Tommy Thompson Park is one of Toronto’s best places to experience nature and see wildlife. Let’s make sure it stays that way. The City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) a...

As the summer heat continues to strike Toronto, it can be difficult for birds in the city tofind fresh, clean water, so what better way to provide them a healthy source of waterthan to build one of yo...

What an extraordinary summer for Toronto’s nature community! When the Province of Ontario announced plans to take over Billy Bishop Airport and open the runways to commercial jets, the Toronto Field N...

Can a government shield its decisions from existing laws and court review, and is Ontario Place a protected “public trust”? FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 16, 2026 TORONTO – A coalition of four...

This summer, Ellen Schwartzel and Jenny Bull led two outings on Toronto Island to count baby toads (toadlets) as they emerge onto land after their tadpole stage. The sessions were on July 3rd and July...

The Federal Government holds the ultimate authority to prevent the expansion of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to accommodate commercial jets. Right now, we have a critical window to make our voice...

The proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to accommodate jet aircraft threatens several of the most significant natural habitats in our city. Toronto identifies 89 Environmentally Si...

The City of Toronto and TRCA are now consulting on how to improve the “visitor experience” at Tommy Thompson Park, through a project called the Visitor Experience Plan (VEP). The goal of this project ...

Most of our members know Toronto Field Naturalists for our wonderful guided walks, photography and education programs. But there is a lot of work happening behind the scenes. Our Advocacy Committee wo...

Toronto learned a hard lesson 71 years ago, when Hurricane Hazel tore a path of death and destruction across the region. The lesson was that we absolutely must protect our ravines and natural lands so...

Humber Bay Park was originally designed as a quiet refuge on Toronto’s waterfront. However, this natural sanctuary is now under threat by a proposal to allow noisy, polluting jet-ski rentals into the ...

We owe a massive congratulations to Land Over Landings for their 53-year citizen-led campaign. I’m certain the original organizers of People Over Planes back in 1972 didn’t anticipate a half-century f...

Everyone loves owls, and especially majestic snowy owls when they grace us with their presence in the winter. But constant viewing by nature lovers and wildlife photographers during the day when the o...

Nature remains the strongest symbol of Canadian identity, according to a recent poll. In 2022, Canada committed to protecting 30% of its land, inland waters, and coastal waters by 2030 to safeguard bi...

The City of Toronto is reviewing its Tree Bylaws and wants public input. These bylaws regulate the injury and removal of trees, require planting replacement trees in compensation, and safeguard sensit...

Strange things can happen in big cities, and TFN has now witnessed a scenario that leaves the local nature community shaken and angry.   Cottonwood Flats is a much-loved nature spot in the Don Valley,...

If it sounds like Ploverpalooza is the punchline to a birder’s joke, you’d be wrong. The annual fest at Wasaga Beach is a birder’s dream though, celebrating local efforts which have brought the Piping...

Every time we turn on the tap in Toronto, we’re relying on Lake Ontario—a vital part of the Great Lakes system that provides drinking water to 35 million people across Canada and the U.S. People often...

Deteriorating infrastructure and maintenance backlogs continue to affect the City’s parks

For nearly 20 years, Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been a vital safeguard for at-risk wildlife and their habitats. But now, after years of neglect, the Ontario government has introduced B...

Join Ellen Schwartzel, former Ontario Deputy Environmental Commissioner and former president of Toronto Field Naturalists, on April 22nd from 2 to 3 pm. A presentation, highlighted with artwork and ph...

In today’s political climate, many of us have tuned out from the news. But with an important federal election ahead, every vote counts—especially when it comes to protecting Canada’s natural heritage....

As the weather warms up, many gardeners feel the urge to tidy up their yards, clearing away dead leaves, stems, and other plant debris. But did you know that waiting a little longer before you start y...

Toronto Field Naturalists is thrilled to provide Toronto Nature Now on Met Radio! Each segment spends a few minutes discussing what to see outdoors, important news, and celebrating nature in Toronto! ...

Join us on Saturday, March 29th at 10:00 am for a 2 hr, 3 km circular trees walk on mostly unpaved and uneven surfaces, flat with some gentle slopes and no stairs. Leader: Lillian Natalizio Walk Locat...

Join us on World Water Day, March 22nd at 10:00 am for a 2.5 hr, 4 km circular nature and heritage walk on mostly unpaved and uneven surfaces with gentle slopes and some steep slopes, as well as some ...

Join our former president, Ellen Schwartzel, on Wednesday, March 19th, at 2 pm for a one-hour talk on Toronto's ravines. Details here: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT541082&...

Our local wildlife and ecosystems are deeply affected by our rapidly changing climate, with the impacts becoming increasingly personal. The Pocket Change Project is a fantastic example of how a small ...

YouTube video by Toronto Field Naturalists

Join us on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 at 2:30 pm for our March lecture: Ticks in Ontario with Dr. Andrew Peregrine, who is a veterinarian and clinical parasitologist at the Ontario Veterinary College, Un...

Join us on February 2nd, 2025 at 2:30 pm for our February lecture: Toronto Zoo - Blanding’s Turtle Restoration Program. The Toronto Zoo will provide an overview of their Blanding’s Headstarting Progra...

The rise in the number of encampments in Toronto was invariably going to lead to tents being erected in an environmentally sensitive area (ESA). While alarming (and rightly so) to nature lovers, this ...

As the snow starts to fly, the familiar crunch of road salt underfoot returns. In Canada, about 7 million tons of road salt are applied to our walkways and roadways every year. But few of us recognize...

Ontario Place, an iconic landmark on Toronto’s waterfront, holds significant cultural, architectural, and environmental value. Designated as a provincial heritage property, it is celebrated for its fu...

The TFN Juniors paid a very memorable visit to the Toronto Wildlife Centre on Nov 9th. We learned that over 6275 wild wounded animals and 61 species had already been treated there this year.  Before t...

The Ontario auditor general’s review of the Ontario Place scandal contains enough muck to start an industrial-scale pig farm, with plenty left over to get the OPP or the RCMP going on an investigation...

The City of Toronto is collecting community feedback on Parkland & Recreation Facilities Strategies. You can share your experiences and insights on the needs and priorities for recreation spaces and p...

Founded in 1923, the Toronto Field Naturalists (TFN) is a volunteer-run non-profit nature conservation organization. We connect people with nature in the Toronto area, helping them to understand, enjo...