Environment

This past weekend’s wind storm was one for the books. It was forecasted days in advance, as an appreciably massive cold front, stretching from Georgia in the U.S. to Quebec, bulldozed its way eastward across the continent. This violent and unforgettable weather system was created by unusually warm air from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with the crisp, cold air of the Canadian … [Read more...] about Old-growth trees help keep certain species robust

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has two cost-sharing programs that could help Niagara-on-the-Lake residents who might be considering environmental projects on their property. One is for those who have abandoned water wells on their property they would like to plug and seal. The other is for residents who would like to improve water quality, forest cover and … [Read more...] about NPCA offering grants to improve watersheds

Niagara Region has been inundated with rainfall over the past week and a bit. Many residents witnessed swollen ditches, the creation of ponds where they never existed, and creeks turning into rivers. We have had an exceptionally wet fall so far. This is largely a circumstance of a global phenomenon known as La Nina. We’re looking at a globally influential weather event that … [Read more...] about The Girl (La Nina) and the resulting floods

 In the day and age of news and information overload, did any of you miss the bit about the destruction of protected habitat at 524 York Road? I did, and found myself disturbed at yet another removal of natural heritage within our town’s boundaries. This is the wooded ravine adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express, located in an area that has been subject to explosive … [Read more...] about Setting dangerous precedence for NOTL, again

I’m standing at the base of the Virgil reservoir’s north dam. I hop over some matted grass, mud, and find myself balanced on some concrete pillars. Beneath my feet flows a torrent of brown water and a forlorn group of salmon.  Smack! A giant fish measuring two feet in length leaps out of the water, airborne with grace, met by a wall known as the Virgil Dam. The fish … [Read more...] about Private property, salmon, big ideas for Four Mile Creek