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  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
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    • In the News
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  • Get involved
    • Memberships
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      • Wetland Photo Contest Winners
  • What We Do
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      • 2025 ENGO Summit NL
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      • Outdoor Events
      • Nature Nook
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      • BioBlitz Events
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      • Insect Monitoring
      • Report Your Sightings
    • Nature Backpack Program
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NatureNL Blog

2023 City Nature Challenge: St. John’s

Boreal Chickadee, looking plump and fluffy in the cold weather. The 2023 City Nature Challenge is a citizen science initiative where cities worldwide compete to document their cities' biodiversity through…

Continue Reading2023 City Nature Challenge: St. John’s
Read more about the article #TBT The Osprey – Ask a natural history question: Why slugs?

#TBT The Osprey – Ask a natural history question: Why slugs?

The Osprey, vol. 42, no. 03 (Summer 2011) By: Barry J. Hicks Q: Slugs are the bane of vegetable gardeners everywhere (especially this rainy spring and summer!), but do they…

Continue Reading#TBT The Osprey – Ask a natural history question: Why slugs?
Read more about the article #TBT The Osprey – Nature Sketches: Painted Lady Butterfly (<i>Vanessa cardui</i>)

#TBT The Osprey – Nature Sketches: Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

The Osprey, vol. 35, no. 02 (May 2004) By: A. Glen Ryan Painted Lady Butterfly by A. Glen Ryan The Painted Lady is likely the most widespread butterfly in the…

Continue Reading#TBT The Osprey – Nature Sketches: Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)
Read more about the article Molly Morrissey Receives 2021 Leslie Tuck Avian Ecology Award

Molly Morrissey Receives 2021 Leslie Tuck Avian Ecology Award

The recipient of Memorial University's Leslie Tuck Avian Ecology Award, an endowed scholarship started by friends of the Natural History Society (now Nature NL) has their winning essay published by…

Continue ReadingMolly Morrissey Receives 2021 Leslie Tuck Avian Ecology Award

We’re hiring an Executive Director!

Our all-volunteer Board of Directors is excited to be hiring for one part time Executive Director position. The position will run this summer and fall. There is a possibility of…

Continue ReadingWe’re hiring an Executive Director!
Read more about the article The Snow Bunting Project – Labrador

The Snow Bunting Project – Labrador

Snow buntings taking flight. (Photo: V. Buckle) By Cheryl Davis, with Megan Boucher Cheryl Davis (Dartmouth, NS) got excited about the snow buntings she saw while living in western Labrador.…

Continue ReadingThe Snow Bunting Project – Labrador
Read more about the article Armchair Hiking – Gros Morne Mountain

Armchair Hiking – Gros Morne Mountain

Gros Morne Mountain looms large with its vast, steep, rocky slopes and expose summit. The top of the mountain feels far away as you start walking on the trail, winding…

Continue ReadingArmchair Hiking – Gros Morne Mountain

#TrailTrekNL

You work your way up a beaten path laden with blueberry bushes and lichen. Your breathing mirrors the ebb and flow of the distant ocean as you faintly hear the…

Continue Reading#TrailTrekNL
Read more about the article A Tour of Successful Local Protected Areas

A Tour of Successful Local Protected Areas

At our August talk we went on a tour of some successful local protected areas to highlight some of big benefits they can bring to the surrounding areas. We toured…

Continue ReadingA Tour of Successful Local Protected Areas
Read more about the article Attu east: what makes us unique in the ABA?

Attu east: what makes us unique in the ABA?

By Lancy Cheng and Megan Boucher The post Attu East: what makes us unique in the ABA? has been shared by naturalist Lancy Cheng who leads events with Nature NL…

Continue ReadingAttu east: what makes us unique in the ABA?
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naturenl.ca

Normally we don't let rain stop us, however it is Normally we don't let rain stop us, however it is not ideal for birdwatching. It's always a hard decision to make when calling off a event like this but we promise we will be hosting another community bird watching event in the near future.
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
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