From the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority:

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Learn how local municipal drinking water sources are protected in this interactive storymap.

From Ontario Nature:

Eleven months after the Government of Ontario withdrew land from the Greenbelt, the government has finally reversed course. September 21, 2023 was a great day for the Greenbelt. And it was a great day for people across Ontario.

We are incredibly grateful to you – our members and supporters – for refusing to let the Greenbelt be bulldozed by greed and corruption. You knew this was never about affordable housing. The government’s own reports show that there is plenty of land already zoned for housing and two provincial watchdogs laid bare the evidence of bias, deception and rushed decision-making lacking oversight or public transparency.

In Premier Ford’s own words: “I made a promise to you that I wouldn’t touch the Greenbelt. I broke that promise. And for that I am very, very sorry… As a first step to earn back your trust, I’ll be reversing the changes we made and won’t make any changes to the Greenbelt in the future.” 

You held him to that promise by writing letters, attending rallies, signing petitions, spreading the word, contacting your MPPs and so much more. We should all take some time to celebrate this news! This is indeed, however, only the first step that must be taken to restore environmental protections across the province.

Ontario Nature will continue to be there whenever and wherever nature needs us most. There remain many threats to wild species and wild spaces in Ontario. We will continue to be a watchdog against environmental deregulation and attacks on our natural heritage. We will continue to push for measures to address the dual threats of climate change and biodiversity loss. Our strength is in our people and Nature Network groups. Please continue to stand with us. Together, our voices can make waves of change.

Great idea for all provincial parks and reserves. And small towns… kudos to Lion’s Head for being a Dark Sky Community. Others could follow suit…

From Ontario Parks:

Our night skies are part of our heritage.

Since ancient times, stars have been ever-present in the clear night skies. They have fascinated us and sparked our curiosity.

We are proud to help safeguard this natural resource.

Ontario Nature is hiring!

They are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual for the Municipal Protected Places Intern position for an 8-month contract starting in October, 2023.

The Municipal Protected Places Intern will provide critical support for a collaborative initiative to encourage and assess municipal contributions towards Canada’s target of protecting at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.

What is forest bathing? Learn more about how to experience rejuvenating benefits to the mind, body and spirit, through forest bathing, forest therapy, or Shinrin-yoku, developed in Japan in the 1980s. (Posted from the Ontario Parks website)

Great article on Dr. John Lawson and the Lawson Park Trail in the Woodstock Ingersoll Echo. Check it out on page 13.

From Ontario Parks:

Rondeau Provincial Park has over 3,000 ha of protected wetlands that are just perfect for the nesting needs of this flashy yellow songbird.

The Prothonotary Warbler is currently listed as endangered in Canada.

Learn more about this beloved species and how you can help keep them protected.

Do you know someone who might be a future leader in conservation? Pass this along to them.

The Government of Canada has announced $7.54 million in funding over two years to employ youth in natural and cultural heritage conservation with partner organizations. Nature Canada and its Work to Grow program are proud to be one of those partners!

Read more.

From Nature Canada:

Have you heard about the federal government’s National Biodiversity Strategy? It’s essentially our country’s game plan to turn the tide on nature loss in Canada.

Let’s make sure our shared values make it into a plan that will set the course on biodiversity recovery for decades. It’s critical that they know we expect:

* Permanent funding for the protection of nature.

* Support for Indigenous-led conservation.

* A real plan to save critical ecosystems like grasslands, forests, wetlands and ocean.

* Accountability to ensure all our governments are doing their part to halt nature destruction.

We know that polluting industries like oil, mining, and forestry will be doing their best to influence this plan. Have YOUR voice heard and ensure we plot a course to nature recovery.

Send a clear message that you care and that you expect our leaders to do better for our planet. And that together we are willing to do what it takes to restore biodiversity and a healthy plant for generations to come.

Add your voice.

From Ontario Nature:

In Ontario, the status of rare species can now be reassessed and downlisted for reasons other than science. Instead of celebrating, conservationists are on high alert. The downlisting of American Ginseng is one such example. Read more.