Vehicle-Free Cherry Blossoms
We are lucky to be able to enjoy this beautiful time of year at High Park. What’s more, we’re able to enjoy vehicle-free cherry blossoms. Continue Reading Vehicle-Free Cherry Blossoms
Blog
Deep dive into all things High Park, animals, birds, nature, profiles and much more on the High Park Nature Centre blog.
Poison Ivy in Early Spring
Poison ivy grows on sandy, stony, or rocky shores and sprouts in thickets and clearings, such as along the borders of woods, and roadsides. Continue Reading Poison Ivy in Early Spring
Word of the Week: The One with a Tympanum
Tympanum is the ear cavity or eardrum that is found in certain animals such as amphibians, reptiles and insects. Continue Reading Word of the Week: The One with a Tympanum
Word of the Week: Crepuscular Animals
Crepuscular animals are active at dawn and dusk, just as most of us humans are pressing snooze on our alarm clocks or winding down for the night. Continue Reading Word of the Week: Crepuscular Animals
Word of the Week: Apricate
Apricate is the animal behaviour of basking in the sun, which allows them to meet some of their biological needs. Continue Reading Word of the Week: Apricate
Word of the Week: Solivagant
To wander alone. Solivagant comes from the Latin words “solus” meaning alone, and “vagans” meaning “wander.” Continue Reading Word of the Week: Solivagant
10 Things You Might Not Know About Mourning Doves
Mourning Doves have long, pointed wings, and pointed tails which are longer than other dove species. Continue Reading 10 Things You Might Not Know About Mourning Doves
Word of the Week: The Zygodactyl Feet of Birds
Zygodactyl describes birds having the toes of each foot arranged in pairs, with two toes in front and two behind. Continue Reading Word of the Week: The Zygodactyl Feet of Birds
Word of the Week: Are You a Chionophile?
Chionophiles can be animals, plants, or fungi which have specialized adaptations that help them survive the harshest winters. Continue Reading Word of the Week: Are You a Chionophile?
Nature Book Club: January 2023
Welcome to Nature Book Club! Here we will share what our book club is reading each month! January 2023: Winter Adaptations In January, our Nature Book Club members explored books themed… Continue Reading Nature Book Club: January 2023
Remembering Snappy: The Gentle & Loving Corn Snake
After 25 years of service as an Animal Ambassador with High Park Nature Centre, Snappy the Corn Snake passed away in her terrarium on August 15, 2025, at age ≈30 years. Continue Reading Remembering Snappy: The Gentle & Loving Corn Snake
Back to our Roots: HPNC Parkside Cottage
In fall 2025, High Park Forest School will undergo a much-awaited renovation. Starting in September 2025, we will operate out of the HPNC Cottage on 440 Parkside Drive. As we prepare for our homecoming back The Cottage, learn more about the history of this facility, rekindle cherished memories and help support our new chapter in High Park. Continue Reading Back to our Roots: HPNC Parkside Cottage
A New OURSpace Learning Garden: A Community Initiative
Help Us Create OURSpace 2 – A New Learning Garden in High Park In the heart of High Park, tucked behind the Nature Centre, a special space has flourished. A… Continue Reading A New OURSpace Learning Garden: A Community Initiative
High Park Caterpillar Survey: Citizen Science When the Sun Goes Down
Learn more about the High Park Caterpillar Survey, a nighttime summer citizen science project to document these wild wonders of the forest. Continue Reading High Park Caterpillar Survey: Citizen Science When the Sun Goes Down
River Otters: A Symbol of Hope for our Wetlands
River Otters, previously thought to be extirpated from Toronto, have been recently making a comeback. What does this mean for our wetlands? Continue Reading River Otters: A Symbol of Hope for our Wetlands
High Park Perspectives: Tobias Mullis-Karman
Tobias, a Naturalist Teacher at the Nature Centre, reflects on his experiences growing up in High Park. Continue Reading High Park Perspectives: Tobias Mullis-Karman
25 Things You Didn’t Know About the High Park Nature Centre
In the past 25 years, the Nature Centre has grown in so many ways. Learn how in this listicle. Continue Reading 25 Things You Didn’t Know About the High Park Nature Centre
Word of the Week: Symbiosis
There are four main types of symbiosis. These include parasitism, mutualism, competition, and commensalism. Continue Reading Word of the Week: Symbiosis
Spring Migratory Birds in High Park
There are four main types of symbiosis. These include parasitism, mutualism, competition, and commensalism. Continue Reading Spring Migratory Birds in High Park
Mason Bees and Their Nests
In honour of World Bee Day, the High Park Nature Centre is kicking off a new blog series, Big City Bees, for the summer chronicling the bees of High Park… Continue Reading Mason Bees and Their Nests
