Ontario Nature’s 26 nature reserves protect some of the province’s best remaining examples of imperiled and vulnerable habitats. Ontario Nature is seeking volunteers to become nature reserve stewards. As a steward, you will play a pivotal role in conservation and responsible management. Each nature reserve showcases unique ecological features and stewards are involved in a range of activities, from long-term monitoring to restoration activities and trail maintenance. Read on to learn more about what the role entails.
Stories from our Stewards
Becoming a steward at Ontario Nature provides opportunities for hands-on experience for those interested in safeguarding native ecosystems. Sydenham River Nature Reserve steward, Roberta Buchanan, has contributed to the property’s stewardship management by leading the long-term monitoring protocol of snakes and salamanders, breeding bird surveys as well as bat monitoring.
“I personally value the opportunity to meet like-minded people, use my background and knowledge of the natural world, reflect on the importance of preserving nature and the environment, and to enjoy the sense of awe and wonderment I feel when I visit Sydenham River Nature Reserve.”
Roberta Buchanan
Her dedication as a steward since 2016 has inspired other volunteers and has given her a sense of fulfilment.
Bat monitoring at Sydenham River Nature Reserve © Roberta Buchanan
Stewards monitor native and invasive species found on the property in addition to other threats to the natural habitat. There are many online tools that can be used to help identify and report species, such as iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID and Ontario Nature’s Nature Guides.
Stewards also benefit from spending time in our nature reserves, connecting with nature in new ways. “Early this summer when we were birding along the meadow path at Kinghurst we became aware of something coming toward us through the grasses on the other side of the rail fence. It was a fawn, happy to anticipate its mother, running right up to us, but disappointed when we were turned out to be the object of its attention,” Blain Horsley shares, a steward of Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve.
Blain Horsley installing sign at Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve ©
Stewardship can bring opportunities to connect with others as part of a stewardship team, creating relationships with those who share similar values. “Each visit has its own moments and magic. Visiting with my colleagues is a time of shared discovery and the opportunity to share our knowledge and common sentiments. The stewardship visits, with their mixed responsibilities, draw’s one’s attention to many details and helps to become sensitive to the effects and consequences of both humans and natural caused changes,” shares Pedro Pereyra, a steward of Wilfrid G. Crozier Nature Reserve.
Halton North Peel Naturalist Club stewards, Wilfrid Crozier Nature Reserve © Melissa Thomas
Many of our nature reserves are stewarded by local neighbours and Nature Network members. To learn more about the Nature Network and find a group in your area, please visit our Nature Network webpage. For individuals interested in stewarding a nature reserve, we are looking for stewards with strong field identification skills or with a special interest in ecology, but welcome all experience levels. If you are interested in becoming a steward and are able to commit to three site visits per year, please visit our website to learn more: https://ontarionature.org/programs/nature-reserves/nature-reserve-volunteer-stewardship/
Resources
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