Photo of a Male Baltimore Oriole perched in a Serviceberry tree. Generously donated by Brian Lasenby
Chair's Report
Carolinian Canada is a network of leaders. Across the Carolinian Zone from Toronto to Windsor our members and volunteers are working at over 1000 sites to grow a green future for people and wildlife. Each member represents a network of partners, funders, volunteers who all care about healthy landscapes. Together, we are enabling a significant movement of diverse leaders to invest money, time, land and care into natural capital. This hub of passionate and energetic people and groups is the future of the region.
This year marked the launch of our new strategic plan, Greening the Future, Together. The year demonstrated how we can work together efficiently and effectively for shared goals across Carolinian Canada that result in significant positive returns. Through our multi-partner platforms, over 300 groups and 20,000 people have connected this year to improve habitat for over 200 rare species and species at risk. The network is just getting started to accelerate habitat action.
New sectors are stepping up for greater impact. New partnerships with Chippewas of the Thames, VERGE Capital, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and many others are taking targeted action for biodiversity. Long-standing partners like conservation authorities, land trusts, Ontario Nature, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Forests Ontario, Ontario Parks, Ontario Invasive Plant Council, WWF-Canada, City of London and the Canadian Wildlife Service are scaling-up action for healthy landscapes.
As we approach the most challenging decade in history in terms of environmental health, we see glimmers of hope in the work we do. The upcoming United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration offers unparalleled opportunity for job creation, food security and addressing climate change.
The Carolinian Canada Big Picture is a large scale ecosystem restoration plan that creates green jobs, grows sustainable food and is climate-smart. 2018-19 laid the foundation for significant investment to grow a healthy future for 7 generations. This investment will protect drinking water and air for 11 M people; Ontario’s best agricultural land; a sustainable economy for 25% of Canadians; and support on-ground reconciliation in traditional territories of 10 First Nations communities.
Nature-based solutions are a win for everyone in this region. We are excited to see that so many are ready to invest in natural capital as a critical path to a healthy future. We look forward to working with you!
Don Pearson, Chair
Photo generously donated by Heather Stover