Arts Incubator and Land Lab News

From Green Leaf to Red Fortress What a transformation! These aren't berries – they're spiky rose galls, caused by tiny gall wasps. The shift from duller tones to this brilliant red signals different stages of their development, offering a fascinating peek into the intricate ecosystem of wild roses. Have you spotted these near you?

What a transformation! These aren't berries – they're spiky rose galls, caused by tiny gall wasps. The shift from duller tones to this brilliant red signals different stages of their development, offering a fascinating peek into the intricate ecosystem of wild roses. Have you spotted these near you?

From Green Leaf to Red Fortress

The Arts Incubator June 8, 2025

Curious about those odd, spiky bumps on wild roses? Understand the amazing secret behind rose galls! This...

Tiny Beaks, Big Appetites These two little robin chicks are doing their best "feed me!" impression, and honestly, it's the cutest thing ever. So much life and anticipation in those tiny, open beaks! It's a privilege to witness these precious moments in nature.

These two little robin chicks are doing their best "feed me!" impression, and honestly, it's the cutest thing ever. So much life and anticipation in those tiny, open beaks! It's a privilege to witness these precious moments in nature.

Tiny Beaks, Big Appetites

Terri Bell June 7, 2025

See an adorable photo of baby robins with wide-open beaks, waiting for food. A heartwarming peek into...

Painted Saw Blade Artistry The jagged edges of a saw blade frame a tranquil landscape of mountains, forests, and rivers in this unique artwork by Tanya McArthur from Dryden.

The jagged edges of a saw blade frame a tranquil landscape of mountains, forests, and rivers in this unique artwork by Tanya McArthur from Dryden.

Painted Saw Blade Artistry

Jamie Bell June 7, 2025

See how Dryden artist Tanya McArthur reimagines discarded saw blades as captivating canvases for her serene paintings...

Starry Clusters in the Wetlands Tiny stars of the wetland: a close-up of the distinctive seed clusters of a Starred Sedge (Carex species).

Starry Clusters in the Wetlands

The Arts Incubator June 6, 2025

Meet Starred Sedge (Carex species): a key wetland plant in Ontario. Its star-like clusters help stabilize soil...

Cream-colored Vetchling A closer look at the Cream-colored Vetchling: more than just a pretty face! This plant's hidden talents include enriching the soil and supporting pollinators.

Cream-colored Vetchling

The Arts Incubator June 6, 2025

Learn about the Cream-colored Vetchling (Lathyrus ochroleucus), a vital native wildflower of Ontario. Discover its appearance, traditional...

Plants, People, and the Arts The Nodding Trillium was one of the many plants that truly fascinated us this year. We had walked past it countless times, never realizing it was quietly growing all around us—hiding its delicate white bloom beneath its leaves. Once we finally noticed it, we began to understand why so many traditional plants are described as humble teachers.

The Nodding Trillium was one of the many plants that truly fascinated us this year. We had walked past it countless times, never realizing it was quietly growing all around us—hiding its delicate white bloom beneath its leaves. Once we finally noticed it, we began to understand why so many traditional plants are described as humble teachers.

Plants, People, and the Arts

Jamie Bell June 5, 2025

This year, as part of our ongoing photography, traditional storytelling, and arts-based learning activities, we’re documenting the...

The Wild Rose Untamed beauty: a Prickly Rose (Rosa acicularis) bloom, a testament to the resilience of the northern wilderness.

The Wild Rose

The Arts Incubator June 5, 2025

The Prickly Rose (Rosa acicularis), an iconic Ontario native, offers beauty, key ecological benefits, and traditional uses....

Yellow Wings and Happy Ecosystems The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is more than just a beautiful butterfly; it's a vital part of the healthy ecosystems we champion.

The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is more than just a beautiful butterfly; it's a vital part of the healthy ecosystems we champion.

Yellow Wings and Happy Ecosystems

Jamie Bell June 5, 2025

The striking presence of the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail underscores our commitment to ecological health.

Melgund Lake Conservation Reserve Surrounded by boreal forest, boaters on Melgund Lake experience the quiet beauty of protected waters and rich fishing traditions.

Surrounded by boreal forest, boaters on Melgund Lake experience the quiet beauty of protected waters and rich fishing traditions.

Melgund Lake Conservation Reserve

The Arts Incubator June 5, 2025

The Melgund Lake Conservation Reserve is a pristine protected area in Northwestern Ontario, dedicated to preserving significant...

Northern Recreation Capacity and AI The dedication of recreation professionals makes moments like these possible. New technologies, including AI, offer promising ways to support these practitioners, freeing up time for direct community engagement and enhancing their ability to deliver impactful programs.