#native species of Ontario

[photos-by-rv]

Plathemis lydia, known as the common whitetail or long-tailed skimmer. Pictured is an adult female.

Eastern Ontario, Canada | June 16th, 2024

[blackswallowtailbutterfly]

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Blue flowers are relatively rare. Most incline to violet or else are quite small. But Virginia bluebells are a striking exception. All my photos from my garden, unedited.

I'm not kidding. They really are that blue naturally. They bloom in May. Then they slowly decline and the entire plants are gone above soil by the summer. Only to reappear the following spring! The shoots and flower buds are edible. You don't want to take too much, though. As spring ephemerals, they need the energy they make with their leaves during their short growing period. The short bloom period is also why I don't have more photos of them. They don't even bloom every year.

[carbombrenee]

Purple wildflowers 1) Himalayan Balsam (invasive) 2) Wild Bergamot (native) 3) Wild teasel (invasive)

[oliviarosaline]

Purple Cress

Cardamine douglassii

Also known as Limestone Cress, this species in the mustard family features clusters of light purple flowers in early spring and can be found in wet and swampy forests with calcium carbonate rich soils. It's native to parts of the eastern United States and southern Ontario, Canada.

The plants I photographed are part of an isolated population remaining in a tiny bottomland forest remnant in St. Charles County, Missouri. Unfortunately, the rest of the forest has been lost due to suburban sprawl and what little of it remains has many invasive species, including winter creeper, callery pear, and japanese honeysuckle trying to encroach from surrounding developments and outcompete native plants like this one.

March 12th & 13th, 2024

St. Charles County, Missouri, USA

Olivia R. Myers

@oliviarosaline

[bestiarium]

The Wingwak [Algonquin mythology; Native American mythology]

Sleep-inducing creatures and spirits are somewhat common in myths and tales from around the world, presumably having arisen independently as ways to explain peoples’ need for sleep. In the folklore of the Native American Algonquin people – who live in Canada – this creature takes the form of the Wingwak (alternatively ‘Wingoc’), a small insect-like supernatural being.

Though the Wingwak is a spirit of sleep, it takes the form of a butterfly (though I have also seen them described as flies). Usually they swarm someone in groups of five in order to put that person to sleep.

There is an Algonquin legend about a celestial being who, being aloof and not paying attention, fell through a hole in the heavens and fell down to Earth. Though he was not hurt by the impact, the being was surprised to find that mortal humans sleep. He eventually discovered a man who slept significantly more than the other humans, and around whose head there was a swarm of butterflies. He crafted a bow with arrows and took aim at the insects. His aim was far beyond that of mortals, so he managed to hit some of the insects with an arrow and chased the others away. Thus, the being from the heavens managed to wake the man and proceeded to share his knowledge with the humans. He prophesized that one day, a race of bearded creatures would arrive in this world. When that happens, the people would die off. And later, the arrival of the women of this bearded species will signal ruin for the people. I believe this last part might be a reference to a different story that I did not manage to find.

The Wingwak is also mentioned in a bunch of proverbs: the saying ‘wingwak ondjita manek’ (“there are many wingwak”) means that everyone is currently asleep. ‘Ni nisigok wingwak’ (“[may] the wingwak kill me’) is said when one is very tired.

Sources: Chamberlain, A. F., 1900, Some Items of Algonkian Folk-Lore, The Journal of American Folklore, 13(51): pp. 271-277. University of Western Ontario, 1990, Algonquian and Iroquoian Linguistics, Volumes 15-20, page 35. Cuoq, J. A., 1886, Lexique de la langue algonquine, J Chapleau & Fils, Oxford University, 446 pp. (image source: Pinclub Teaser for the Metazoo Cryptid trading card game, illustration by Siobhan Daly)

This is the third or fourth time I looked up images of a very obscure folktale and found artwork from Metazoo cards. Maybe I should check that out. I really suck at trading card games, though.

