"Reclaiming the City" with Heike Reuse

Showcasing the Work of Heike Reuse
Photographer in Residence, Rouge National Urban Park

Artist Biography

Heike Reuse is a Canadian-based landscape and wildlife photographer, with a curiosity for urban exploration. In the spring of 2016, Heike was the recipient of the first ever Parks Canada-OCAD University Career Launcher, and was named as Rouge National Urban Park’s first ever Photographer-in-Residence.

As an artist, Heike is fascinated by wildlife and the idea of nature as an unstoppable force. She predominantly shoots landscapes, many echoing a theme of industrial abandonment or exploration and rediscovery of forgotten spaces. For Heike photography is not solely about the image, but also the thrill of adventure and exploration of the natural world.

Below are a few highlights of Heike’s work

Rouge National Urban Park is an oasis located close to the downtown core and surrounding areas. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

Rouge National Urban Park is home to over 1700 species of plants and animals. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

Rouge National Urban Park protects some of Toronto’s last remaining farmland. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

The Beare Wetlands are a great spot to watch the sunset and catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife in Rouge National Urban Park. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

An American Toad can be heard and monitored at Rouge National Urban Park’s Frog Watch events. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

Parks Canada and the Toronto Zoo are working together to restore the population of the Blanding’s turtles in Rouge National Urban Park. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

Rouge National Urban Park is rich in cultural heritage, with many examples of the not-too-distant past found throughout the park’s network of trails. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

Guided hikes happen every Wednesday in Rouge Park. They’re a great way to learn more about the biodiversity in the park. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

The Rouge Marsh is a great spot to kayak or canoe or even to just go for a walk. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse

Our Learn to Camp event teaches families how to build fires and other important camping skills. © Parks Canada / Heike Reuse