Ontario Nature

Dr. Anne Bell, recently retired after 17 years as our Director of Conservation and Education. A much loved and respected leader at Ontario Nature, she was a tireless champion of nature. Her conservation of wild species and wild spaces in Ontario will be felt for generations. Many environmentalists who trained under Anne will continue that legacy. Stay tuned, we’ll be hiring her replacement soon. And, thankfully, Anne will be staying on with us as an advisor for the foreseeable future. You can read about some of Anne’s contributions and her approach in an ON Nature magazine profile: https://lnkd.in/gr72qgGc.

The Government of Ontario is poised, yet again, to undermine the role of Conservation Authorities (CAs) in protecting our watersheds. Specifically, a proposed regulation would enable the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to override a broad suite of CA permitting decisions that prohibit or impose strict conditions on development in wetlands, watercourses, river valleys and other areas under CA jurisdiction. In effect, when the Minister chooses to intervene, permitting decisions would no longer be informed by the deep local knowledge, technical expertise and watershed-health mandate of CAs. Instead, they would be politically driven at the request of development proponents seeking to increase their profits through otherwise prohibited activities. Please join Ontario Nature in speaking up for Conservation Authorities: https://lnkd.in/gDB22jbt --- Photo credit: Laurel Creek Conservation Area © Carl Hiebert and Grand River Conservation Authority CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Ontario Nature has an incredible opportunity to acquire 58 acres of prime habitat on the globally important Frontenac Arch area of eastern Ontario. Join senior staff at Ontario Nature and a volunteer steward for a virtual tour of our Gananoque Lake Nature Reserve and the property we will be working towards acquiring. We will also be showcasing our nearby Lost Bay Nature Reserve, which was newly expanded last year. Learn about our conservation work in the Frontenac Arch, one of the most biodiverse regions in Canada. Webinar registration: https://lnkd.in/gynHyv5c

Please voice your opposition to the proposed Highway 413. This six-lane, 52-kilometre highway would pave over 400 acres of the Greenbelt and more than 2,000 acres of Ontario’s most productive farmland. It would negatively impact 29 species at risk, cross over 85 rivers and streams, and destroy or partially destroy 75 wetlands. It would also cause more than 17 million tonnes of additional CO2 emissions by 2050, the year by which Canada is committed to reaching net-zero emissions. Urge the federal government to step in and fulfill its obligations to protect waterways, at-risk species, migratory birds and fish and to achieve its climate commitments. https://lnkd.in/evw8rPb2 Proposed 413 Route, Old School Road with farm and escarpment view © Noah Cole

The City Of Guelph and Ontario Nature announced today that 274 hectares of city-owned conservation land now officially contribute towards Canada’s commitment to protect 30 percent of land and water by 2030. https://lnkd.in/gq8tiPcD Photo: Guelph conservation lands © Dudek Photography

Ontario Nature is seeking to hire an Education Coordinator for our Nature Guardians Youth Program. This job is perfect for those with a passion for hands-on learning, nature-based activities and mentoring youth. You can learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dArpF-ND. Photo: Nature Guardians Holland Marsh field trip © Maya Davidson

Thanks to Quinte Conservation for contributing 10,000+ hectares within the Quinte Region Watershed to Canada's #conservation network. Learn more about the #biodiversity conservation value of this unique area: https://lnkd.in/geVssgTd Photo credit: Quinte Conservation #ProtectNature #ProgressForNature #InternationalDayOfForests #ForestsDay #forests #forestry @FSC Canada Environment and Climate Change Canada

The spring issue of ON Nature, our award-winning quarterly magazine, is now available online for free! Read about a comprehensive guide to reptiles and amphibians in Ontario, biodiverse alvars, the healing powers of forest therapy and more hot topics: https://lnkd.in/gqDDZR-2 and https://lnkd.in/giMn2juq Aidan Harradence Conor Mihell David Israelson Sarah Tsang Sharon Boddy Denis Seguin Celia Milne Ian Coutts Franco Mariotti Julia Zarankin Scott Gillingwater Corina Brdar Noah Cole Brittney Vezina Saba Khan Christine Mockett Heather Fotherby, M.Sc., P.Bio. Stana Luxford Oddie

Looking for environmentally focused volunteer work and opportunities? Discover Ontario Nature's new volunteer board to match volunteers with environmental organizations. These fulfilling opportunities raise awareness, restore habitat, monitor wildlife and more: https://lnkd.in/gsesjaE. Photo: Buckthorn removal volunteers, Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve © Smera Sukumar

Ontario Nature is seeking a Conservation Science Intern for a 12-week contract starting in May 2024. The Conservation Science Intern will assist with research focused on species at risk snakes including restoration projects in Norfolk County and on Pelee Island. The main duties include conducting detailed ecological inventories and monitoring on conservation lands, data entry, event planning, and community outreach. Deadline for applications: March 20, 2024, 11:59 P.M. You can learn more at https://lnkd.in/dArpF-ND.