[mjmenvs3000w24]

Blog 1: Connected to Nature

Hello, ENVS*3000 friends! I'm Maia, and I am in my third year of Biological Sciences. Welcome to my first blog :)

I would describe my current connection with nature as a profound yet carefree essence. I come from the city, more precisely, North Toronto; I found myself yearning for nature's embrace from a young age, perhaps triggered by its scarcity in my urban surroundings. Recognizing my affinity, my dad, a nature enthusiast, actively fueled my passion through camping adventures, hiking escapades, and shared moments immersed in captivating David Attenborough documentaries. In the midst of a large Italian family, where the majority remained indifferent to the natural world, I stood out as the quiet one, the nature lover, aspiring Dr.-to-be. Amidst this, my dad became my reliable support, sharing the same passion for the great outdoors. His passion for wildlife and landscape photography became a shared pursuit, complete with my very own camera.

Photo of a male wood duck shot by Dino Melissa

Despite a bustling upbringing as a competitive dancer for 17 years—which is not exactly an outdoor sport—I surrounded myself with nature books, my dad's photographs, and nature documentaries. Unfortunately, while balancing a hectic city life, the opportunities for my dad and I’s outdoor adventures diminished over the years. However, as I am maturing and expanding my knowledge, I continuously discovered new ways to appreciate nature and its interconnected web of life - not mosquitoes though…

In my quest to inspire others to view nature through a similar lens as I do, I spent the past summer at a wildlife hospital, manning the front desk. Handling cases ranging from fallen hawks to orphaned baby raccoons to pigeons with string around their feet, I strived to educate callers about wildlife while debunking misconceptions. Some common ones are that pigeons are dirty and will give us diseases, and snakes are evil - spoiler alert, both are very wrong! While not everyone appreciated or grasped the educational aspect—some mistaking us for pest removal—many left with a newfound understanding of Ontario's wildlife. Small changes, after all, contribute to a broader impact of protecting our native species. This job expanded my knowledge - which I still try to share with anyone who will listen - and played a pivotal role in further evolving my relationship with nature.

Picture of an American Kestrel

One place that has bestowed upon me a profound sense of place is my cottage—a haven of tranquillity like no other. Nestled on about an acre of land, backing onto a forest, it teems with diverse wildlife such as deer, coyotes, foxes, turkeys, grouse, and a plethora of native plants. Whether quietly observing the tree line or engaging in summer activities like kayaking and hiking, the ambient sounds of water, wind, and nature's symphony create a genuine sense of place; whenever I am there I feel as if I belong there. It's here that I yearn to escape city living permanently, trading it for the allure of a rural plot of land to live off of sustainably. 

Picture of the backyard during the winter

The dream of owning a small farm and caring for animals has been a lifelong goal of mine. The charm of sustainable living intertwines with my passion for nature; here is where I hope to coexist in harmony. Through responsible practices and a deep connection with nature, I aim to contribute to the preservation of the natural world, all while feeling a permanent sense of place like no other.

[fatehbaz]

Scientists use a refrain to sum up in the impact of earthworms [...]: “Good in your garden, bad in the forest.” It’s a quip that can sometimes come as a surprise to people used to thinking of earthworms as symptoms of healthy soil.

In Canada’s northern forests, there’s increasing evidence of a worm problem.

According to research from 2013, tiny soil invertebrates, like mites and springtails, decrease in abundance by more than 50 percent when earthworms are present. These minute creatures play an important role in the decomposition and nutrient-cycling of plants, and their decline can likely be attributed to the rapid way earthworms devour leaf litter. [...] And earthworms, it seems, are spreading everywhere. Research on their presence in northern US forests, where invasions are more advanced, suggests that they could have cascading effects including everything from more severe drought to greater human allergies. [...]

[N]early all native species of earthworms in Canada were wiped out over 12,000 years ago, during the last period of glaciation. Earthworms, we now know, have been present in southern Canada for only a few short centuries, the first having hitched a ride with colonizing Europeans [...].

