|
Dear fellow nature lover,
Birds, bees, foxes, turtles and snakes are on the move – and so are we! We have a lot planned this season and we want you to be part of it all. Keep reading to find ways that you can stay green this summer, fun events you can attend and the latest conservation news in Ontario!
|
|
 |
You help us make a difference for nature!
This past year we advocated for protected places, connected people to nature, safeguarded wild species and so much more. We released our 2018-2019 Annual Report that highlights our conservation successes, incredible members and volunteers, and financial accountability and transparency. You can read the full report on our website to learn about the impact of your generous donations! You can also find out more about the exciting projects we have planned for the year ahead.
|
 |
|
|
 |
We’re in the field – and you can join us!
In your neighbourhood and right across Ontario, wild species are active! Our conservation staff are busy in the field conducting urgent and important research – and we want you to be part of the action! We’re identifying local extinction risk areas for reptiles and amphibians, examining restoration efforts and surveying a population of threatened gray fox on Pelee Island, restoring meadow habitat at Sydenham River Nature Reserve, and mapping vernal pools to help frogs and salamanders. You can help with this crucial work for species and habitat protection by taking action and making a special gift today.
|
 |
|
|
 |
“Share the Forest” report released
A key threat to boreal caribou is the loss of habitat needed to provide enough space for mating, rearing young and evading predators. Some residents of forestry-dependent community and their elected officials have expressed opposition to caribou recovery planning, as they fear it will result in job losses, mill closures and a reduction in the industrial tax base. We recently released a joint report “How Can We Protect Critical Caribou Habitat and Support Forestry Jobs in Ontario?” that explores how we can protect critical caribou habitat while addressing the concerns of forestry dependent communities.
|
 |
|
|
 |
Youth leadership in action!
Thanks to the efforts of Ontario Nature Youth Council alumni, Clair Saramaki, Oshawa is now officially a Bee City and has committed to promoting pollinator populations across the city. We’re so proud of what our Youth Council members can achieve when they stand up for nature! This September, Ontario Nature and the Youth Council will be hosting our 10th annual Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Environmental Leadership. The summit provides opportunities for high school aged youth to attend interactive nature-based workshops and activities, connect with other motivated young leaders, and spend time outdoors. Our Nature Network groups and individual members have generously sponsored many of the youth that attend this event. If you would like to support the summit this year, please contact Christine to find out more information. We’re happy to celebrate a decade of inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders!
|
 |
|
|
 |
Endangered species to make way for sprawl and development
Last month the Government of Ontario passed the More Homes, More Choice Act, a law that opens significant wildlife habitat to sprawl development through amendments to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The new law creates pathways for developers and industrialists to dodge critical requirements. In the face of growing opposition, the provincial government chose to quickly push the Bill through the Legislature, curtailing debate and ignoring the concerns of environmental organizations, scientists, Indigenous voices, municipalities, and tens of thousands of citizens – including you, our vocal members and supporters. More than 12,577 of you signed our ESA Action Alerts and emailed your MPPs. We are disappointed with the outcome and vow to keep standing up for wild species!
|
 |
|
|
 |
Go green this summer!
Looking for ways to stay cool this summer without harming the environment? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to keep you cool and green at the same time. When the temperature spikes, consider using a fan before you turn on the air conditioner. Fans are a more energy-efficient way to cool down. With a little advanced planning, you can reduce your plastics pollution by carrying your own re-usable water bottle, grocery bags and refusing plastic cutlery when purchasing takeout food. Eating more plant-based meals, buying eco-friendly or secondhand clothing, and taking transit and carpooling are other great ways that you can reduce your environmental footprint. If you want to learn more, check out our blog series Go #GreenStepByStep.
|
 |
|
|
 |
Discover intriguing pollinators and plants on Pelee Island
Are you looking for a fun nature outing this Summer? Take a daytrip to Pelee Island and join one of our hikes at our Stone Road Alvar Nature Reserve. Located on Pelee Island, this unique habitat supports a wide variety of insect pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. You can join experts from the University of Toronto or biologist James Kamstra to hike and learn how you can make your own backyard more pollinator friendly. The hikes will be held on July 7th and July 21st.
|
 |
|
|
|