Kyra Simone, Author at Niagara Now

Science with Kyra: Hit the beach, but stay safe while cooling off

“Warmer temperatures and more frequent, intense storms are likely as climate change progresses, both of which will likely increase bacteria levels in water,” writes Kyra Simone.

Keeping it Green: Stacked effects of climate change could hit NOTL hard

Kyra Simone Special to The Lake Report Minimal snowfall and balmy temperatures have caused confusion this winter. A symptom of both the climate crisis and El Niño, mild weather may have lasting effects

Keeping it Green: Going slow and steady keeps nesting turtles safe on roads

Turtles in Niagara are braving roads in search of sites to lay eggs. Thoughtful driving and small acts of compassion make a monumental difference in protecting turtle populations. Southern Ontario has the

Keeping it Green: Niagara College BioBlitz a lively celebration of spring

Niagara College’s eighth annual spring BioBlitz was a flourishing success. On Saturday, April 15, about 120 people explored the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus to learn about native species. Sessions throughout the day featured talks and

Keeping it Green: Everyone is a naturalist at Niagara College’s spring BioBlitz

This spring, anyone with an interest in nature and the outdoors is invited to participate in the annual Niagara College BioBlitz. The one-day “scavenger hunt” on April 15 promises fun and food while

Keeping it Green: Rock on: Kids geology club relaunches at community centre

Curious learners can once again have their own “Magic School Bus” experience through a Niagara-on-the-Lake geology club. St. Davids residents Francesca and Nicholas Sorrenti have relaunched the Kids Rock Club in partnership with

Keeping it Green: No butts about it: Cigarette recycling comes to Niagara

An environmental cleanup on Nov. 12 in Niagara-on-the-Lake will mark the launch of a new Community Butt Recycling Program. The program, run by non-profit agency A Greener Future, aims to prevent smoking litter from

Keeping it Green: NOTL library series examines climate change in depth

A three-part series by a Niagara environmental scientist is shining the spotlight on the causes and the future of climate change. Dr. Adam Martin’s first talk in “The Changing World” series at the

Keeping it Green: On the mend: Reimagined fashion can be trendy and sustainable

The relentless manufacturing of clothing contributes to water shortages, pollution and climate change. Luckily, sustainable trends like visible mending, buying second-hand and textile recycling are gaining momentum in the world of fashion. Whether

Keeping it Green: The shapeshifting American eel’s 6,000-km journey to Niagara

This is an excerpt from Kyra Simone’s talk at the second annual Jane’s Walk, starting at 7 p.m. at Ryerson Park on Thursday, Aug. 25 Her full talk will describe the unique life

Keeping it Green: Riding out the summer heat wave and staying cool

The tilt of Earth’s axis means North America is closest to the sun at this time of year. Combined with the effects of climate change, this causes periods of extreme heat that are

Keeping it Green: Niagara’s summer insects are a festival of light and sound

Pockets of ravine and greenery around Niagara-on-the-Lake make perfect habitats for insects that set the tone for nostalgic, late-summer evenings. This time of year, there are a few that are becoming rarer to

Keeping it Green: Testing the waters: New program will monitor pollution at Niagara Shores Park

Thanks to a new water-monitoring program, a much-loved Niagara-on-the-Lake beach is finally getting the care it deserves. In response to Keeping it Green columns that raised concerns about Niagara Shores, the non-profit environmental

Keeping it Green: Jump in, the water’s fine. But here’s how to keep it that way

Now that warm weather is finally here, water temperatures in lakes and local water bodies are becoming more swimmable. Whether heading up to the cottage, camping, or taking a dip right here in

Keeping it Green: Curiosity kills: Protecting pet cats andsmall animals

Coyote encounters this spring have sparked concern for small children and dogs in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but the impact on pet cats hasn’t yet been part of the conversation. Cats that are allowed to roam outside

Keeping it Green: Earth Day reminder: Greater than the sum of our parts

In the last few years, we've been able to spend more time outside and deepen our connection to nature. By pausing and exploring our surroundings during the pandemic, many of us gained a

Keeping it Green Full stream ahead: Preparing our creeks for spring

The snow is gone and April rain is soon to bring spring flowers, but there can be downstream effects when all of this water flows through town. The health of any aquatic environment depends

Keeping it Green: The early birds are coming as spring migration begins

After spending winters down south, many birds migrate north in the spring. From now until the end of May, Niagara is an important spot for many migratory birds to take cover from inclement

Keeping it Green: Be a better bystander: A healthy environment is everyones responsibility

On our most recent litter cleanup, my mum Ann Marie and I got talking about the idea of the “bystander effect.” In grade school, I had been taught about this phenomenon many times, especially

Keeping it Green:Bridging troubled waters Collaboration andprogress across the Niagara River

Niagara Parks wrapped up a speaker series on environmental stewardship with a fascinating discussion of trans-border water issues. Raj Bejankiwar, a physical scientist working for the International Joint Commission, explained how an innovative partnership

Keeping it Green: Nations United: Climate conference signals shift away from fossil fuels

After two weeks of negotiation, all 197 countries participating in the 26th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP26), an annual meeting to address climate change, agreed to the Glasgow Climate Pact, which establishes clear next

Keeping it Green: Worse before it looks better: Environmental restoration can be messy

Ecosystem restoration does not simply mean “green is good,” experts from Parks Canada told at an online seminar. Some restoration practices can seem quite destructive, but they ultimately bring natural spaces back into balance, the

Keeping it Green: In the face of climate change, Niagara Adapts

NOTL councillors voted unanimously last week in favour of a draft corporate climate change adaptation plan. Council's endorsement will allow continued planning for imminent climate change problems in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This plan was developed through Niagara Adapts,

Keeping it Green: Niagara needs to preserve wildlife habitats, experts say

Niagara is home to large areas of sensitive wildlife habitat and it is crucial that community members and governments ensure their preservation, a panel of experts told an online discussion. In the first

Good clean fun planned for World Cleanup Day

This Saturday, Sept. 18 is World Cleanup Day and a community litter cleanup is the perfect way to enjoy some fresh air. Volunteers are encouraged to take part in a “pick-me-up” along the Niagara Parkway on Saturday morning

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