Ice crystals and snow whipped up by winter winds catch the sun near Russell, Man.

Mythbusting the folklore of winter forecasts

Can Manitoba’s fall really predict future winter weather? From early leaf drop to when the birds leave, there are plenty of old sayings, but how much fact is there behind the folklore?

Can Manitoba’s fall really predict future winter weather? From early leaf drop to when the birds leave, there are plenty of old sayings, but how much fact is there behind the folklore?

Numerous geese and waterfowl species can be spotted at Oak Hammock Marsh. Photo: Donna Gamache

Summer visits impress at new and improved Oak Hammock Marsh

Looking for something to do during Manitoba’s precious summer days? Oak Hammock Marsh has a revamped discovery centre, along with the paths, wetlands and wildlife watching that visitors have come to expect and love.

Looking for something to do just outside of Winnipeg? Oak Hammock Marsh has a revamped discovery centre this summer, along with the paths, wetlands and wildlife watching that visitors have come to expect and love.



The Eurasian collared dove photographed in southern Manitoba.

PHOTOS: Rare winter bird bingo

Watch for unusual visitors to your winter bird feeder

If you’re a Manitoban who feeds birds during the winter, you may already know the normal customers at your feeder and in your yard. With careful observation, you might also see a few relatively rare birds to Manitoba or, given the mild winter so far, species that usually don’t overwinter here. Why it matters: Chickadees


Snow is a fundamental driver of our natural world, but its ecological implications have not been studied as much as you’d think.

Winter wildlife winners and losers

Nature: Some of our forest creatures are amazingly adapted, while others just scrape by

Some critters are just made for winter, while others can’t wait for spring. In the dead of winter, we may think that local wildlife are toughing it out, pining for the longer, warmer days of spring. While that is true for some, many of our native species are doing just fine. My early university studies

Using my car as a blind allowed me to capture this photo of a flock of swans.

Take me home, country roads — or on a day trip

There’s plenty to see right here at home in Manitoba this spring

With the arrival of spring, it’s time to start planning some day trips, and it’s not too early to take that first one. Even before the leaves are out or the grass is green, a drive around rural Manitoba can be an interesting experience. Just be sure, that if you do venture off pavement and


A great horned owl perches on a tree branch.

Forget Super Bowl Day let’s talk Superb Owl Day

Manitoba has an abundance of owl species, especially in the winter months

Recently someone suggested a single letter change in a news headline. For those more interested in outside activities than watching American football, move a single letter and it becomes ‘Superb Owl Day.’ Manitoba has a variety of owls that both birders and non-birders might enjoy viewing. (And if February 13 is already past, don’t worry;

A field and a patch of prairie are very different, but some similar principles can apply.

The many faces of resiliency: Resilience lessons can be learned from nature

There are no simple answers when it comes to protecting farms and the environment

About a year ago the COVID-19 lockdowns led to an odd phenomenon. Home bakers went to the store looking for yeast and found the shelf completely cleaned out. If you asked a grocer about it you were told that there’s none to be had, even the warehouse was empty. The entire stock was bought out


drone pilot in cornfield

Young farmers spurred by fundamental human reasons: study

Land access the No. 1 obstacle to starting or continuing farming

Land access the No. 1 obstacle to starting or continuing farming

Young farmers’ motivations to farm despite the obstacles they face are striking and important, says an author of a new study from the University of Manitoba. Researcher Annette Desmarais said she was glad, perhaps a bit surprised to see young farmers wanted to farm so they could spend time with family, be closer to nature, and feel

Resting spots for young and old, along the Silver Bend Trail, cast splendid views of natural habitat.

Silver Bend Hiking Trail restored

Views of the Assiniboine Valley in Miniota area breathtaking

An important link to the history of the Miniota area, closed due to flooding four years ago, has been reclaimed. In no small part that’s thanks to the Birtle Miniota & District Development Corporation (BMDDC) and supporters. The Silver Bend Revitalization project was spearheaded by Jenny Kuemper, under the direction of the BMDDC. The organization