---

Lumbricus terrestris -- the common earthworms people find in their gardens, which are often called dew worms or Canadian nightcrawlers in fishing circles -- are one of the worm species that were transported from Europe and have settled into their new home so successfully that they’ve emerged as a valuable commodity. According to Steckley’s later research on the subject, demand for these worms as fishing bait exploded as recreational fishing became popular in the wake of the Second World War. But earthworms defy attempts at commercial cultivation and have to be plucked from the wild.

In the 1980s, southwestern Ontario, with its rich soil, abundant volume of introduced nightcrawlers, and steady supply of immigrant labour, quickly eclipsed the other worm-producing regions of North America. By the time Steckley drove past the worm pickers,

Ontario had become the epicentre of global nightcrawler production, with an estimated 500 million to 700 million worms picked and shipped across North America every year.

---

Steckley, who is now a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto researching Ontario’s bait-worm industry, says that he was actually right about his initial impression: there were bags of money in that farmer’s field, at least in the figurative sense. Worm pickers usually make around $30 per 1,000 worms, and a picker in the right conditions can scoop up to 20,000 worms a night.

“Farmers who rent their land [for an entire year] can make more from worm pickers than any other crop that they feasibly plant,” says Steckley, who’s heard of rents of up to $1,500 an acre. The industry is worth around $230 million today, Steckley estimates.

Despite the spread, Steckley says there have been few efforts to regulate its downstream environmental effects -- in fact, most people he’s encountered have been unaware that earthworms are invasive. [...]

---

But, in the boreal forest, most of the carbon is stored in organic matter -- that thick layer of fallen leaves, roots, moss, and rotting wood that, under normal conditions, decomposes slowly. But deep-burrowing earthworms feed on this material [...]. Justine Lejoly, who is conducting doctoral work with the University of Alberta and the Canadian Forest Service, found that, in some invaded parts of the Canadian boreal, 96 percent of this layer has disappeared. “Most of the forest floor is gone, so that means a lot of carbon is gone,” she says. This finding, which Lejoly made alongside her supervisor Sylvie Quideau is striking because 28 percent of the boreal forest is found in Canada and as much as one-third of terrestrial carbon is stored in the boreal worldwide. [...]

---

Text by: Moira Donovan. “Revenge of the Earthworms.” The Walrus. With illustration by Joey Ng. 13 June 2022. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks added by me.]

[photos-by-rv]

The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a delightful dragonfly found primarily in lakes, ponds, and streams across Eastern North America. While always green-faced, females and male juveniles have a vibrant green thorax + black abdomen with green spots, and adult males become a powdery blue colour.

[blackswallowtailbutterfly]

Michigan lilies (Lilium michiganensis)

These are from my garden. Unedited. They're also the real deal. Not a cultivar, not a hybrid. They really grow like this in the wild.

They bloom in June and spread slowly but exponentially. Flower petals and bulbs are edible cooked (all parts are toxic to cats and dogs though). :)

[crippled-peeper]

Papilio glaucus

Papilio glaucus, the eastern tiger swallowtail, is a species of butterfly native to eastern North America. It is one of the most familiar butterflies in the eastern United States, ranging north to southern Ontario, Canada, and is common in many different habitats.

[thebashfulbotanist]

Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) is another spring ephemeral native to the Great Lakes! This lovely specimen was photographed just south of Georgian Bay in Ontario.

These little guys look a LOT more like the traditional Bleeding Heart than their close (both species-wise and location-wise) relative Dutchman's Breeches. They don't get their name from any part of the flower however, and instead are named for their bulbs, which are yellow and divided. They roughly look like kernels of corn and, if you are familliar with squirrels and their taste for tulips, are an easy snack for small forest mammals.

