Under the Canopy

Jerry Ouellette shares his journey from skepticism to obsession with Chaga, a rare medicinal mushroom found on birch trees that has transformed countless lives with its healing properties. After witnessing remarkable health improvements in friends battling serious conditions like cancer and diabetes, Jerry dedicated himself to researching, harvesting, and sharing this extraordinary natural remedy...

What does it really take to break free from the grid and power your life with solar energy? In this illuminating episode, we're joined by Chris, the founder of Xolar, who walks us through the fascinating world of solar power systems with clarity that cuts through the technical fog. The conversation moves beyond the obvious panels to explore the entire ecosystem needed for energy independence....

Jerry Ouellette shares updates from his off-grid cottage work and growing frustrations with corporate veterinary clinics that are changing policies and raising prices. • Dealing with a total fire ban at the cottage while needing to clear brush and fallen trees • Completed major structural work replacing a 22-foot section of 8x8 beam using pony walls • Building new dock cribbing with hemlock lumber...

Digging deep into the soil of gardening wisdom, this episode unearths precious insights from Master Gardener Bev DeLenardo that will transform how you approach your garden. With over 26 years of experience selling at farmers markets and a wealth of horticultural knowledge, Bev shares secrets that both novice and experienced gardeners will treasure. Ever wondered why some garlic bulbs produce tiny,...

A torrential downpour transforms into a months-long nightmare when Garrett's Calgary townhouse floods during roof repairs, leaving him battling property managers, mold remediation, and "livable" conditions in a half-wrecked home. But this construction worker's story runs deeper than personal housing woes – it offers a fascinating window into Alberta's explosive building bo...

Step into the aromatic world of tea with John Snell, a 42-year veteran of the global tea industry whose journey spans from apprentice at UK's Lions Tettley Tea Company to international consultant. What began as an accidental career choice to avoid desk work evolved into a profound passion for tea "from bush to cup," fueled by witnessing firsthand how this humble leaf supports millio...

Host Jerry Ouellette welcomes Angelo Viola, founder of the Outdoor Journal Radio Network, to mark the 100 episode achievement while giving listeners unprecedented access to the world of outdoor media. The conversation begins with Jerry's practical outdoor wisdom—using coffee grounds to repel garden-raiding skunks—before diving into the remarkable journey of creating a podcast network dedicate...

Step into a lush tropical paradise nestled in the heart of southern Ontario as we explore the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory with naturalist Andalyne Tofflemire. This episode takes you behind the scenes of one of Canada's largest butterfly facilities where thousands of exotic butterflies flutter freely among visitors in a meticulously maintained tropical environment. Andalyne reveals the fa...

The hidden dangers lurking along our favorite trails aren't always what you'd expect. In this eye-opening episode, Jerry welcomes Monica  from the Invasive Species Centre to shed light on two particularly hazardous plants gaining ground across North America: wild parsnip and giant hogweed. These invasive species might look innocuous—one with yellow flowers resembling Queen Anne's la...

When was the last time you truly disconnected? In a world where screens dominate and demands never cease, finding authentic connection with yourself and the natural world grows increasingly difficult. This episode explores how glamping—that perfect blend of glamour and camping—has emerged as a powerful gateway for women and beginners to discover the transformative effects of outdoor experiences. O...

Ever wondered what it takes to build the foundation for our clean energy future? This episode dives deep into the fascinating world of industrial construction with a personal twist as Jerry welcomes his son Garrett home from Alberta for a father-son catchup that reveals surprising insights into tomorrow's energy infrastructure. Garrett, a red seal ironworker specializing in rebar installation...

The ordinary act of looking up transforms into an extraordinary journey through Doug McRae's eyes. A lifelong birder whose fascination began with a childhood case of stuffed birds, Doug takes us deep into the enchanting world of avian observation that connects people to nature in profound ways. Through our conversation, Doug reveals the essential tools of the trade - from selecting the perfec...

