Region is about to vote on an enormous environmental framework that will change the way Niagara functions for the times to come. You’ve got the environmentally beneficial option, 3C, and the half-flexed option of 3B. One shows more muscle than the … [Read more...] about Region needs to choose best option for environment
NOTL’s wildlife, forests gear up for long, hot summer
It’s not too often that by early June, we’ve experienced not one, but two profound heat waves here in NOTL. It’s not impossible, but it’s certainly not common. Daytime highs of low 30s and an unseasonably dry spring have set the tone for what the remainder of summer may look like for our town, its locals, and local wildlife. In the natural world, especially in a region … [Read more...] about NOTL’s wildlife, forests gear up for long, hot summer
Getting canoe on top a much-practised routine
It might seem unusual to write a nature article about my personal vehicle, the maroon Pontiac Montana. The ultimate family van — the too-typical vessel filled with children on the way to soccer games and school (well, when both of those are open again). After the May long weekend’s canoeing event in the Virgil Conservation Area, I felt an appreciable affinity for this … [Read more...] about Getting canoe on top a much-practised routine
Weekly column creates space for important environmental discussions
Wow, I never thought such a milestone would come at any point in my life! You are currently reading the 100th nature article which typically gets published weekly for The NOTL Local. The first thought that comes to mind at my desk this morning is how grateful I am for a paper that features a consistent environmental column. That’s rare, and I don’t believe any other paper … [Read more...] about Weekly column creates space for important environmental discussions
Virtual meetings can effectively include nature tours
Virtual talks and meetings are the new normal. Statistically speaking, it is likely most of us have done one since the onset of the pandemic. What remains unclear is what the propensity of this screen time and e-meetings look like, as these options establish themselves as a permanent or preferred venue to communicate. As many of us have made the adjustment and leap of … [Read more...] about Virtual meetings can effectively include nature tours