PLANT IDENTIFICATION

United States Department of AgricultureThis excellent site includes Canadian distribution and shows pictures and range maps.  It is searchable by scientific or common name.  I find it useful to search by genus and compare subspecies and their occurrence in Ontario.
http://plants.usda.gov/

Ontario WildflowersWalter Muma provides multiple photos of the same species to help with identification.  Good keys for sorting out Asters and Goldenrod.  Links to other information about native plants in Ontario
http://ontariowildflowers.com/index.php

Flora of North AmericaA lot of technical information, but good keys and illustrations.  I have used this site to key out species of sedge - the detailed drawings are excellent.
http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=1


PROPAGATING FROM SEED

Ontario Rock Garden and Hardy Plant SocietyAn excellent germination guide for all sorts of native and non-native seeds.  The Germination Guide is in the top right corner of the Home page.
http://www.onrockgarden.com/

Tom Clothier Garden Walk and Talk
Another great resource for germinating all kinds of seeds.  Check out the gardening articles too.
http://tomclothier.hort.net/
Angelgrove Tree Seed Company Germination Guide
Answers lots of questions about how, why and when to propagate seeds/nuts/fruit of trees and shrubs.
http://trees-seeds.com/seed.htm

ORGANIZATIONS and SOCIETIES

North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS)
Photos. articles, special events, resources and one of the best annual seed exchanges on the continent.  Local chapters exist in your region too.
http://www.nargs.org/

Ottawa Valley Rock Garden and Horticultural Society (OVRGHS)Active group of gardeners that organize monthly speakers, tours, workshops as well as a seed exchange of hardy species.  The group includes memebers who are knowledgeable about native species.
http://www.ovrghs.ca/

American Penstemon SocietyA group dedicated to the study and cultivation of the 100s of species of... Penstemons.  A bit specialized, but a fascinating group of Norh American plants.  Annual seed exchange and trips.
http://www.apsdev.org/

Ottawa Field Naturalists Club (OFNC)A very active group focused on study and conservation especially in Eastern Ontario.  They offer great field trips and the website is a great entry to resource materials.
http://www.ofnc.ca/
  FAVORITE PLACES to VISIT


Sheffield Conservation AreaUnique plant communities, excellent hiking and some rare species.  Located north of Napanee, south of Kaladar.
http://quinteconservation.ca/web/images/stories/camping_and_conservation_lands/conservation_lands/areas/sheffield.pdf



Frink CentreA good system of trails leads you into a surprising variety of plant habitats - boardwalks through cattail, water lily marshes, cool cedar swamps, river edge, maple/beech/hickory woods, ferns, orchids, etc.  (Great birding too with some local rarities such as Least Bittern).  Just north of Belleville at Planifiled.http://www.fofc.ca/

Fletcher Wildlife Garden 
Located next to Ottawa's Arboretum and Experimental Farm (also worth a visit), the FWG is a long-term project of the OFNC that cultivates a variety of habitats for native flora and fauna.  Check out interesting articles at the website.
http://www.ofnc.ca/fletcher.php

Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area (Brighton)
Hike around remnants of Ontario prairie and oak savannah.  Interesting glacial features as well.
http://www.ltc.on.ca/conservation/ca/gl/

Tallgrass Ontario - Ontario sites
Visit remnant prairie sites around Ontario.  Also check out the Publications page.
http://www.tallgrassontario.org/PrairiePlaces.htm

Larose Forest
Fascinating biodiversity in an extensive area of forest, swamps and wetlands.  Roads and trails provide excellent hiking.  A visit in any season is well worth while.
http://www.prescott-russell.on.ca/en/larose-forest/about-the-larose-forest


Also check out this photo gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/laroseforest/larose_plants

Limerick Forest
A number of different tracts provide hiking and viewing through varied plant habitats.  Check out Area 3 map especially with its boardwalk through a marsh.  Good opportunities for viewing woodland and wetland species.
http://www.limerickforest.ca/en/index.asp

Purdon Conservation Area
Well known for its late spring display of Showy Lady Slipper Orchids.
http://www.mvc.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=14

Quinte/Prince Edward Conservation Areas
http://quinteconservation.ca/web/images/stories/camping_and_conservation_lands/conservation_lands/areas/qc_areas.pdf
RESOURCES


Canadian Museum of Nature - Native Plant Crossroadshttp://nature.ca/plnt/index_e.cfm


Plants of Lanark County, Ontariohttp://www.lanarkflora.com/

Andy's Northern Ontario WildflowersGreat photos.
http://www.ontariowildflower.com/index.htm#top


Natural Insect ControlSource for environmentally responsible pest control, beneficial insects, soil nutrients, etc.
http://www.naturalinsectcontrol.com


Harvest Hastings
 
Local producers of food and agricultural products.
http://www.harvesthastings.ca/