About Our Fragile Environment
Our Fragile Environment is a resource for identifying species found in Hamilton, Ontario. It is a series of public documents with images and text produced by Karen Logan Art to showcase the amazing biodiversity found in our city.
The research and development of the services of inventories being created relies on the expertise and dedication of many individuals and organizations, including the Hamilton Naturalists Club and the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
These documents are available to the public and can easily be downloaded. Click the button below to start learning about the beautiful animals, insects, plants, and other species that create our beautiful ecosystem in Hamilton.
Meet The Artist & Illustrator: Karen Logan
My background in drafting and technical illustration has always influenced my work, and I most enjoy creating fine detail paintings and drawings.
Over the years, I have experimented with various media, including charcoal, graphite, pastels, watercolour, acrylic and Chinese Brush Painting.
Through meeting others, I have been encouraged to experiment with different media, including coloured pencils, acrylic and encaustic and am excited to see where this will take me.
My love of nature and Ontario's native plants has been the focus of many of my most recent works as I try to capture the beauty of the environment around us.
In addition to my illustrations for Our Fragile Environment, my current works include a series of plants and birds native to the Hamilton area, which I have entitled "My Backyard Neighbours".
About The Hamilton Naturalists' Club
The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club has been at the heart of this project, providing the scientific foundation and research that make each inventory possible.
Their members’ field expertise, data collection, and decades of local ecological knowledge form the backbone of the Our Fragile Environment series. Through careful study and documentation, they help ensure every species listed—from the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree—is accurately represented and accessible to the public.
Their commitment to conservation, education, and community involvement has made it possible to bring Hamilton’s natural history to life through art and open-access learning
About The Hamilton Conservation Authority
The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) plays a vital role in preserving and protecting the natural spaces that inspire Our Fragile Environment. Through their ongoing work in habitat restoration, watershed management, and environmental education, the HCA helps safeguard the ecosystems that make Hamilton such a vibrant home for wildlife and people alike.
Their scientific insight and conservation expertise have contributed greatly to the research behind this project. By supporting accurate documentation of local species and promoting environmental awareness, the HCA ensures that the beauty and biodiversity captured in Karen Logan’s illustrations reflect the living landscape of our region: one that continues to evolve, grow, and inspire.
The City of Hamilton Supports Our Fragile Environment
The City of Hamilton has played an essential role in supporting this work through its environmental initiatives, online resources, and community grants. By making ecological data publicly available and offering funding to projects that highlight local biodiversity, the City helps bridge the gap between science and public awareness.
This collaboration empowers artists, researchers, and organizations to create freely available resources—like Our Fragile Environment—that celebrate the beauty and importance of protecting Hamilton’s ecosystems for generations to come.