[travelella]

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail - Backyard, Cordova, Tennessee, USA

Joshua J. Cotten

Scientific name: Papilio glaucus

Family: Papilionidae

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Average size: 3.12 to 5.5 inches ufl.edu

Domain: Eukaryota

Genus: Papilio

Papilio glaucus, the eastern tiger swallowtail, is a species of butterfly native to eastern North America. It is one of the most familiar butterflies in the eastern United States, ranging north to southern Ontario, Canada, and is common in many different habitats.

[iamthefemaleweezy]

found this native species of ontario card set in one of those free library things! its pretty neat it even has some triva questions. perfect for my ontario girl summer

[jjenvs3000w24]

Turtles of Ontario

Beneath the calm surface of Ontario’s lakes and rivers lives an animal that has occupied the area for longer than any human civilization. But with the changes of the modern world, the ancient turtles of Ontario that once represented protection and longevity are quickly fading from existence. In today’s blog post, I will be exploring my favourite animal, the turtle, and share with you the unfortunate story of how this elder of the animal world has become rare in their native habitats, and how if action is not taken, we may never be able to see them again. 

There are eight species of turtle that can call Ontario their home, the most of any Canadian province, each with unique characteristics that set them apart from the others. Turtles are reptiles that belong to the order Testudines, they have hard shells that have developed from their ribs and can hide their heads and limbs within the shell when threatened. Most turtles can be identified based solely on the patterns, size, and shape of their shells. One of the most commonly seen turtles in Ontario is the painted turtle. If you see a bunch of turtles lying on a log or rock, you’ve likely seen a painted turtle! These turtles love basking in the sun near the lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands that they live in. They are aquatic, spending most of their time in the water but will travel onto land to migrate, nest, and bask. They have a unique pattern of red stripes on their shells and limbs which can be seen in the picture below (COSEQIC, 2018). 

The largest turtle in Ontario is the Snapping turtle, which can grow to 40cm in length! They are known not only for their size but also for their powerful bite, which they get their name from. Although their shells are large, their underside is not well protected, and they cannot fully retract their head and limbs (OTCC, 2023).

Another fascinating species is the Northern Map turtle, which lives in bodies of water in and around the Great Lakes. They get their names from the unique pattern on their shells of intricate lines that resemble that of a topographical map. They also like to bask on logs and other surfaces near the water but are quick to startle and will dive into the water at the slightest movement (OTCC, 2023).

Unfortunately, seven of the eight Ontario species are considered at risk of extinction if steps are not taken to conserve their populations. They all face similar threats from human activities and suffer the most from roadway accidents, loss of habitat, and invasive species (OTCC, 2023). Turtles have long lives but take many years to reach sexual maturity, resulting in low rates of population growth. This combined with increased adult mortality has made population recovery a slow and difficult process. Being able to identify the different species of turtles in Ontario is crucial for reporting and monitoring their populations. There are many citizen science initiatives and reporting turtle sightings is an important step in their conservation. This can be done at the following website, but many others can be found with a quick search:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/report-rare-species-animals-and-plants 

COSEWIC. (2018). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta marginata and the Eastern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta picta in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa.

OTCC. (2023). Our 8 Native Species Need Our Help! Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, retrieved from: https://ontarioturtle.ca/turtles/

[bewareofdragon]

Guys, I hope I don't need to say this, but please, please don't release your pet goldfish in local ponds and lakes. Because you end up with monsters like these that eat everything in sight:

[skogjeger]

White Sage | Salvia Apiana ❁ཻུ۪۪ ━ 

‧₊˚.  : · •.  * • ˚   . · * ✶   : · •  *   ˚ ✵

In this discussion, we will delve into the fascinating aspects of white sage: its unique properties, natural habitat, and the reasons behind its one-day endangered status and revered significance. The following information is intended purely for educational purposes and is derived from extensive research, including diverse perspectives on the utilization of this herb in various practices. If anything sounds off or sounds incorrect, do not be afraid to let me know, however, please be respectful when pointing something out.

