Kathleen Kanele

I have been reading about coywolves.  They are a result of breeding between coyote and timber wolf. Coywolves are larger than coyotes but exhibit the same behaviour.  They remain timid around human beings.  They are well adapted to city living,finding shelter easily and a ready supply of rodents and small animals, including household pets such as cats and small dogs.  
The City of Toronto issues a list of suggestions regarding the steps one should take if a chance meeting with a coywolf occurs.  Rather than alarming citizens, they are told to make themselves as large as possible, raising their arms above their heads, shouting and stamping their feet to frighten off the coywolf.  They do include however, suggestion to not take your eye off the coyote/coywolf, never turn your back on one, and to back away, rather than run away.
Coywolves are here to stay. They are part of the fabric of wildlife in Toronto and other parts of the province. I like the idea of having one of the finest predators here, keeping the numbers of rodents and rabbits in check.They deserve respect and admiration. 

I live in a vibrant, busy neighborhood,  When I am seen picking up litter, I think other people begin to pay attention to the litter on the street.  They may or may not choose to pick it up, but they are reminded of the need to look after your own garbage.  Hang on to it until you can place it in the correct bin.  Better yet, snacks can be be taken from home in reusable containers-no bins necessary, and no trail of litter!

I feel better when I am spending time outdoors.  A walk in the park, more a meander really, allows me to notice the natural beauty of the land forms, the contrasts of texture, shape and colour. It is even better to get out of the city completely, to wander in less well-travelled fields and woods.  Then I feel reconnected with Mother Earth, and reinvigorated.
I remember hearing advice once about leaving only your footprints behind when you hike in the forest; I strive to leave a few visible and therefore destructive tracks as possible. Walking around the perimeter of a bog is vastly better than charging through it!
I tend to think of the deep green silence of a forest as the original Cathedral, Gol's own beautiful creation!

I see the food that I throw out every week, tired leftovers, fruit that spoils before it can be consumed, vegetables that spoil in those bins of good intentions! I had gotten out of the habit of planning and buying just the food I needed for my family.  I am more thoughtful now, and will continue to try to shop wisely, avoiding the dreaded process of guiltily disposing of what used to be decent, and expensive food items.
The money saved could go towards a yearly holiday!

I am concerned about the amount of plastic that is used in packaging of various food products.  I have started to use reusable grocery bags and mesh fruit and vegetable bags when shopping.  I have cut down on the amount of plastic I am bringing home from the grocery store.