Become a member and help protect Ontario's wild species and wild spaces.

Dear fellow nature lover,

We hit the ground running in 2019. Thanks to you we had a major victory for nature! Last December, the Government of Ontario introduced Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act. Schedule 10 of this bill would have overridden protections for water, natural heritage and farmland in municipalities across Ontario. We called on you for help and you answered. Thanks to you, we successfully stopped Schedule 10 of Bill 66. Your voice made the difference.

Keep reading to find out more ways that we’re standing up for nature and how you can get involved.

The fight isn’t over for our endangered species

Thank you for responding to our Action Alert on the review of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We had over 5,100 people speak up for species at risk and stronger environmental protections. For those of you who are getting caught up, learn about why the government’s review of the ESA spells trouble for Ontario’s most vulnerable plants and animals. The public comment period is now over and we await the government’s release of its proposed amendments to the ESA. Meanwhile, we continue to reach out to political leaders and MPPs to ensure our voice is heard. Subscribe to our blog and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on this issue.

YOU can protect nature in Ontario

With support from people like you, Ontario Nature is able to take action to stop habitat and species loss. Will you help us expand and restore our Nature Reserves, connect young people to nature, and protect the places you love? Donate today to be there whenever and wherever nature needs you most. You can find out more about what we have planned for 2019 and how you can join us. Together we can make a difference!

Protecting Ontario’s piping plover habitat

In 2007, after an absence from Ontario for nearly three decades, endangered piping plovers have finally returned to their nesting habitat at Sauble Beach – but their presence may be short lived. These small shorebirds rely on the natural vegetation found on the beach. Unfortunately, officials from the Town of South Bruce Peninsula argue that residents and tourists prefer “clean” groomed beaches. Last March, Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) issued a “Stop Work Order” to prevent the bulldozing and destruction of the plovers’ habitat. The town immediately challenged it. Last October Ontario Nature and Environmental Defence, represented by Ecojustice, intervened in a hearing to uphold the stop-work order. However, the order expired before a decision was rendered. In 2018 MNRF also charged the town with damaging piping plover habitat, an offence under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. The case has yet to be heard, but we hope for a clear decision that damaging endangered species’ habitat without a permit will not be tolerated in Ontario.

Celebrate 88 years of protecting nature with us!

Join us for a weekend gathering in Hamilton to celebrate 88 incredible years of protecting wild species and wild spaces in Ontario. From May 31st to June 2nd, nature lovers and enthusiasts will join at Mohawk College to enjoy hands-on workshops, expert-guided field trips, thought-provoking presentations and more. We will also be celebrating the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club’s 100th anniversary!

Nominate your nature hero today!

Do you know of anyone who goes above and beyond for nature? Now is the time to nominate them for Ontario Nature’s Conservation Awards. These awards recognize the excellence of individuals, groups, government agencies and corporations who have worked to protect nature in Ontario. Award winners will be recognized at Ontario Nature’s 88^th Annual Gathering and featured in the fall 2019 issue of ON Nature magazine. Download more information about the awards and nomination procedure. The nomination deadline in March 25^th!

Ontario Nature’s Youth Council is standing up for endangered species

The next generation of environmental leaders are raising their voices to protect Ontario’s endangered species. Through an open letter, Ontario Nature Youth Council members signaled to our provincial decision makers that the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) are unacceptable. In their own words: “weakening protection for Species at Risk and their habitat does not preserve Ontario’s natural legacy and will ultimately put us in the worst position socially, economically, and environmentally”. The was letter was submitted to Premier Ford, Minister Yakabuski and Minister Phillips.

Find a maple syrup festival and more sweet events in our Events Calendar

Are you looking for some fun, nature-filled activities? Check out Ontario Nature’s Events Calendar to find something near you. Enjoy some sweet treats at the Springwater Conservation Area Maple Syrup Festival or join a BioBlitz with Wye Marsh. There are plenty of opportunities to get your nature-fix this season. If you or your nature club have an upcoming event you’d like to feature, contact us to include it in our calendar.

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