Don Scallen

In Headwaters and beyond, plants and animals, from stinging nettles and poison ivy to ants and porcupines, rely on physical and chemical defences to stay alive. We tend only to notice when we get too close.

Those who know minnows would place them near the top of nature’s wonders. Dull and boring? Far from it!

With spring in full swing, the trees are alive with the songs of migrating warblers returning to Ontario’s forests on their journey north.

Naming a creature – whether a tiny salamander or a chimpanzee – allows humans to care a bit more for its welfare, and its habitats.

Habitat loss, traffic and growth are pushing Ontario’s turtles toward local extinction, but grassroots rescue efforts offer hope.

In a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek conducted in the cover of night, moths employ stealth strategies and elusive manoeuvres to stay alive.

From helping with navigation to filtering out pheromones, these delicate but powerful sensory organs are crucial tools for moth survival.

My underwater video reveals a fascinating glimpse at how crayfish play dead to sneakily steal bass eggs.

Fly agaric, long known for its potent psychoactive properties, is an iconic woodland fungus that has made many an appearance in pop culture.

A small green frog with a big personality often finds herself sharing a meal with a human companion.

These skilled weavers spin intricate orb webs of great beauty and efficiency. 

The onset of autumn brings a profusion of late bloomers that add a splash of colour to Ontario wetlands.

A fleeting glimpse of one of these five rare Headwaters species can feel like magic – and like a warning we can’t ignore.

These furry little moths sporting tiny faces with big eyes are delightful companions in the garden.

Dragonflies are fascinating and unique insects thanks to their ancient lineage, iridescent colors, and their role as voracious predators in the insect world.

These mendacious mollusks lure unsuspecting smallmouth bass into giving it a free ride – and a free meal.

Naturalistic gardening booster Tony Spencer created a Mono rooftop garden that benefits the environment and nurtures the spirit.

Newts fall in love too but, as in human affairs, persistence, gentle wooing and perhaps a splash of cologne can help win the day.