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Author: naturenl

This author has written 238 articles

Gannets abandon chicks at Cape St. Mary’s…again

Yet again parental Northern Gannets are abandoning their chicks at Cape St. Mary's - an event very reminiscent of the 2012 abandonment with almost the same timing. Like 2012, there…

Continue ReadingGannets abandon chicks at Cape St. Mary’s…again

Nature and natural flood control in the heart of St. John’s: Long Pond and Rennie’s River

Nature Newfoundland and Labrador and Friends are celebrating this valuable part of our natural environment with an evening walk along the shores of Long Pond and part of Rennie’s River.…

Continue ReadingNature and natural flood control in the heart of St. John’s: Long Pond and Rennie’s River

Comments on Rennies River Catchment Stormwater Management Plan

by J. D. Jacobs and R. J. Gibson Nature Newfoundland and Labrador “(In future planning and development) it will be necessary to keep in mind the location of land uses…

Continue ReadingComments on Rennies River Catchment Stormwater Management Plan

Annual Charlie Horwood Memorial Pink Lady Slipper Orchid Walk

Delayed due to lateness of spring this year… New date: Thursday evening, June 26, 2014, 6:30 pm. Rain or shine! Meet at the MUN Vivarium Parking Lot, off Mount Scio…

Continue ReadingAnnual Charlie Horwood Memorial Pink Lady Slipper Orchid Walk

Whale Festival | Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site and Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium

Every year thousands of whales migrate to the waters off the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador to feed. The Cape Spear - Petty Harbour region annually witnesses hundreds of…

Continue ReadingWhale Festival | Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site and Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium

A Steward’s Perspective on the Avalon Wilderness Reserve

Public Lecture by Aaron O’Brien   Aaron O’Brien grew up in Cape Broyle on the Southern Shore of the Avalon Peninsula. He has a passion for wilderness areas and has…

Continue ReadingA Steward’s Perspective on the Avalon Wilderness Reserve

Annual NatureNL Long Pond Clean-up

Nature Newfoundland and Labrador will hold our annual clean-up of Long Pond on Saturday, May 10, 2014, starting at 10:00 a.m. Meet behind the “Splash” facility on the south side…

Continue ReadingAnnual NatureNL Long Pond Clean-up

Owl Walk at Butter Pot

Have you ever went owl watching? On April 27th, haul on some warm clothing and your rubber boots and join Park Manager Keith Brown for a late excursion of Butter…

Continue ReadingOwl Walk at Butter Pot

Nature NL April Talks @ The Rooms

Twice a year Nature NL collaborates with The Rooms to present talks on aspects of local natural history. These talks replace our regular third Thursday of the month ones. The…

Continue ReadingNature NL April Talks @ The Rooms

Newfoundland and Labrador Nocturnal Owl Survey

Calling all Owlers!  Bird Studies Canada would like to coordinate a volunteer Nocturnal Owl Survey (http://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/natowls/) in Newfoundland and Labrador this spring  (April/May 2014).  First we need to know if…

Continue ReadingNewfoundland and Labrador Nocturnal Owl Survey
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naturenl.ca

