Spring has arrived!

Spring has arrived, bringing vibrant changes to the region! Buds are unfurling into leaves, wildflowers are blooming, and returning pollinators are busy at work. Birds are nesting, and amphibians have emerged to enjoy the warmer, wetter conditions.

Read on for specific spring-related nature stewardship tips.

Amphibian Awakening

Many of our native amphibians have headed to local ponds and wetlands to breed and lay eggs. Use our aquatic amphibian eggs guide to help you identify any eggs you may see. If you see or hear any evidence of breeding amphibians, let us know through our Frog Finders initiative. This kind of information helps us protect their populations.

Keep an eye out for tadpoles until June. Avoid disturbing their habitat during this important part of their life cycle.

Planting Power

Spring is a good time to add native plants to your garden. This is because the mild yet moist conditions will help them get established before the warmer summer temperatures arrive. Native plants provide the perfect food and habitat for our local critters.

Our guide to gardening with native plants can provide you with ideas, and our spring sale (on now!) makes it easy to bring them home.

For more inspiration, read our recent profile of a local backyard bird sanctuary.

Nesting Now

The period from mid-March to late August is when most birds nest, lay eggs, and raise their young. During this window, avoid disturbing birds by delaying noisy and disruptive landscaping activities.

To prevent stress or abandonment, protect nests by also:

  • Keeping pets away
  • Avoiding pruning
  • Minimizing loud noises
  • Observing nests from a distance

Stopping the Spread

Spring can be a good time to control invasive plants. Besides stopping them from growing and becoming more established, you can prevent seeds from being formed and spreading. Invasive plants best tackled in the spring include:

  • Himalayan balsam
  • Small balsam (also known as smallflower touch-me-not)
  • Morning glory (also known as bindweed)
  • Lamium (also known as yellow archangel)
  • Periwinkle

New Nature Stewards

Anyone with a backyard can make a meaningful difference for nature—and with more participation, the larger the habitat we create for wildlife. The Nature Stewards Program is now welcoming landowners new to the program who are seeking stewardship guidance. This includes the opportunity for a property visit this spring.

Encourage your neighbours to join in and help grow our network of nature-friendly spaces in your neighbourhood!

The Nature Stewards Program is made possible thanks to funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada.