Category Archives: nature

Wood Buffalo National Park

The correct name for the animals is “bison,” but the park’s official name hasn’t been changed yet.

This park was established in 1922 to protect the seriously dwindling bison herds but also became invaluable to protecting the whooping cranes, as well.

At just under 45,000 km², Wood Buffalo is the largest national park in Canada and the second largest in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2013, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated it as the world’s largest dark sky preserve to protect the habitat of bats and other night-time animals and also to ensure the visibility of the Aurora Borealis.

There’s lots of hiking and camping, including back country camping sites and many kilometres of day hiking trails available.

Happy Sunday.

Clover Time

Although not universally loved, clover is an essential part of our ecosystem. If you have it in your lawn, it will actually push out weeds, and of course, it’s an important food source for butterflies, some birds, cows, deer, rabbits, horses, and many other animals.

And let’s not forget how important clover is to our bee friends. They love it, and if you love honey, much of it results from the hard work of clover bees.

This clover patch was very busy with bees and butterflies until I disrupted them with my picture-taking, but I noticed that they were back as soon as I stepped away.

Naturopathy counsels that there are many health benefits to consuming clover, and of course, don’t forget that it’s good luck! ☘️

Happy Thursday.

Rainy Robin

This wet robin reminded me of a favourite Raffi song from my son’s childhood.

Robin in the rain
What a saucy fellow
Robin in the rain
Mind your socks of yellow
Running in the garden on your nimble feet
Digging for your dinner with your long strong beak

Robin in the rain
You don’t mind the weather
Showers always make you gay
But the worms are wishing you would stay at home
Robin on a rainy day
Robin in the rain
Robin in the rain

– Raffi; from Singable Songs for the Very Young

Happy Monday.