Discover the hidden world of arthropods through stunning macro photography — a visual journey celebrating their beauty, complexity, and essential role in our ecosystems.
Meet Dara Ojo, an award-winning macro photographer and conservation storyteller whose work brings the hidden world of arthropods into vivid relief. Ojo's book, Tiny Titans: The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem reveals the fascinating lives of insects, spiders, and other small creatures that quietly sustain life on Earth. Captured across Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and beyond, Dara Ojo’s photography highlights the intricate details and diversity of these often-overlooked species.
Ojo will be leading the conversation with:
Dr. Sandra Rehan, professor at York University and principal investigator of the Rehan Lab with a focus on wild bees, pollinator biology and conservation. Rehan's research explores the biology, behaviour and evolution of bees, with a particular interest in understanding and protecting native pollinators.
Dr. Laura Timms, Senior Specialist of Natural Heritage Management at Credit Valley Conservation and Adjunct Professor with the Daniels Faculty’s Institute of Forestry and Conservation.
Lorraine Johnson, author and native plant and ecological gardening advocate, bridging the connection between insects, plants, habitat and practical conservation action.
Join in this evening to celebrate macro photography and the intricate beauty and ecological importance of insects and spiders, creatures that quietly anchor global biodiversity, pollination, and climate resilience.
Free. Register for a reminder via TPL website or RSVP here.
5:30 pm: Doors open. Mingle and chat with fellow nature and environmental enthusiasts!
6:00 pm: Presentation begins. Enjoy a highly visual presentation combining photography, science, conservation and storytelling, taking the audience behind the scenes of six years documenting tiny worlds across five continents and exploring why these overlooked species matter. A light, informal conversation with guest speakers will explore why arthropods are so essential to our ecosystems, with a discussion of challenges impacting local species, and how science, photography and art can work together to help people notice, understand and care about the natural world. An audience Q&A follows this discussion.
7:30 pm: Book signing with books available for purchase.
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This program is part of TPL's Our Fragile Planet program series, supported by Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.
Questions? Please contact North York Central Library - Business, Science & Technology Department.
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Place a hold or borrow from Toronto Public Library:
- Tiny Titans : The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem (book) - Dara Ojo
- A Garden for the Rusty-patched Bumblebee (book) - Lorraine Johnson
Accessibility
Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: tpl.ca/accessibility-events.