Reminder that we have moved the guided walk to tom Reminder that we have moved the guided walk to tomorrow Sunday November 23rd!  We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Happy #BirdFactFriday Since you’re all rightly Happy #BirdFactFriday  Since you’re all rightly obsessed (we are too 😉) with the quirky local names we’ve given birds here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we’re keeping the series going!  Welcome to Part 3 of Unique Bird Names of Newfoundland and Labrador.  More fun nicknames, more local charm, and more reasons to love our feathered neighbors! 🐦  Did you know here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we have our own bird lingo? Just like our local sayings and everyday expressions, many bird species here have unique common names that you likely won’t hear anywhere else!
Some species even share the same local name! While they are related, they’re actually two different birds altogether! No wonder bird identification can be tricky business around here.  Stay tuned as we dive into some of these fun local names together!  This media is part of our Birding Without Barriers program, supported by NatureHood, a Nature Canada initiative.  #BirdsOfNL #NLNature #Birding #BirdWatchers #ExploreNL #WildlifeWednesday #NatureLovers #AtlanticCanada #BirdNerd #NatureFacts #BirdEducation #ConservationCanada
It's #WetlandWednesday ‼ 💧 This week were ar It's #WetlandWednesday ‼ 💧  This week were are reviewing the importance of wetlands as fire buffers.  Wetlands work quietly and automatically during a wildfire emergency. They are nature’s living firebreaks that are saturated wet soils, peat, cool air, and lush vegetation forming natural barriers that flames struggle to cross. In this photo, you can actually see where the wetland created a protective buffer during the fire.  Wetlands have many roles during a wildfire emergency. They provide refuge for wildlife, offer a critical water source for firefighters, and support regeneration and recovery long after a fire has passed in addition to being a natural fire buffer.  While this image highlights the power of wetlands as natural fire buffers, it also shows how human activity can slowly damage these fragile spaces. Heavy quad use has compacted the wetland in this area, squeezing out air pockets, reducing water absorption, and causing water to run off quickly. That runoff carries surface soil into nearby water bodies, leading to sedimentation and degrading habitat. When quad damage occurs you can quickly see the negative impacts especially during abnormally dry summers.  These damages reduce the ability to properly store water leading to wetlands becoming too dry or the opposite where quad damage can cut off natural drainage systems causing flood.  When a wetland is damaged or lost, its buffering abilities disappear with it. Wetlands don’t bounce back quickly, recovery can take decades, and in some cases, may never occur without human intervention.  Protecting wetlands means protecting water, wildlife, and natural resilience. These quiet ecosystems work hard every single day. 🌿💧  This media is supported by Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF) made possible by @fisheriesoceanscan  in efforts of restoration and conservation of aquatic ecosystems in partnership with @aquaticconservationinitiative  Photo by: Alexis Cole  #Wetlands #Wildfireprotection #Healthyecocystems #ExploreNL #Savethewetlands
Have you checked out our online store? Whether y Have you checked out our online store?  Whether you’re shopping for someone special or treating yourself, our store has something for every nature admirer. 🌿  Most items are  handmade by our dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers!  Every purchase becomes a direct donation that helps us continue offering free public programming!  You can purchase Bird Friendly Coffee in collaboration with AVIA here: 
https://www.cafebirdfriendly.org/products/in-support-of-nature-newfoundland-and-labrador  Check out our shop: https://naturenl.ca/shop-woo/  #NatureShop #SupportLocal #SupportNature #NatureNL
Happy #BirdFactFriday Did you know here in Newfou Happy #BirdFactFriday  Did you know here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we have our own bird lingo? Just like our local sayings and everyday expressions, many bird species here have unique common names that you likely won’t hear anywhere else!  Some species even share the same local name! While they are related, they’re actually two different birds altogether! No wonder bird identification can be tricky business around here. 😉  Stay tuned as we dive into some of these fun local names together!
This media is part of our Birding Without Barriers program, supported by NatureHood, a Nature Canada initiative.  #BirdsOfNL #NLNature #Birding #BirdWatchers #ExploreNL #WildlifeWednesday #NatureLovers #AtlanticCanada #BirdNerd #NatureFacts #BirdEducation #ConservationCanada
Happy #WetLandWednesday Last week we talked wetla Happy #WetLandWednesday  Last week we talked wetlands and how they are like natures nursery for unique species, such as evergreen shrubs that rely on wetland habitats as a home.
