Nature Day at Queen’s Park

We are excited to announce the start of what we hope will be an annual event, Nature at Queen’s Park. This is an opportunity for Ontario Nature and its Nature Network to raise the profile of conservation issues amongst all Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). Also known as Lobby Days, events like this provide an opportunity to present our collective priorities to MPPs from all parties in a reception style format with food and drinks.

Given that October 20th is the first day of the fall legislative session, we have an opportunity to emphasize the importance of nature. Having groups from across the province attend will help demonstrate the reach and strength of Ontario Nature and your group.

• Monday, October 20, 2025
• 4:00 to 7:00pm in a Committee Room at Queen’s Park
• We will provide complementary food and drinks
• All MPPs are invited
• Ontario Nature will run a virtual advocacy training for Nature Network groups before the October 20th event (date TBD)
• Ontario Nature will request and coordinate meetings with individual MPPs throughout the day on behalf of attending Nature Network groups

If you’d like more details and/or to participate please contact Luke Bondi at lukeb@ontarionature.org as soon as possible.

Carden Alvar Threatened

The Carden Alvar has long been recognized as unique and biodiverse by nature lovers and biologists. Recently, a proposal for an industrial solar park on the alvar within the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) has been proposed which many feel would do significant harm to this special ecosystem.

A public meeting was held by the proponent, Inngergex Inc. on August 19th where over 100 people joined on short notice to voice their concerns. At a CKL Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday September 9th, Innergex’ made their public request for support from CKL for the project. However, council will not vote on the proposal until the regular council meeting Tuesday September 23rd.

Couchiching Conservancy and other groups fighting to save the alvar are asking other groups and individuals to show their support by writing to CKL council and the proponent’s Board of Directors and investment advisory committee who will make internal decisions regarding the project on October 2nd.

Couchiching Conservancy says “please keep in mind, although a threat to the alvar is dismaying, the community’s presence and voices at the public meeting August 19th have made an impact on Innergex’ plans…We need you to keep that pressure on!” 

Protected Places StoryMap Revamped

Ontario Nature recently revamped its Protected Places StoryMap to identify opportunities to increase nature conservation across the province. Many of the featured areas have been identified by Nature Network groups and have had grassroots support for protection for decades. The revamped StoryMap also highlights the challenge in Ontario, the benefits of protected areas, the types of protected areas and more. Please share the StoryMap widely amongst your members and join us in urging the province to expand protected areas.

Free Webinar: Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve

We have some exciting news to share with you! Ontario Nature has an incredible opportunity to acquire 66 acres of critical habitat in the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula and expand our Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve. You are invited to join us for a virtual tour of our nature reserve and the property we are seeking to acquire, which includes Great Lakes coastal dune habitats that are among the most rare and sensitive ecosystems in Canada.

• Thursday, October 2, 2025
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Presentations by Andrés Jiménez Monge, Ontario Nature’s Executive Director and Smera Sukumar, Ontario Nature’s Conservation Science and Stewardship Director

Biodiversity Hike at Malcolm Bluff Shores – Saturday, September 27

Explore the Niagara Escarpment with hike leads Brian Popelier and Melissa Thomas. Enjoy fall colours, Georgian Bay views, and learn about unique biodiversity and rare species along the Bruce Trail.

Before You Go 

• Watch the webinar on approaches to buckthorn removal September 17 hosted by the Invasive Species Centre.
• Did you know Rideau Valley Conservation offers a subsidized shoreline restoration program to waterfront landowners in the region?
• Submit your volunteer needs to our volunteer board by September 25 for inclusion in the September volunteer newsletter.

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.