As the year ends, we’re reflecting on our conservation successes in 2023. We could not have done it without you – our members, partners, supporters, Nature Network groups and volunteers. Thank you for making it possible for us to do the work that we are so proud of – protecting Ontario’s wild species and wild spaces. Read on to learn about some of our conservation success stories this year.
Protected Places Campaign
In 2023, we continued building a strong case for the permanent protection of over 1 million hectares of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) designated conservation lands in Ontario. We completed an economic analysis outlining the net benefit of permanent protection, highlighting that we can protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change while supporting local jobs and the economy. We continued working with forestry companies, Indigenous communities and local grassroots organizations to identify ecologically and culturally important areas to protect within FSC-certified forests. Through these collaborative efforts, the Nabish Wetland Complex was set aside as FSC designated conservation lands, bringing us one step closer to permanently protecting this Provincially Significant Wetland.
Speaking up for Ontario’s wetlands has been more important than ever after the dramatic provincial environmental deregulations of late 2022, including the gutting of the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System. We created three new resources to support the conservation of Ontario’s precious remaining wetlands, including an online primer and brochure detailing the value of Ontario’s wetland as nature-based climate solutions and a wise practices report to help local authorities and community members navigate the extremely risky practice of wetland offsetting.
Least bittern, Nabish Lake wetlands © Darlene Salter
Nature’s Watchdog
Ontario Nature, alongside other organizations and community members across Ontario, fought back against the Greenbelt land grab and joined in the celebrations when Minister Calendra announced the Greenbelt protections would be restored and legislated.
We were there when nature needed us most. Thanks to our dedicated network of members, nature groups and supporters, we were able to mobilize citizens and bring local environmental issues to the attention of the province. Here are just a few of our Action Alerts from 2023:
Immediate Action Needed to Protect Wolf Lake’s Old-growth Red Pine Forest
Sprawl for all – anytime, anywhere? No!
Proposed Mining Act Amendments
Niagara Escarpment, Greenbelt, Halton Region © Jeff Power CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Nature Reserves
Thanks to the incredible support of Ontario Nature members, we expanded our Lost Bay Nature Reserve by 50 acres! This property is an important connecting corridor within the Frontenac Arch, one of the most biologically diverse areas in Canada .
Ontario Nature staff were busy this field season conducting annual inspections of our nature reserves. Conservation and data collection projects included monitoring vegetation, salamander, and snake populations, creating and monitoring vernal pools, and removing invasive species.
Lost Bay Nature Reserve © Melissa Thomas
Conservation Science
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (ORAA) publication, representing over ten years of community science data collected by more than 12,000 volunteers and contributors! ORAA data has increased the knowledge and protection for at-risk species in Ontario, and has contributed to reports and recovery plans, local land use planning, and habitat stewardship programs.
We were also busy this year collecting more data for the third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (Atlas-3). This five-year research project will put Ontario at the leading edge of knowledge about the status, distribution and abundance of breeding birds found in the province and provides a valuable resource for conservationists and researchers.
Youth Leadership
Young environmental leaders from across the province gathered in person for the fourteenth Youth Summit for Mother Earth. Over sixty youth from 42 communities participated in educational workshops and team-building activities on the shores of Lake Couchiching.
Ontario Nature’s Youth Council continues to inspire and lead conservation efforts including wetland protection, habitat restoration and advocating for biodiversity. One example of the Youth Council’s 2023 activities was a field trip to Holland Marsh and Scanlon Creek Conservation for some land-based learning all about wetlands.
A campfire under the stars with storytelling and marshmallows was a highlight of the weekend © Gillian Johnson
Thank you for standing with us again this year. Together, we continue to be a force for nature in Ontario. Read more about our work in our 2023 Gratitude Report!
Please consider making a year-end gift to support our work to protect wild species and spaces through 2024 and beyond.
Resources
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