We highlighted how evergreen shrubs, like the pictured Leatherleaf, depend on these habitats year-round. It’s a great reminder to think outside the box of what we usually picture when we think of evergreens.  This week we want to share a little bit about how specialized adaptations of evergreens make wetlands perfect homes.  🌿 Physical Adaptations  Thick, Waxy Cuticle - Leaves are coated in a waxy layer that reduces water loss through evaporation. ( A great feature for drought during very dry summers and cold dry winters.)  Needle-like or Leathery Leaves - Smaller surface area minimizes water loss and damage from snow or wind.  Sunken Stomata - Pores for gas exchange are recessed below the leaf surface, reducing water loss.  Flexible Branches - Bend easily under snow without breaking.  Evergreen Pigments - Retain chlorophyll and sometimes have protective pigments (like carotenoids) that prevent damage from cold or sun exposure.  ❄️ Physiological Adaptations  Produce sugars and proteins - Preventing ice crystals from forming inside cells.  Slow Metabolism - Reduces the need for nutrients and water during unfavorable conditions (like winter).  Year-round Photosynthesis - Can photosynthesize on warm winter days.  Efficient Nutrient Use - Conserve nutrients by not shedding leaves annually; beneficial in poor soils.  🌱 Ecological Adaptations  Low Light Tolerant - Many evergreen shrubs and trees can photosynthesize under shaded or cloudy conditions.  Longevity - Leaves last several years, maximizing energy.  Soil and Habitat Specialization - Some species thrive in acidic, nutrient-poor soils (e.g., bogs, wetlands, conifer forests).  What is your favorite evergreen?  This media is supported by Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF) made possible by @fisheriesoceanscan  in efforts of restoration and conservation of aquatic ecosystems in partnership with @aquaticconservationinitiative  Photo by: Alexis Cole  #evergreens #Wetlands
Today we pause in gratitude and remembrance. As na Today we pause in gratitude and remembrance. As nature stands still in quiet reflection, so do we. Honoring the courage, sacrifice, and peace so many gave everything for.  #LestWeForget
Happy #BirdFactFriday Did you know here in Newfou Happy #BirdFactFriday  Did you know here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we have our own bird lingo? Just like our local sayings and everyday expressions, many bird species here have unique common names that you likely won’t hear anywhere else!  Some species even share the same local name! While they are related, they’re actually two different birds altogether! No wonder bird identification can be tricky business around here. 😉  Stay tuned as we dive into some of these fun local names together!  This media is part of our Birding Without Barriers program, supported by NatureHood, a @naturecanada_ initiative.  #BirdsOfNL #NLNature #Birding #BirdWatchers #ExploreNL #WildlifeWednesday #NatureLovers #AtlanticCanada #BirdNerd #NatureFacts #BirdEducation #ConservationCanada
Yesterday we visited the Marjorie Mews Library for Yesterday we visited the Marjorie Mews Library for a hands-on fossil and mineral adventure! 🦕  We explored real fossils and minerals, dug for fluorite and labradorite, and even made our own fossil impressions to take home. We love any excuse for a bit of messy play and lots of learning!  Thank you for having us @Marjorie Mews Public Library  #geosciences #Fossils #Earthsciences #messyplay #natureNL
We’re in mid-fall, slowly creeping into winter. We’re in mid-fall, slowly creeping into winter. Some wetland plants will partially decompose and become peat, while others have special adaptations that allow them to stay evergreen through the harsh fall and winter conditions.  When we think of evergreens, many of us picture towering Spruce and Fir trees. But wetlands are home to a variety of smaller evergreen shrubs that stay vibrant and green throughout the year. Some of these species include Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), named for its tough, leathery leaves; Common Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum); Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon); and Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia). These resilient plants remain green year-round however there are many other species residing in wetlands with these features as well.  Evergreens don’t take a break for winter! Their waxy, tough leaves help them hold onto water and stay green year-round, even through snow and frost.  Next Wednesday we will go into more depth into the science behind how evergreens are able to remain green year round and how it helps these species live in harsh conditions.  This media is supported by Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF) made possible by @FisheriesOceansCAN in efforts of restoration and conservation of aquatic ecosystems in partnership with @aquaticconservationinitiative  Photo by: Gabby Riefesel  #NatureNL #ACI #Wetlandwednesday #Freshwater #WetlandsofNL
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