Newsletters

Wildlife Update — April 2009

Canada is home to thousands of identified native plant species, but more than a quarter of them could be lost forever if we don’t play an active role in their conservation. As an essential element of our natural biodiversity, native plants provide an important source of food and shelter for many Canadian species, including at-risk and endangered wildlife. Commercial development, clear-cutting and an ever increasing human population are causing habitats across the country to disappear at an alarming rate.

Crowning Glory »

With over 25 million Canadians caught up in the hustle and bustle of urban life, it’s hard to picture vast spaces of our nation as desolate and wild. But in fact, only 11 per cent of Canada’s 8,886,356 square kilometres of land are privately owned. The remaining 89 per cent is Crown land (also known as public land) and is owned by the federal or provincial government.

You Asked for It

Clearing the Way for Native Species
By Terri-Lee Reid

Q. How do I remove non-native invasive plants from my garden?

Read the answer »

Feature Project

Understanding the Impact of Invasive Species
By Jennifer Smart

Originally native to Eurasia, Russian thistle (Salsola kali) has become naturalized to the point of being considered commonplace across the Canadian prairies. More than just a noxious weed, Russian thistle is actually an invasive plant species that competes with Canada’s native plants for valuable space and resources, often to the detriment of native ecosystems and local wildlife. With a $7,500 grant from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, University of Alberta (U of A) MSc Candidate Tim Antill, along with U of A professor Dr. Anne Naeth, will be investigating the impact of Russian thistle on native ungulate habitat in montane grasslands.

Read full story »

Take Five

Taking Root: Five Widespread Native Plants!
By Stephanie Bonner

In celebration of National Wildlife Week, this month’s Take Five is showcasing five of our favourite widespread native plants! Remember, animals in Canada rely on native plants for food and shelter, so use them in your backyard to create a wildlife-friendly space and enhance the natural landscape. Special thanks to Sarah Coulber and Maria MacRae for their expertise and help with this issue of Take Five!

Read full list »

Get Outside!

Roll Out the Barrel
By Maria MacRae

April showers traditionally bring May flowers, but they can also bring vegetables, fruit and other plants, too! You’d be amazed at the amount of free water that falls from the sky and rolls off your roof every year. By collecting this run-off and saving it for a not so rainy day, you’ll be able to use it to nurture planting projects and replenish birdbaths and ponds without depleting water resources. Just follow these simple instructions for building a rain barrel in your own backyard!

Dare to Care

Kids for Turtles
By Amy Saunders

Kermit the Frog once said, “It’s not easy being green.” Well, he was right. Human development is rapidly destroying the wetlands and forests that local amphibians, reptiles and insects call home. But on the horizon there is a glimmer of hope.

Learn more »

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Fond d’écran en vedette!

Votre bureau est l’endroit idéal où afficher un fond d’écran mettant en vedette la vie sauvage! Ce mois-ci, nous vous offrons la photo d’un couple d’outardes du Canada en train d’admirer la vue au bord d’un lac. Téléchargez-la ici.

Gardening with Native Plants

Take a photo tour of CWF’s native plant gardens for inspiration on creating your own wildlife-friendly space! View Gallery »

Nominate an Outstanding Wildlife Conservationist Today!

We invite you to nominating hard working Canadians actively involved in wildlife conservation efforts for the CWF’s 2009 Conservation Achievement Awards. Hurry! Nominations close midnight April 15, 2009.

NWW Launches!

Join us for the NWW launch at the Toronto Zoo on April 3 and 4 and the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, B.C. on April 4. Hope to see you there!