As someone who lives and breathes nature every day, I’m always searching for resources that do more than just inform — I’m looking for books that genuinely deepen our connection to the natural world around us. Ontario Trees by Jeffrey C. Domm is one of those rare finds. It has quickly earned a permanent place on my shelf, and I’m especially pleased to share that it is our Urban Nature Store Book of the Month for March.
At first glance, Ontario Trees may appear to be a traditional field guide, but it stands out in several important ways. What immediately impressed me is the clarity and precision of the visual material. The illustrations are exceptionally detailed and thoughtfully presented, showing leaves, bark, seeds, cones, and overall tree form in a way that makes identification approachable and reliable. Whether you are examining a tree in full summer foliage or trying to identify a species in the middle of winter, the book provides practical visual cues that build confidence.
One of the qualities I appreciate most is how effectively the book balances scientific accuracy with everyday usability. You don’t need formal botanical training to benefit from it. At the same time, those with more experience will appreciate the depth and care that has gone into the content. The guide covers 120 of the most important tree species found across Ontario, from iconic maples and oaks to species that are often overlooked. It encourages readers to look more closely at trees they may pass every day without a second thought.
Another strength is its usefulness throughout all four seasons. Many tree guides rely heavily on leaves, which limits their practicality for much of the year. Ontario Trees takes a more complete approach, incorporating bark patterns, branching structure, buds, seeds, and other identifying features that remain visible long after autumn has passed. For those of us who spend time outdoors year-round, that makes a meaningful difference. It becomes not just a seasonal reference, but a constant companion.
I also value how the book fosters appreciation, not just identification. It reminds us that trees are more than specimens to label — they are living parts of our shared landscape, shaping our communities, parks, forests, and backyards. Spending time with this guide naturally leads to greater awareness and respect for the diversity around us.
From my perspective as Founder of Urban Nature Store, this is exactly the kind of resource I like to recommend. It supports curiosity. It encourages outdoor exploration. And it helps people build a stronger connection with nature in a practical, accessible way.
Ontario Trees is a beautifully executed, highly useful guide that belongs in the hands of hikers, gardeners, educators, naturalists, and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. As our March Book of the Month, I recommend it wholeheartedly — not only as a reference tool, but as an invitation to slow down, observe more carefully, and truly get to know the trees that define Ontario’s landscapes.
