Federal Election

Nature is foundational to the Canadian identity. With a federal election called for April 28, 2025, it is imperative that all political parties commit to protecting and restoring nature. The next federal government must adequately fund conservation to meet Canada’s international commitment to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030.

Whom we vote for matters now more than ever. Not just for our country, but for the health of the planet. We need to elect leaders who are prepared to chart a course to a better future at a time when we’re experiencing biodiversity declines, weakening environmental protections and climate change.

Please raise your voice for biodiversity protection and climate action. The bedrock for our future is a healthy natural world.

• Register to vote and be informed about your electoral district.
• Encourage your family, friends, coworkers and neighbours to vote.
• Send letters to your local candidates or party leaders and attend debates.
• Learn to identify mis- and dis-information, and to stop its spread.
• Vote to protect and restore nature! Voter turnout during the 2021 federal election was just 62.6%. We can do better!
• Contact your local candidates to let them know that you will vote only for leaders who will uphold environmental protections, a sustainable economy and environmental justice.

Farewell Caroline!

Caroline Schultz has been Ontario Nature’s Executive Director for 19 years. She recently announced her retirement, and her last fulltime day is April 30th. Under Caroline’s leadership Ontario Nature’s budget and staff have grown significantly, as has our impact. We are grateful for her stable and strategic time in charge. Recruitment for a new ED is well underway, and we hope to announce the next ED soon.

Meanwhile, Caroline will be staying on beyond April 30th in a part-time capacity to help with the transition. We will announce recognition plans for Caroline soon. Stay tuned!

Atlas-3 2025 Square Bashes – Registration Now Open!

Square Bashes are multi-day events that bring breeding bird atlassers together to camp in and atlas near provincial parks, with the goal of covering coverage gaps. Thank you to Ontario Parks for generously providing free camping to Square Bash participants. We have three great events lined up this year which will be fun for atlassers of all levels of experience!

• Register for the Grey-Bruce Square Bash – Friday, May 23 – Wednesday, May 28; This event is a convenient trip for London, Guelph, Kitchener, Hamilton, and GTA atlassers.
• Register for the Silent Lake Square Bash – Friday, May 30 – Wednesday, June 4; This event is a convenient trip for Peterborough, Barrie, Kingston, and GTA atlassers.
• Register for the Bonnechere Square Bash – Friday, June 6 – Wednesday, June 11; This event is convenient for Ottawa, Kingston, and Peterborough area atlassers.

Please do not contact the parks about these events as all arrangements are made through the Atlas-3 office.

Training Events for Snake Monitoring

Ontario Nature is leading a hands-on training event where you can learn how to participate in snake monitoring using our Long-term Monitoring Protocols (LTMP). The event will include a demonstration of the LTMP methods using existing cover boards at one of our 40+ partner sites. You will learn how to identify suitable snake habitat, set up a monitoring transect, and properly handle, identify, sex and age Ontario’s snakes.

Register for the event at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre on May 11, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. This event is generously supported by the Hodgson Family Foundation, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and the Huronia Community Foundation.

Before You Go 

• Sign our pledge for the Government of Ontario to protect and restore nature.
• The Ontario Master Naturalist Program is once again being offered this spring at Lakehead University in partnership with Ontario Nature starting May 1st.
• Submit your volunteer needs to our volunteer board by April 25 for inclusion in the May volunteer newsletter.
• Make a Difference Week is being held from May 31 to June 8, in conjunction with the UNEP's World Environment Day (June 5). This is an annual week of global restoration action where individuals and organizations from around the world host and participate in local volunteer restoration events. You are encouraged to organize and post events in your area.

Events 

See our events calendar for a complete listing of events organized by Ontario Nature and Nature Network groups.

To submit your public events to our online calendar, email them to noahc@ontarionature.org and allow up to a week for posting. Please send only events that are open to the public and no more than three per month.