Doug McRae, board member with the Northumberland Land Trust, shares his passion for protecting natural spaces in an era of rapid development. The Northumberland Land Trust has preserved over 2,200 acres across 19 properties through land donations and strategic acquisitions, with more conservation areas in the pipeline. Visit nltrust.ca to learn more about the Northumberland Land Trust, upcoming ev...

From protecting vast green spaces to building the Ontario of tomorrow, Environmental Minister Todd McCarthy takes us deep into the world of environmental governance in Canada's most populous province. Stepping into the role of Ontario's Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks means balancing competing priorities while safeguarding the natural world we all depend on. "We all...

Step into the heart of sustainable living as we journey deep into the forested hills of Halliburton with Lexi, a passionate advocate for local food systems and manager of the Halliburton County Farmers Market. Practicing a homestead lifestyle where wild harvesting and permaculture principles reign supreme, Lexi offers a refreshing perspective on reconnecting with our food sources. The conversation...

The crackling warmth of a wood fire speaks to something primal in us all, but modern wood heating has evolved far beyond the smoky, inefficient fireplaces of yesteryear. In this revealing conversation with Nick Malcolm, fourth-generation fireplace expert and owner of Fire Away Fireplace and Barbecue, host Jerry Ouellette uncovers why wood heating is experiencing a remarkable resurgence after years...

Have you ever noticed those tall, feathery grasses swaying in the wind along roadsides and shorelines? What looks beautiful might actually be one of Ontario's most destructive invasive species. This eye-opening conversation with Derissa Vincentini from the Ontario Invasive Species Centre reveals the silent threat of Phragmites australis, an aggressive European reed that's rapidly transfo...

What happens in our forests when no one is watching? The answer matters more than you might think. In this enlightening conversation with Monika Patel, President and CEO of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Canada, we journey into the world of sustainable forestry certification and discover how a small symbol on your paper products connects to a global movement for forest protection. Monika shares...

Strange wildlife encounters close to home can remind us of our complex relationship with the natural world. Jerry Ouellette opens this episode with a startling story about a raccoon that boldly entered his house by following his dog through the back door, leading to concerns about potential disease transmission and a late-night veterinary visit. This unexpected encounter perfectly sets up our fasc...

From the edge of extinction to the heart of wetland conservation, Dr. Sue Carstairs is leading a revolution in turtle rescue and rehabilitation at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. As veterinarian and executive director, she's transformed this humble organization into Canada's only dedicated turtle hospital, saving thousands of these ancient creatures each year. The numbers are sta...

The natural world offers powerful reminders of its force as Northern Ontario faces rising floodwaters that threaten roads, homes, and infrastructure. Pierre Gagnon joins Jerry Ouellette for a captivating conversation about rural resilience across Canada, sharing firsthand accounts of a region underwater and the delicate balance between community safety and water management. Pierre paints a vivid p...

Dr. Alfredo Justo, curator of botany and mycology at the New Brunswick Museum, unveils the mysterious world beneath our feet - the vast, largely undocumented kingdom of fungi. With backgrounds spanning Spain, the United States, and now Canada, Dr. Justo brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion about the cutting edge of fungal research. Unlike plants and animals, fungi remain largely enigmati...

The world awakens in layers. As winter reluctantly loosens its grip, a fascinating transition period emerges where maple trees release their sweet sap, wild edibles push through the forest floor, and outdoor enthusiasts must balance excitement for new opportunities with awareness of emerging challenges. Jerry and Garrett Ouellette expertly guide listeners through this seasonal transformation, shar...

The fate of North America's most valuable freshwater system rests in the hands of dedicated scientists working across political boundaries. Greg McClinchey from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission returns to Under the Canopy to reveal the fascinating story of how this binational organization has battled invasive sea lamprey for nearly 70 years while coordinating fisheries management across mul...

Professor James A. Scott takes us on a mind-expanding journey through the invisible world of microorganisms that profoundly shape our health from birth through adulthood. As an expert from the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health specializing in biological hazards, Scott reveals how the first 100 days of a baby's life represent a critical window when their gut micro...