Toronto Field Naturalists

05/27/2026

05/13/2026

When you walk off trail you could trample the less conspicuous first year plants which may just have a single small leaf. Walking off trail also compacts the soil which affects the life cycle of spring ephemerals.

05/07/2026

Something to watch out for.

The invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a growing concern for Ontario’s horticulture and natural areas. While there are no confirmed established populations in Ontario, it has become a significant issue in nearby U.S. states. Staying aware and knowing what to look for can help support early detection. It's important to be on the lookout for egg masses and nymphs in the wild and all stages of life on imports.

If you spot SLF at any stage, remember:
🔍 SPOT IT Learn the signs and stay alert in outdoor spaces and on transported items.
📸 SNAP IT Take clear photos to help with identification and reporting.
🫙 CATCH IT If possible, safely contain or destroy the insect or egg mass.
📢 REPORT IT Report sightings to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

For more information about Spotted Lanternfly, follow this link: https://bit.ly/38TXN38

05/04/2026

The City of Toronto and TRCA are now consulting on how to improve the “visitor experience” at Tommy Thompson Park, through a project called the Visitor Experience Plan (VEP). The goal of this project is to “identify and prioritize operational and physical changes to Tommy Thompson Park to mana...

05/03/2026

Pileated Woodpecker Excavating. Video by Theresa Moore.

05/02/2026

P***y Willow. Video by Barry Severn.

04/29/2026

Hidden harmful effects include elevated stress hormones, delayed or interrupted hunting, foraging, or nesting, premature fledging, and longer intervals between feeding young.

04/29/2026

Join us on May 2nd 2026 at 1:00p.m-3:00p.m at the Nashville Conservation Reserve for a Community Clean Up Day! Please meet us at the Huntington Rd and Kirby Rd Entrance at 1p.m. We will be picking up litter along Huntington Rd along the westside of the Nashville Conservation Reserve. Materials such as gloves, garbage pickers, safety vests and bags will be provided by the Toronto Region and Area Conservation Authority. We will also be having Pedro Pereyra, a scientist who studies endangered species, speak at the community clean up.

Please remember to register yourself and any guests for the event so we can provide the adequate safety material: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nashville-conservation-reserve-community-cleanup-tickets-1988031281078?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Nashville Conservation Reserve is currently under direct threat from the proposed final route of the mega highway 413. The Nashville Conservation Reserve is home to many endangered species, such as the Red Side Dace and Red Headed Woodpecker. We want to make sure that we protect this area from not only garbage but also from being developed for an expensive highway that no one needs. We'll also be handing out Lawn Signs against the 413 for attendees.

Please remember to bring a reusable water bottle and dress appropriately for the weather. This is a rain or shine event. We also recommend that you wear light coloured clothing that can be tucked into pants and socks during the event to prevent tick bites.

You can learn more here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ticks-tick-borne-diseases/prevent-tick-bites.html.

Thank you for your support and participation!