This blog was originally published by Ontario Nature. Guest blog by Anne Bell, Director of Conservation and Education at Ontario Nature.

Ontario Nature reveals government failure: Ontario’s record on protecting species at risk is devastating for wildlife

The Auditor General of Ontario’s report, Protecting and Recovering Species at Risk, is not reading for the faint of heart. Released on November 22, 2021, the audit sets out in excruciating detail the Government of Ontario’s abject failure to exercise its duty to protect the province’s most vulnerable plants and animals.

Wild Wednesday: Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre shares what you need to know about bird flu and how they are coping

This year my conversation about conservation with the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre (OVWBCC) team flew me in a different direction. Wildlife rescue is serious business. It's even more so when navigating a contagious viral infection like H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), more commonly referred to as avian flu or 'bird flu.'

Guest blog: What do I do if my dog and I encounter wildlife on a hike?

Summer is at our doorstep and it's officially Wild About Wildlife Month- we all know what that means! It’s time to get outdoors, so put on your swimmers and jump in a lake, or grab those boots and hit the trail! Of course, you want to include your pooch in your summer shenanigans. Hiking with your dog is a great way to exercise and bond with your best friend.

Wild Wednesday: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is rehabilitating five adorable moose calves

When I reached out to my fur-iends at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and asked “Do you have any interesting animals in your care that I can feature for Wild About Wildlife Month?” their response was most amoosing! 

July is Wild About Wildlife Month: Wild Wednesday celebrates local wildlife conservation

We are living in truly wild times. I'm excited to get wild for all the right reasons because July is Wild About Wildlife Month! This month Paws For Reaction will show appreciation for local wildlife rescue workers and conservation centres. Veterinary professionals, scientists, nature conservationists, and countless invaluable volunteers in the Ottawa region are working hard to protect biodiversity and save and support wildlife in need. They are launching stewardship programs, repopulating endangered species, educating the public, fighting for protected lands, and rehabilitating wildlife at sanctuaries. They are working long hours, throughout the pandemic, and making sacrifices because they care deeply for animals. They are committed to rewilding as many animals as possible. Their dedication to nature and the survival of local wildlife should be seen as a dedication to our community and the future of the planet- because it is. I sometimes wonder if these incredible folks know how far their kindness reaches and the impact they make? The difference they make in their conservation centres makes a positive impact on our nation and the planet. Thank you. You are changing the world. 

Thank you for celebrating Wild About Wildlife Month: Wild Wednesday raised awareness about local wildlife conservation

I went a little wild this month. July is Wild About Wildlife Month, so there's no better time to go wild! As always, I'm sad Wild Wednesday is over. I enjoy reconnecting with local wildlife conservationists and learning about all the animals they rescued over the year. They are working night and day to re-wild animals, and I hope by sharing their stories, I can help re-wild some humans. We need to strengthen our connection with wildlife and the natural world if we are going to stand a chance against human-caused climate change and the extreme weather events, species loss, and destruction to biodiversity that comes along with it. Are you ready to get re-wild?

Wild Wednesday: The pandemic won't stop Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary from rewilding animals 

When I was on the phone with Linda Laurus, Executive Director for Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, she asked me to hold for a moment. I could hear the concern in her voice when she told me she had to check on a squirrel. She could see the squirrel in his cage and was afraid he was injured. After a few moments she came back on the phone and told me everything is alright, he just had some nuts in his mouth. From where she was standing it looked like he was swollen. I couldn't help but laugh, certain I'd just experienced a glimmer of the ups and downs of working with wildlife. 

Wild Wednesday: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is keeping wildlife wild and bears beary happy

Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is going big things with big wildlife! Since we featured the Sanctuary last year on Wild Wednesday, the team has built new enclosures for some of their furry permanent residents, including three adorable bears named Clyde, Paddington, and Honey Pot. I dusted my paws off and caught up with Linda Glimps, Executive Director at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to learn more about their appropriately named bears and other recent achievements since the last Wild About Wildlife Month.

 Wild Wednesday: Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre is spreading its wings and flying to a new location

We wake to their song and watch their beauty paint the sky. Birds are a part of our everyday life. We may go months without seeing other wildlife, but not a day does by that we don't see several different species of birds. Injured and orphaned birds require very specific care, and when a bird is in need the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre (OVWBCC) swoops in and takes it under its wing. 

July is Wild About Wildlife Month: Wild Wednesday celebrates local wildlife conservation

Are you feeling wild? You should be! Wednesday is Wild About Wildlife Month! Paws For Reaction is showing some love for local wildlife rescue workers! Veterinary professionals, scientists, nature conservationists, and volunteers in the Ottawa region are working hard to save and support wildlife in need. They are launching stewardship programs, repopulating endangered species, fighting for protected lands, and rehabilitating wildlife at sanctuaries. Their hard work and dedication is vital to the survival of local wildlife.