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 fascinating conversation with Dr. David Galbraith, Director of Science at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Hamilton, Ontario. Dr. Galbraith brings decades of expertise in wildlife biology to his role, having spent years researching turtle populations in Algonquin Park before joining RBG over 30 years ago. His insights on turtle longevity reveal the remarkable fact that some snapping turtles could easily be a century old—creatures that might have "said hi to Champlain as he paddled by."

The Royal Botanical Gardens itself emerges as a remarkable conservation success story spanning nearly a century. Founded through the vision of Thomas Baker McQuiston in the 1920s and granted royal designation by King George V in 1930, RBG now encompasses over 2,100 acres of diverse habitats. Dr. Galbraith details their innovative approaches to managing invasive species like carp and phragmites, including a pioneering "fish filter" system and creative use of old Christmas trees to create wetland berms. Their prairie restoration efforts, complete with controlled burns, demonstrate how careful management can bring back lost habitats and endangered species.

Beyond its scientific importance, RBG offers visitors a remarkable range of experiences throughout the seasons—from lilac gardens and woodland trails to winter exhibits and natural skating on Coots Paradise Marsh. At just an hour's drive from Toronto, this natural treasure provides both recreational opportunities and vital ecosystem services to the densely populated Golden Horseshoe region.

Ready to explore this natural wonder yourself? Visit rbg.ca to learn about upcoming events, seasonal blooms, and conservation projects that you can witness firsthand. Whether you're a passionate naturalist, a casual garden enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from urban life, the Royal Botanical Gardens offers a perfect blend of beauty, science, and natural inspiration.