North Durham Nature is inviting residents to dive into the fascinating world of marine giants with its upcoming virtual presentation, Whales of the St. Lawrence, taking place on February 24, 2026.
Running from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the online event will be hosted over Zoom and is open to members of North Durham Nature. Although the presentation is virtual, it is organized locally through Port Perry in the Township of Scugog, offering Durham Region residents a unique opportunity to explore one of Canada’s most remarkable natural environments without leaving home.
The Whales of the St. Lawrence presentation promises an up-close perspective on some of the largest and most awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. Participants will learn about Humpback whales, Fin whales and the Blue Whale — the largest animal ever known to have lived on the planet. The St. Lawrence River and Gulf serve as critical feeding grounds for these giants, making the region one of the most important whale-watching and research areas in North America.
The talk will be led by Franco Mariotti, a respected biologist, naturalist and science communicator with decades of experience. Mariotti spent 32 years at Science North, where he developed educational programming, delivered hundreds of public presentations and contributed to exhibit and video content. His passion for science communication has taken him to extraordinary locations around the globe.
Among his many adventures, Mariotti traveled to Tanzania during the production of an IMAX film about Dr. Jane Goodall and journeyed to Borneo for another IMAX project focused on orangutans. These experiences have shaped his ability to combine science with storytelling, making complex ecological topics engaging and accessible to audiences of all ages.
During the Whales of the St. Lawrence session, attendees will explore whale behaviour, migration routes, feeding habits and ongoing conservation research. The presentation will also highlight the mysteries scientists continue to investigate, such as communication patterns, population tracking and the challenges whales face due to climate change, ship traffic and environmental pressures.
North Durham Nature members will automatically receive the Zoom link via email. Residents who are not yet members — or who need to renew for 2026 — are encouraged to join in order to access this and other educational talks throughout the year. The organization regularly hosts presentations centered on wildlife, environmental stewardship and conservation awareness.
By offering Whales of the St. Lawrence as a virtual learning experience, North Durham Nature continues its commitment to community education, environmental curiosity and connecting Durham Region residents with the wonders of the natural world.