𖤣𖥧˚ Family

"White Sage is a member of the mint family (family Lamiaceae), which includes aromatic herbs or shrubs (rarely trees or vines), usually with stems square in cross-section, four-sided.There are about 200 genera and 3,200 species, distributed nearly worldwide. The Mediterranean region, the chief area of diversity, produces many spices and flavorings, such as various mints, oregano, marjoram, thyme, sage, and basil. Catnip and lavender are in the mint family." - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

𖤣𖥧˚ Appearance

White sage is a tall, woody shrub that can reach heights of several feet. This sprawling plant typically measures around 3-4 feet in height and 4-5 feet in width. Its distinguishing feature is its long, slender leaves that have a silvery-white colour, which is why it is called white sage. The plant produces small, white or pale lavender flowers on tall spikes during the blooming season.

𖤣𖥧˚ Native Habitat

White sage is native to the southwestern United States and northern Baja, Mexico. It may also be found along the lower edges and in openings of chaparral and oak woodlands. White sage can even be found in Canada under specific conditions. In Canada, white sage can be grown as a perennial herb in regions with similar climates to its native habitats, such as parts of British Columbia or southern Ontario. 

White sage is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It thrives in areas with long, dry periods and requires plenty of sunlight. The plant is well-suited to sandy or rocky soils and can tolerate drought conditions. It is often found growing in arid or semi-arid regions with low to moderate rainfall. 

𖤣𖥧˚ Planet/Sign Associations for Sage

This pertains to sage in a general sense, rather than specifically referring to white sage.

Planet: Jupiter

Sign(s): Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, Cancer, Scorpio

𖤣𖥧˚ Properties and Benefits of White Sage

Insect Repellent: The aromatic compounds found in white sage have natural insect-repellent properties. Rubbing or burning dried sage leaves or using white sage essential oils can help repel mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.

Respiratory Support: White sage is often used to address respiratory issues such as colds, coughs, sore throats, and congestion. It is believed to have expectorant properties, helping to loosen mucus and alleviate respiratory discomfort.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: White sage is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may be used topically or in the form of a poultice to soothe skin irritations, insect bites, and minor wounds.

Digestive Aid: White sage has been used to support digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. It is sometimes consumed as a tea to promote digestive health.

Calming and Relaxing Effects: The aroma of burning white sage is often considered to have a calming and relaxing effect. It is sometimes used for stress reduction and relaxation.

𖤣𖥧˚ Warnings and Precautions

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to white sage. If you have known allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family (such as mint, basil, or oregano), it is advisable to exercise caution when using or being exposed to white sage.

Smoke Inhalation: Burning white sage releases smoke, which can be irritating to the respiratory system, particularly for individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Ensure proper ventilation when cleansing or using white sage smoke and be mindful of the amount and duration of exposure.

Pregnancy and Nursing: The safety of using white sage during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been extensively studied. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using white sage in these circumstances.

Skin Sensitivity: Applying white sage directly to the skin may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it more extensively. Discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.

𖤣𖥧˚ Why White Sage Is At Risk

White sage is primarily at risk due to habitat loss, over-harvesting, and unsustainable collection practices. Native bees heavily rely on white sage as a vital source of sustenance. However, the act of extracting seeds from sage plants by poachers not only disrupts the delicate balance but also leads to a decline in the population of indigenous bee species within the Golden State. The overwhelming majority of white sage items available for purchase have been obtained through poaching. Which means it is not ethically sourced. While white sage isn't endangered, it is in danger of becoming endangered. It's not so much that it is "scarce" but rather it will become so in the future.

Other factors on why white sage is at risk or a bullet-point list to hit major points (a TL;DR):

Unsustainable Collection Practices: Some harvesting practices of white sage involve uprooting the entire plant, which prevents it from regenerating and can lead to population decline. Additionally, unethical or unsustainable collection methods, such as illegal harvesting or removing plants from protected areas, further contribute to the risk of white sage.

Overharvesting: White sage has gained popularity in recent years for its use in smudging rituals, leading to increased demand.

Climate Change: Climate change, with its associated effects like temperature increases, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent and severe droughts, poses a threat to the survival of white sage.

