nature & environment

If you’re looking something a little different than a hotel or cottage rental this summer,maybe this would be of interest? [ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/0b70c416-80d2-4a58-8cfb-8f3217b84ba3.jpg) [ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/d3e8c7ef-813b-4cc4-86de-07693077b55d.jpg) It’s a large treehouse that sleeps up to eight people and is fully equipped with furniture, kitchen, an outdoor shower and wireless internet. ...

I hear so many people talking about how vibrant the fall colours are this year in our region. Here are some great photos shared by our readers. (We’re always on the look-out for great pics – you can add them to the OttawaStart Flickr Group or email feedback@ottawastart. ...

Thanks to Kyle Smith for sending along this photo of the Northern Lights, taken last night looking over the Ottawa River. (Click for full size.) ** ** [ ](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf2sw1g-qf4/UHQfVlXZ-SI/AAAAAAAAOZU/RksnDxoJDX0/s1600/A4uciPxCEAA0e0k.jpg-large) ** See also: ** Ottawa Nature Guide If you liked this post, you should ** subscribe to etcetera , ** our free email newsletter. ...

[  ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_2460.jpg) The new rink at Goulbourn Recreation Centre in Stittsville. Photo by [ Glen Gower ](http://about.me/glengower) . I was at the opening ceremonies on Wednesday for the new “Arena B” at Goulbourn Recreation Centre. ...

[ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/AtIy8hdCQAEdzvl.jpg) ** ** Here’s a photo of Saturn, taken by Oscar Echeverri using a telescope, on his back porch in Ottawa. Oscar tells us: I took the photo using my Canon Rebel T3 DSLR, mounted to my 8" ...

Here’s a photo of a tiny baby raccoon at the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary . He was admitted to the facility at two weeks old and weighs 218g. The sanctuary is the only licensed rehabilitator of small animals in Eastern Ontario, and so far this year they’ve admitted 146 wild animals and turtles this year – more than the entire 2005 season. ...

Hint: don’t use your appliances between 11am and 5pm on weekdays. Here’s a handy chart from Hydro Ottawa . [ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hydro-rates.jpg) You might also be interested in a blog post we did last summer about tracking your hydro usage online in almost-real time . ...

[  ](http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdb466/5439813142/) The Rocket. Statue at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau. Photo by [ Ross Dunn ](http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdb466/5439813142/in/pool-1894735@N21/) , shared in the [ OttawaStart Flickr Group ](http://www.flickr.com/groups/ottawastart) . Here’s a special weather statement released Sunday morning by Environment Canada: ...

[ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mapledaze.jpg) _ Ottawa _ Taking the necessary steps to generate revenue, the City Of Ottawa recently opened tapping lines on a number of maple trees in forested parks across the city. The imaginative and fun new revenue generator will see over 3,000 maple trees tapped for syrup production, with delicious, city made maple syrup being sold for $20 a bottle at local stores this spring. ...

[ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/5840315071_7de6ce4c58_z.jpg) A photo snapped by Ben Wood, at the marina near Andrew Haydon Park in Nepean. It’s home to a couple of purple martin hotels. Do they have cable tv? ** ** ** See also: ** Ottawa Nature Guide ...