Lack of Natural Regeneration: White sage has limited natural regeneration capabilities. Its seeds have low germination rates, and the plant relies heavily on specific conditions for successful establishment. With habitat degradation and disturbance, the opportunities for the natural regeneration of white sage are diminished.

Rather than purchasing commercialized white sage, cultivating your own or receiving it as a gift from someone known for ethically sourcing it is the optimal approach to many aspects of this matter. It can be a proactive approach and one that benefits many.

𖤣𖥧˚ What You Can Do to Protect or Preserve White Sage

Cultivate Responsibly: If you have the means and space, consider growing white sage in your garden or on your property. This can help reduce the need for wild harvesting. Ensure you obtain seeds or cuttings from reputable sources to ensure genetic diversity and authenticity.

Spread Awareness: Share your knowledge about white sage and the need for sustainable practices with others. Encourage respectful and responsible approaches to its use and cultivation.

Support Indigenous Communities: Purchase white sage from Indigenous-owned businesses or directly from Indigenous communities that cultivate and sell it sustainably. This supports their traditional practices and livelihoods while ensuring the responsible management of white sage.

Seek Alternatives: Explore alternatives to white sage for spiritual practices and cleansing. There are several other plants, such as rosemary, cedar, eucalyptus, mugwort, green sage, purple sage, lavender, pine, and desert sage that can be used as substitutes.

𖤣𖥧˚ Spiritual and Traditional Significance

The profound spiritual and ancestral meaning of white sage holds great significance in various indigenous cultures, particularly within Native American traditions. Although this herb is not exclusive to indigenous communities, it is the ritualistic practice surrounding it that holds paramount importance.

While smoke cleansing is a practice found across cultures with different plants and herbs, the term "smudging" specifically refers to the Indigenous tradition and should be approached with respect and understanding. To ensure cultural sensitivity and avoid appropriation, it is advisable to educate oneself on how native communities perform this ritual, explore alternative practices, or, if uncertain, simply refrain from incorporating it. In the realm of closed practices, initiation or invitation becomes a vital component, accompanied by a rich tapestry of diverse ceremonies and customs that differ among various tribal communities.

Here are some of the spiritual and traditional practices associated with the use of white sage:

Smudging: The act of smudging is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of numerous First Nations, the Indigenous and Native American peoples. This ancient practice entails the sacred burning of various medicinal plants obtained from the Earth, such as sweetgrass, sage, tobacco and cedar. By partaking in a smudge, individuals engage in a purifying ritual aimed at dispelling negativity, alleviating anxieties, and transcending any lingering gloom or emotional distress. Ultimately, the purpose is to restore well-being and empower oneself to thrive.

Cleansing Rituals: White sage is often used in various cleansing rituals to purify individuals, living spaces, ceremonial tools, and sacred objects. This can be done by waving the smoke over the body or around the area or object being cleansed, with the intention of removing stagnant or negative energies.

Prayer and Meditation: White sage is sometimes used in prayer and meditation practices to create a sacred and purified space. Burning white sage can be accompanied by prayers, affirmations, or specific intentions, fostering a focused and spiritually receptive state of mind.

Source(s) & Article(s) ❁ཻུ۪۪ ━

‧₊˚.  : · •.  * • ˚   . · * ✶   : · •  *   ˚ ✵

Nature Collective's article on White Sage:

Flowers by the Sea's article on White Sage:

National Library of Medicine's article on White Sage:

WebMD's article on sage (not just white sage):

The Canadian Encyclopedia's page on "smudging":

MilkBath's article on smoke cleansing in different parts of the world:

Ya-Native's article on what smudging is and the practices:

Here's a YouTube video where Revolutionary Mystic talks about issues and what to do in terms of supporting Indigenous folks:

For some reason it says "age-restricted" so if that appears for you, here's the hyperlink: 10 Things Non-Native American folks need to hear (especially spiritual white folks)